Livno, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Livno highlights

Known for bridge, museum (ecclesiastical), museum (ethnographic), wildlife, islam mosque

Livno is a city and the administrative center in the Bosnia-Herzegovina. It is situated on the river Bistrica in the southeastern edge of the Livno Field at the foot of Kruzi plateau which are located beneath the Cincar mountain and rocky hill Crvenice. The southern parts of the mountain Cincar, plateau Kruzi are home for herd of more than 700 wild horses for more than half of century.

You understand, it is impossible to see Bosnia and Herzegovina just in a couple of days. Come with us to explore Bosnia and Herzegovina in a 1-2 week road trip. We will pass Livno, along with other Bosnia and Herzegovina' attractions, to discover the soul of the country, its way of life, culture and traditions, food and drinks. Browse our tours passing Livno, or contact us directly for a custom tour in Bosnia and Herzegovina. By the way, we charge nothing for a custom itinerary. Contact us directly, let's plan all the details of your trip and get it done!

Other places in Bosnia and Herzegovina that we are familiar with

Banja Luka - Known for brewery, fortress, museum, orthodox cathedral, islam mosque, catholic abbey

Bihać (Bihac) - Known for museum, park, river

Blagaj - Known for architecture, bridge, cave, fortress, landmark, museum, river, viewpoint, islam monastery; monastery is a UNESCO Tentative List Site

Bobovac - Known for fortress, medieval old town, viewpoint

Bosnian Pyramids - Known for ancient settlement, landmark, museum, nature, park

Doboj - Known for fortress, historical center, museum

Dobrićevo (Dobricevo) - Known for orthodox monastery

Dobrun - Known for frescos, nature, viewpoint, orthodox monastery

Gradačac (Gradacac) - Known for architecture, castle, museum

Jablanica - Known for lake, landmark, monument, river

Jajce - Known for fortress, historical center, historical landmark, museum (history), nature, park, river, viewpoint, waterfall, franciscan monastery; historical center is a UNESCO Tentative List Site

Ključ (Kljuc) - Known for fortress, viewpoint

Konjic - Known for bridge, river

Kraljeva Sutjeska - Known for historical center, museum, ruines, franciscan monastery

Kravica - Known for nature, park, river, viewpoint, waterfall

Ljubačke doline (Ljubacke doline) - Known for ethno village, open-air museum

Lukomir - Known for ethno village, viewpoint

Maglaj - Known for fortress, viewpoint, islam mosque

Martin Brod - Known for park, river, viewpoint, waterfall

Međugorje (Medjugorje) - Known for catholic pilgrimage center

Mogorjelo - Known for ancient settlement, archaeological site, nature

Mostar - Known for brewery, bridge, historical center, medieval old town, museum, old bazaar, river, franciscan monastery, islam mosque, orthodox cathedral; historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Neum - Known for coastal town, marina

Ostrovica - Known for castle

Ostrožac (Ostrozac) - Known for castle

Počitelj (Pocitelj) - Known for fortified town, fortress, medieval old town, viewpoint; medieval old town is a UNESCO Tentative List Site

Radimlja - Known for archaeological site; archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Sarajevo - Known for brewery, bridge, fortress, fountain, funicular, historical center, museum (archaeological), museum (National), old bazaar, park, river, viewpoint, catholic cathedral, orthodox cathedral, islam mosque; historical center is a UNESCO Tentative List Site

Šćit (Scit) - Known for museum, peninsula, franciscan monastery

Srebrenik - Known for castle, fortress

Stolac - Known for ancient megalites, fortress, river, viewpoint, waterfall; fortress is a UNESCO Tentative List Site

Tešanj (Tesanj) - Known for fortress, historical center, viewpoint

Travnik - Known for fortress, historical center, river, viewpoint

Trebinje - Known for bridge, historical center, museum (ethnographic), museum (history), river, viewpoint, winery + wine tasting, orthodox cathedral, orthodox monastery

Tunnel of Hope - Known for museum, sightseeing

Tuzla - Known for lake

Tvrdoš (Tvrdos) - Known for winery + wine tasting, orthodox monastery

Una National Park - Known for nature, park, river, viewpoint, waterfall

Velika Kladuša (Velika Kladusa) - Known for fortress

Višegrad (Visegrad) - Known for bridge, river, tourist attraction; bridge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Vjetrenica - Known for cave; cave is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Vranduk - Known for fortress, viewpoint

Zavala - Known for cave, frescos, paintings, viewpoint, orthodox monastery

Last reviewed: 11 May 2026

Livno description

Livno is situated in the southwestern segment of Bosnia-Herzegovina, serving as the administrative hub of the Livno Canton within the Federation. The town is primarily built on the slopes and at the foot of Mount Basajkovac, from which the Bistrica River springs and flows through the urban area. It rests on the expansive Livanjsko Polje plateau, sitting at a noteworthy altitude of 700 to 800 metres above sea level.

