Tips on driving in Balkan countries
I undertook a road trip through some Balkan countries. A number of hours went into establishing the best route. I was looking for decent roads with scenic panoramas. Also, I had to find the right accommodations en route. Here are some tips on driving in Balkan countries.
First stretch was Vienna to Rovinj
Starting point was Austria. Passing through Slovenia I drove to Croatia. By the way, Slovenia is worth a visit on its own and don’t forget to stop in the capital town Ljubljana.
The planned route
From Rovinj I then continued down the coastal road of Croatia into Montenegro. From there, it went through Bosnia Herzegovina, back into Croatia and passing again through Slovenia back to Austria. I have prepared posts on all the various locations I visited on the way. Check them out at the end of the post.
Tips for driving in Balkan countries – the essentials:
Green Insurance Card
I had to get the “green insurance card” which is prove to local authorities that the car is in effect insured. So, make sure you have one of those. I was stopped more than once by authorities for just that reason!
Driving licence
I could use my Austrian driver’s license throughout the entire trip.
Leaving the Schengen area
When entering Croatia, you are leaving the Schengen area. In other words, determine whether you need a visa to be admitted into the country. The Croatian Border Control is very strict. They will not accept the excuse of “just driving through”. This entails waiting time at the border with a lot of patience. I crossed in low season and it still took me an hour.
Other borders were much more relaxed however they always checked my green insurance card.
Highway sticker
Crossing from Slovenia into Croatia, I also had to get a sticker proving that I had paid the road tax. Again, make sure you have one as the authorities either check in person or when you pass through the many electronic gates on the way. It is available at the border. I paid some 20 Euros which is a lot less if you get caught without one.
Roads in the Balkans
Roads are generally pretty good. At times, they are two lanes, at times one lane. Quite a number of speed cameras on the way! Local drivers are pretty good albeit at times a bit reckless. So, keep that in mind when approaching e.g. a curve on a one lane road.
Currency in the Balkans
In Croatia, you will need to change some money into Kuna, the local currency. Most places accept only that. If credit card is taken, the charges are very high.
There are plenty of ATMs around where you get some local cash.
In Slovenia, Monte Negro and Bosnia Herzegovina, Euros are accepted or are even the local currency.
Tips on driving from Rovinj to Zadar to Dubrovnik
After spending one night in Rovinj it was time to get to Zadar. I had decided to take the coastal road. It would take a little longer but I expected to find some spectacular views.
Unfortunately, this was not the case as the scenery was dull, uneventful and the great views were just not there.
So, I do not recommend to take that route. Take the highway.
Continuing to Dubrovnik
This part was a continuous passing through smaller and bigger costal towns where everything appeared to be geared for tourists.
I could image that during high season with a lot of traffic this road might turn into a nightmare as it is pretty narrow and very curvy.
Curvy and narrow but good scenery
Even though driving on this road needed more attention, it offered a number of pretty spots overlooking fish farms and little bays with gorgeous sea water.
Tips on Balkan roads – Dubrovnik to Kotor
The stretch from Dubrovnik to Kotor in Montenegro was more worth the while. I was amazed of how the difference in wealth was visible right after crossing the border – a lot poorer.
The border crossing was relaxed and did not take long which was refreshing after the Croatian border crossing.
Road to Kotor
I drove on a one lane very narrow and curvy road sided on one side by intimidating black rocks and on the other by sea water.
It appeared to take ages before I got to my destination. However, I would do it again anytime as the view onto the large bay was great.
Road trip in the Balkans – Kotor to Mostar in Bosnia
The stretch from Kotor to Mostar was very different. Once I got up high above the bay, the views onto the entire area was spectacular. In other words, something not to miss. Even if you have to rent a car or taxi, believe me, it is amazing.
Continuing higher into the mountains
The road was continuously taking me higher and higher into the mountains. Road was good but needed attention because very curvy again. But as there was little traffic driving was easy. A little piece of this road was still under construction.
Relaxed border into Bosnia and Herzegovina
I passed a very relaxed border into Bosnia and Herzegovina close to the artificial Bileca Lake. Albeit, it took over half an hour as there was only one officer dealing with (little) incoming and outgoing traffic.
Tips on driving in Balkan countries – Mostar to Sarajevo
This was the preferred bit of my road trip. The untouched nature was spectacular. This emerald green river flanked the road for a long while. The more I advanced the prettier the scenery became.
Painful crossing into Croatia
Once again, the crossing into Croatia was long and tiresome. A queue of some 7 km had formed. Keep in mind this was during low season!
Luckily, a young kid on the side of the street gave me the tip to drive through a close by village which would take me a lot closer to the crossing. It worked.
Include pitstops on your Balkan road trip
Tips on driving in Balkans country roads is to take the time to have a couple of pitstops. I had great freshly baked cheese quiche bought in a bakery in a small village on the way.
On the side of the road, local seasonal produce was sold be it great natural honey, cherries and the largest figs I have ever seen. The farmers sell whatever is in season at the moment.
And …. I got to have my preferred cup of coffee ie Turkish style.
Tips on driving in Balkan countries – Sarajevo to Zagreb
Not much to say here. It was a very good road and easy driving.
Heading back to Austria
After ten days on the road, I had decided to take the highway back to Austria. It was a rather uneventful stretch with excellent highways. It was easy driving all the way.
Same goes for the highway from Zagreb to Vienna. The scenery was great when approaching the Alps.
Conclusion:
Bosnia will see me on another road trip as this untouched nature was just stunning.
As it took me some hours to plan this road trip, I wanted to share my experience on road conditions, border crossings and more. One recommendation I will pass on is to do this trip off season to avoid incredible traffic jams and endless waiting at the various border crossings. Overall, it was easy to do and definitely worth it. I hope I could give you some useful tips on driving in Balkans countries.
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