Cheap flights to Tuzla from EUR22*

Tuzla, the third-largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina, sits in the northeastern part of the country, halfway between Sarajevo and Belgrade. Famous for its saltwater springs, it’s home to the Pannonian Lakes, the only saline lakes on the continent, great for splashing around in the summer. Tuzla’s pedestrianised Old Town, packed with Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian heritage, is a joy to wander and its cafés and restaurants offer plenty of opportunities to mingle with the friendly locals. The city is also a perfect jumping off point for exploring the surrounding mountainous area, still largely under the tourist radar.

 

Fly to Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina for

Europe’s salt lake city

Built over what was once the Pannonian Sea, Tuzla produced salt from the saline springs in the area for centuries. Even the city’s name comes from the Turkish word for “salt”, tuz. But in the 20th century, the city’s greatest asset became its greatest challenge: its centre started to sink and many buildings were at risk of major damage because of all the salty water beneath the ground. In 2000, the local council decided to turn the tables once and for all: a team of experts created an artificial lake right in the middle of town by pumping saltwater to the surface and constantly monitoring the water level. This is how the first Pannonian Lake was born in 2003, followed by a second one in 2008 (complete with waterfalls), and a third one in 2012. Today the city’s mineral-rich lakes occupy 17,000 square metres, with a total beach length of one kilometre, attracting more than 10,000 people a day in warm weather.

 

Multicultural heritage

Tuzla’s compact Old Town (Stari Grad) is made for mooching around. Lose track of time in its pedestrianised streets, where pastel-coloured Ausro-Hungarian buildings and spiky minarets sit side by side, and lively cafés spill out onto the pavements. Take time to explore the city’s multicultural heritage. See the Mosque of Atik Behram Bey, the oldest mosque in the city, and the Gazi Turali Beg Mosque, known for its unusual pyramid-shaped roof. Admire the onion-domed Serb Orthodox Cathedral next, followed by the recently renovated Catholic Saints Peter and Paul Monastery. For an insight into Tuzla’s prehistoric beginnings, head to the outdoor Archaeological Park, offering an elaborate reconstruction of a Neolithic lake-dwelling settlement with stilt houses. History buffs should also visit the Museum of Eastern Bosnia, which guides visitors through 6,500 years of regional history.

 

Big on comfort food and coffee

Bosnian cuisine is a happy marriage of Ottoman and Central European influences, spiced up with Balkan flavours. Using seasonal ingredients, traditional dishes are as hearty and comforting as food can get. In Tuzla, folks seem to believe the bigger the better: in a 2017 Guinness World Record bid, they created the world's largest burek (filo pastry stuffed with meat), weighing 650 kilos, as well as the biggest portion of ćevapi ever served, having placed 1,500 beef sausages on a gigantic flatbread. You can try the nation’s beloved spicy sausages at Pivnica Taverna, a cavernous brewery-restaurant with vaulted ceilings – expect the portion to be much smaller, though. Wash your meal down with dark beer brewed next door. Zmaj Od Bosne is also a great choice for local fare in a cosy setting. Need your caffeine kick? You’ve definitely come to the right place: Bosnia’s café culture rivals that of Turkey and Italy, and drinking coffee is something of a national hobby. For a traditional Bosnian experience, linger over a cup of thick, strong brew, served in an ornate metal pot called džezva (which also makes for a great souvenir). Locals’ favourite spots include lively Just Caffe Pub in the Old Town, quirky Coffee Zone with a laidback terrace as well as Urban BeaTZ, overlooking tranquil Gradski Park, the central city park.

 

Live music and beer flowing

Tuzla has a large student population, who fill the local nightlife scene with youthful energy. Cafés often do double duty as bars, abuzz with music and chatter long after the sun goes down. They often serve food, too. Café Bar Sloboda offers a laid-back vibe, barbecue nights and an all-year garden, while Old Story Pub serves excellent pub grub in a traditional setting. For live bands, check out Nardi Pub or Park Pub at weekends. Head to Club Palma if you’re into rock and metal. Don’t leave town without ordering a pint of Tuzlanski pilsner brewed by Tuzla Brewery and be sure to try the local firewater, rakija.

 

Salt lakes and castles with views

Tuzla’s biggest drawcard is hands down the trio of Pannonian Lakes in the heart of the city. The turquoise water is as salty as the sea and is believed to have medicinal properties. Buy a cheap daily ticket and try all three lakes. Then, after your soak, go for a walk in the surrounding Slana Banja, a forested park on a hillside. If you want to explore the surrounding area, it’s a good idea to rent a car. Visit Srebrenik, less than an hour’s drive from Tuzla, to see Bosnia’s best-preserved medieval castle, dramatically perched atop a cliff. To the north, the pretty town of Gradačac is also worth a day trip, with an 18th-century fortress offering wonderful vistas. For hiking, make your way to Konjuh Mountain to the south and choose from a network of trails traversing its lush forests. East of Tuzla, Lake Bistarac is also a popular spot for walking, swimming and fishing.

 

Tuzla airport

Tuzla International Airport is the second-largest airport in Bosnia and Herzegovina, located about 15 kilometres from the city. The one-terminal airport is easy to navigate and offers a handful of restaurants, cafés and shops. Currently there is no public bus connecting the airport to the city centre so the most convenient option is taking a taxi. Rental car services are also available.

 

Tuzla weather

The city has a moderate continental climate, with hot summers and chilly winters. For sightseeing, the best time to visit Tuzla is in the spring or in early autumn when daytime temperatures hover around 20°C. Time your city break for July or August if you want to make the most of the Pannonian Lakes.