Linguists have proposed several interpretations for the toponym Livno. One widely accepted explanation derives it from the old Slavic word xlěvъ, meaning a barn or a shed, reflecting the area's long-standing agricultural tradition. Another theory suggests a connection to the word for bread (hljebno), while a third points to ＂glina＂, meaning clay, referring to the local soil composition. Historically, the town was also known as Hlivno, Lijevno, and during Roman times as Bariduum or Bistrica.

The earliest traces of human life in the Livno region date back to prehistory, around 2000 BC. The town is first mentioned in a written document from September 892, in the charter of the Croatian prince Mutimir, which lists a county prefect of Livno named Zelimir as a witness. This makes Livno one of the oldest recorded settlements in the country, with a history stretching back over 1,100 years.

The Byzantine Emperor Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus also mentions the county of Livno in the 10th century as a constituent part of the early Croatian state. During the 13th and 14th centuries, the area was controlled by various noble families, including the Subic, before being permanently annexed to the Bosnian Kingdom by Ban Stjepan Kotromanic in 1326. The medieval town of Bistrica, a fortified settlement with five towers, once stood on a hill above the modern city, but unfortunately, no traces of it remain today.

The Ottoman Turks first entered Livno in 1463 but were initially repelled. However, their rule was solidified a few years later, lasting until 1878. Due to heavy losses suffered by Ottoman forces in the Livno region during conflicts with Venetian uskoks, the town earned the epithet ＂cursed Livno＂ in popular folk songs. In the 19th century, it became the centre of the Livno Captaincy, a borderland military district.

Following the Austro-Hungarian occupation in 1878, the town began a period of modernisation in terms of administration, education, and public health. After the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Livno became part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes (later Yugoslavia), and then the NDH during World War II. Following the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement, Livno became the centre of the Livno Canton within the Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina, a status it holds today.

Livno is famously known as the ＂sunnies town＂ (or the ＂most sunny town＂) of Bosnia-Herzegovina, boasting a high number of sunny days each year. This pleasant climate, combined with the town's relaxed atmosphere and welcoming locals, makes it a perfect spot for travellers seeking both relaxation and adventure. The town is larger in territory than the city of Berlin, though its population is small, which means nature has remained largely undisturbed.

Without a doubt, the most spectacular and famous tourist attraction in the area is the herd of wild horses that roams free on the expansive plateaus of Mount Cincar and Mount Tusnica. These majestic animals, believed to be descendants of horses released or escaped from stables during the livestock decline in the 1970s, are a truly unique sight. Tourists can take a scenic drive or hike to their grazing grounds for an unforgettable experience of observing them in their natural, rugged environment. It's believed that nowadays in the southern parts of the mountain Cincar and plateau Kruzi there is a herd of more than 700 wild horses.

One of the most iconic man-made landmarks in Livno is the ＂Most Na Dumanu＂ (The Bridge on Duman), a beautiful stone arched bridge situated in the town centre. The structure spans the Bistrica River just before it reaches a series of small waterfalls, creating a picture-perfect scene. This spot is a favourite for both locals and tourists, offering a serene place for a stroll or to enjoy a coffee at a nearby cafe while listening to the soothing sound of the water.

For those interested in cultural and religious heritage, the Franjevacki Muzej i Galerija Gorica (Franciscan Museum and Gallery Gorica) is a must-visit. This museum houses an impressive collection that showcases the rich history of the Franciscan order in the region and the broader area of Livno. Visitors can admire a valuable display of ancient artifacts, liturgical objects, paintings, and ethnographic exhibits that tell the story of local life through the centuries.

Another fascinating private collection, known as ＂Cuvari Starina＂ (Keepers of Antiquities), was amassed by a local metalworker and offers a unique glimpse into the past. This collection features a wide array of historical items, from old tools and weapons to traditional household furnishings and crafts. It represents a personal, passionate effort to preserve the material culture of Livno and its surroundings, providing an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience for inquisitive visitors.

