The Mehmed Paša Sokolović bridge over the Drina in Višegrad
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Eastern Bosnia

Višegrad travel guide

Region
Eastern Bosnia
From Sarajevo
113 km · 1 h 55 min
Best time
May–October
Time to allow
Half a day to one night

Quick answer

Višegrad lies on the Drina about 113 km east of Sarajevo, roughly two hours by road. It is known worldwide for the Mehmed Paša Sokolović bridge, built in 1577 by the great Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, listed by UNESCO in 2007 and immortalised in Ivo Andrić's Nobel Prize-winning novel 'The Bridge on the Drina'.

The bridge on the Drina

Few bridges are as famous as this one. Ivo Andrić's novel follows four centuries of life in Višegrad through the bridge that dominates the town — and the real bridge, with its eleven pale arches over the green water, lives up to the story.

The bridge on the Drina
Višegrad

Next to it, Andrićgrad adds cafés and exhibitions, and in summer small boats take visitors up the river into the canyon. Višegrad is a long but rewarding day from Sarajevo; add a night if you want the bridge at sunset and sunrise.

Explore

What to see

#PlaceWhat it isTime neededGoogle Maps
1Mehmed Paša Sokolović bridgeUNESCO landmark1–2 h
Google Maps Directions
2AndrićgradCultural quarterAbout 1 h
Google Maps Directions
3Boat trip on the DrinaRiver trip1–2 h
Google Maps Directions
4Višegrad spa (Banja)SpaHalf a day
Google Maps Directions

  1. Mehmed Paša Sokolović bridge

    Eleven stone arches across the Drina, commissioned by the Grand Vizier Mehmed Paša Sokolović and designed by Mimar Sinan. Walk across it and see it from the riverbank below.

    Google Maps Directions

  2. Andrićgrad

    A stone-built quarter by the bridge, opened in 2014 and named after Ivo Andrić, with cafés, shops, a cinema and exhibitions.

    Google Maps Directions

  3. Boat trip on the Drina

    In the warm months, tourist boats leave from near the bridge into the green Drina canyon.

    Google Maps Directions

  4. Višegrad spa (Banja)

    Thermal springs a few kilometres from town, used since Ottoman times, with a hotel and pools.

    Google Maps Directions

Practical notes

  • The road from Sarajevo is scenic and winding through Goražde or Rogatica — allow time.
  • Morning light is best for photographing the bridge from the riverbank.
  • Višegrad is close to the border with Serbia.
FromToDistanceDrive time
SarajevoVišegrad113 km1 h 55 min

Road distance and drive time without stops, calculated with OSRM on OpenStreetMap data (October 2026). Mountain roads, weather, border queues and photo stops add time.

Prices, timetables and entry rules change. We checked the facts on this page on the date shown; confirm time-sensitive details before you travel.

Top places

Places to see in Višegrad

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Questions travellers ask

Is Višegrad a day trip from Sarajevo?

Yes — about two hours each way. Leave early to have time on the bridge and at Andrićgrad; book a car with a driver to avoid the winding road yourself.

Who built the bridge in Višegrad?

The Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, for the Grand Vizier Mehmed Paša Sokolović, who was born in the region. It was completed in 1577.

Sources and further reading

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