The town's rich and diverse history is also reflected in its religious architecture. The Dukatare Mosque and the Glavica Mosque are two significant Islamic sites worth seeing. They stand as testaments to the centuries of Ottoman influence in the region and represent the cultural and spiritual heritage of the local Bosniak community.

Nature enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities for active pursuits in the Livno area. The Sturba River stretches for about 14.5 kilometres across the Livanjsko Polje, offering a perfect setting for a canoeing adventure. Paddling down this quiet river allows you to appreciate the vastness of the karst field, observe local birdlife, and enjoy the untouched nature that surrounds the town. The mountains that encircle Livno provide excellent trails for hiking and mountaineering. Climbing Mount Tusnica and its highest peak, Vitrenik (1,679 metres), is a popular challenge that rewards hikers with breathtaking panoramic views of the entire region. The mountains of Kamesnica, Cincar, and Golija are also part of this dramatic landscape, offering diverse flora and fauna for those willing to explore their slopes.

Livno experiences an oceanic climate with significant continental influences, characterized by warm summers and very cold, snowy winters. July and August are the warmest months, with average high temperatures around 24°C (75°F), while January is the coldest, with average lows dropping below freezing to -4.9°C (23°F). The town is also known for substantial precipitation, with late autumn (especially November) being the wettest period, and summer (July and August) being the driest. The best time to visit for outdoor activities like hiking and wild horse spotting is from late June to late August, when the weather is warm and the skies are clearest.

Tourists are drawn to Livno because it offers an authentic, unhurried experience that contrasts sharply with crowded coastal resorts. Here, you can witness the extraordinary sight of wild horses roaming free, explore medieval and Ottoman history, and enjoy outdoor adventures like canoeing and hiking, all within a single day. The genuine hospitality of the locals, combined with the town's status as the sunniest in the country, makes it a hidden gem for those looking to discover the true, untamed heart of Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Livno related tours

We at Monterrasol Travel welcome you to see Livno during multi-day private car tour. Contact us if you would like to customize your tour to Livno.

We have developed several private tours that visiting beautiful Livno. But, if you have a special conditions or any from these tours fit you, please do not hesitate to contact us, we can organize a tour exactly as you would like. We charge nothing for develop a custom itinerary. And remember, we have no problems to take you from almost any place where you stay, hotel or private accommodation.

All seasons 17 days Bosnia discovery non-touristy places tour from Tuzla. Explore Medieval land of Bosnia by off the beaten path travel. all seasons tour 17 days Price from € 3,665 View tour details Request this tour tour starts in: Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina finish in: Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina tour duration: 17 days (16 nights) tour countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina tour destinations: Banja Luka, Bihać, Blagaj, Bosnian Pyramids, Doboj, Jajce, Ključ, Kravica, Livno, Ljubačke doline, Martin Brod, Međugorje, Mogorjelo, Mostar, Počitelj, Radimlja, Sarajevo, Srebrenik, Stolac, Tešanj, Travnik, Trebinje, Tvrdoš, Una National Park, Višegrad, Vjetrenica, Vranduk, Zavala, Štrbački buk, Šćit We welcome you to travel all across Bosnia-Herzegovina with our all seasons 17 days discovery tour starting from Tuzla. Visit the medieval land of Bosnia-Herzegovina and see old towns, fortresses and monasteries, as well as most of the existing UNESCO World Heritage sites. This tour is a good example of off the beaten path travel, out of touristy areas, and still in Europe. During this tour, we are going to visit several medieval fortresses: Srebrenik, Doboj, Tesanj, Banja Luka, Kljuc, Jajce, Stolac, Travnik, and Vranduk. We will come to see wonders of nature, waterfalls Strbacki Buk, Martin Brod, and Kravica. We will pass small roads across National Parks Una and Sutjeska. We will visit medieval towns Jajce, Blagaj, Pocitelj, Stolac, and Visegrad. We will stay on bridges from the Ottoman era in Visegrad, Mostar, and Trebinje. The whole tour will open for you the history and nature of the medieval land of Bosnia-Herzegovina. You will learn local traditions, see museums and monasteries, try local food and drinks, and will remember this tour full of unexpected positive impressions.

All seasons 17 days outdoor tour exploring Bosnia +Montenegro +Albania from Sarajevo. The Balkans outdoor tour: scenic roads, parks with waterfalls, hilly fortresses. all seasons tour 17 days Price from € 4,369 View tour details Request this tour tour starts in: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina finish in: Tirana, Albania tour duration: 17 days (16 nights) tour countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro tour destinations: Apollonia, Berat, Blagaj, Bosnian Pyramids, Budva, Dajbabe, Divjakë, Durrës, Jajce, Kakanj, Ključ, Kotor, Kraljeva Sutjeska, Kravica, Krujë, Lezhë, Livno, Lovćen, Međugorje, Mogorjelo, Mostar, Perast, Počitelj, Radimlja, Risan, Shkodër, Stari Bar, Stolac, Travnik, Trebinje, Tvrdoš, Una National Park, Vjetrenica, Zavala, Šćit All seasons 17 days outdoor exploring tour across the Balkans to discover 3 countries: Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania. The tour require good physical condition due to the more than usual tour walking, include walking in steep hills. In Bosnia-Herzegovina, the tour will cover historical center of Sarajevo, visit controversial but famous Bosnian Pyramids, walks inside fortresses Travnik, Jajce, Blagaj, Kljuc and Stolac, walks in parks with waterfalls, climb narrow streets of medieval town Pocitelj and Mostar, visit several monasteries and museums. In Montenegro, we going to see medieval Venetian towns Kotor and Budva, hilly fortrees Kotor, ancient settlement Stari Bar, use scenic Kotor serpentine road to visit Lovcen National park, see monastery in Budva and cave monastery Dajbabe, visit picturesque coastal town Perast and its island's church, and admire ancient Greek mosaic in the Risan museum. In Albania, we need to see fortresses in Shkoder, Lezhe, Berat and Tirana, fortified town Kruje, Apollonia archaeological site, Divjake park and beach, and walk in Durres historical center. Prepare yourself for scenic roads, panoramic views from the hills and mountains, climbing on walls of Ottoman fortress and castles, taste local food and local wine, visit few UNESCO World Heritage sites, and all that across three Balkans countries definitely worth to see. Depend on the time of year and whether condition, some places like Lovcen national park and Una national park can be unavailable due to the heavy snow. This tour can be extended for the adventure with a herd of real wild horses. Ask us for that!

All seasons 19 days tour in-depth exploring Bosnia +Montenegro +Albania from Sarajevo. Balkans off the beaten path. all seasons tour 19 days Price from € 4,716 View tour details Request this tour tour starts in: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina finish in: Tirana, Albania tour duration: 19 days (18 nights) tour countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro tour destinations: Apollonia, Berat, Blagaj, Borsh, Bosnian Pyramids, Budva, Butrint, Dajbabe, Divjakë, Durrës, Gjirokastër, Himarë, Jajce, Ključ, Kotor, Kravica, Krujë, Ksamil, Lezhë, Livno, Llogara pass, Međugorje, Mogorjelo, Mostar, Perast, Počitelj, Radimlja, Risan, Sarandë, Shkodër, Stari Bar, Stolac, Tepelenë, Travnik, Trebinje, Tvrdoš, Una National Park, Vjetrenica, Vlorë, Zavala, Šćit All seasons 19 days tour in-depth cultural exploring Balkans off the beaten path across 3 countries: Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania. Meet and get to know the medieval land of Bosnia-Herzegovina, see Venetian coastal towns in Montenegro, and admire beautiful Albanian Riviera in your pace. In Bosnia-Herzegovina we going to see historical center of the capital Sarajevo, controversial mountain landmark Bosnian Pyramids, we will visit medieval fortress Travnik, in Jajce walk in park with cute small watermills, and see Jajce fortress and waterfall, see small fortress Kljuc on the way to see waterfalls of National park Una, visit Scit monastery and ethnographic museum. Around Mostar area, we will see pilgrimage center Medjugorje, amazing natural waterfalls in Kravica, climb to Ottoman fort by narrow streets of medieval town Pocitelj, visit Roman villa rustica Mogorjelo, and finally stroll streets of medieval old town Mostar with its famous Old Bridge. On the way from Mostar we will admire Dervish monastery over the water of Buna river in Blagaj, climb on Ottoman fortress Stolac, see archaeological site Radimlja with medieval carved tombstones, explore windy cave to see unique animal called human fish, see why Tvrdos monastery is famous for history and taste their famous wine, come to Trebinje to see old bridge and hilly cathedral with magnificent panoramic view. In Montenegro, we will see Venetian coastal towns Budva and Kotor, small picturesque coastal town Perast with its island church, see cave monastery Dajbabe with unusual frescoes, see ancient Roman mosaic in Risan museum and on the way to Albania visit Stari Bad ancient settlement. In Albania, we will visit fortresses Shkoder, Tirana, Lezhe, Tepelene, Sarande and Himare, walk narrow streets of fortified towns Kruje and Berat, see sandy beach Divjake, walk in Apollonia archaeological site, see Roman amphitheater in Durres, and admire panoramic views from Llogara mountain pass. We will be almost on Greek border in archaeological site Butrint, admire the view from Sarande fortress hill, and on the way to Tirana visit Gjirokaster, famous for its huge fortress, museum and historical center. With this tour we will discover Balkans, pass scenic roads and admire panoramic views from the hills, cuisine and wines, visit several UNESCO World Heritage sites and UNESCO Tentative List sites, and all that across three off the beaten path Balkans countries definitely worth to see.

Off-season 23 days Montenegro +Bosnia +Albania tour from Tivat. Scenic Balkans off the beaten path. off-season only tour 23 days Price from € 6,119 View tour details Request this tour tour starts in: Tivat, Montenegro finish in: Tirana, Albania tour duration: 23 days (22 nights) tour countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro tour destinations: Apollonia, Berat, Bihać, Blagaj, Borsh, Budva, Butrint, Dajbabe, Divjakë, Durrës, Gjirokastër, Himarë, Jajce, Ključ, Konjic, Kotor, Kravica, Krujë, Ksamil, Lezhë, Livno, Llogara pass, Martin Brod, Međugorje, Mogorjelo, Mostar, Nikšić, Ostrog, Perast, Podgorica, Počitelj, Radimlja, Risan, Sarajevo, Sarandë, Shkodër, Stari Bar, Stolac, Tepelenë, Travnik, Trebinje, Tvrdoš, Una National Park, Vjetrenica, Vlorë, Štrbački buk We welcome you to travel with us and discover 3 Balkans countries: Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Albania. Scenic Balkans off-season 23 days tour from Tivat, off the beaten path, with many non-touristy sites. Explore the most important attractions in each country in safe and secure manner, out of crowd, in your pace. With this tour we going to walk in streets of medieval old towns, climb on walls of Ottoman fortress and castles, refresh in parks, admire the beauty of waterfalls, enjoy local food and local wine, admire scenic roads and panoramic views from the hills and mountains, wonder in silent monasteries, visit few UNESCO World Heritage sites, and all that across three Balkans countries definitely worth to see.

Year-round 42 days Serbia +Bosnia +Montenegro +Albania Trans-Balkan tour from Belgrade. Roman Empire traces, medieval monasteries and fortresses, cuisine and scenic roads. all seasons tour 42 days Price from € 15,002 View tour details Request this tour tour starts in: Belgrade, Serbia finish in: Tirana, Albania tour duration: 42 days (41 nights) tour countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia tour destinations: Apollonia, Berat, Bihać, Blagaj, Blue eye, Borsh, Bosnian Pyramids, Budva, Butrint, Dajbabe, Divjakë, Durrës, Gamzigrad Feliks Romulijana, Gjirokastër, Golubac, Gostilje, Himarë, Jajce, Ključ, Kotor, Kraljevo, Kravica, Krujë, Ksamil, Lezhë, Livno, Llogara pass, Manasija, Martin Brod, Mediana, Međugorje, Mileševa, Mogorjelo, Mokra Gora, Mostar, Nikšić, Niš, Novi Pazar, Ostrog, Perast, Podgorica, Porto Palermo, Počitelj, Radimlja, Ram, Ravanica, Resavska, Risan, Sarajevo, Sarandë, Shkodër, Sirogojno, Smederevo, Sopoćani, St Peter and Paul in Ras, Stari Bar, Stari Ras, Stolac, Stopića, Studenica, Tepelenë, Tivat, Travnik, Trebinje, Tumane, Tvrdoš, Ulcinj, Una National Park, Uvac Molitva, Viminacium, Višegrad, Vjetrenica, Vlorë, Zaječar, Zlatibor, Đavolja Varoš, Đurđevi Stupovi, Štrbački buk, Šćit, Žiča We welcome you to travel with us across four Balkan countries with our year-round 42 days Serbia Bosnia-Herzegovina Montenegro Albania Trans-Balkan tour from Belgrade. With this extended, exploring-style, in-depth cultural tour, you will understand the sense and style of a few Balkan countries, which are different and similar at the same time. We will pass deeply Christian Orthodox areas with old but active monasteries and strong Muslim areas with mosques almost on every corner. We will come to old towns with rich history and beautiful parks with unique natural ensembles, like amazing waterfalls or unusual rock formations. We will visit small villages and large cities, UNESCO sites, fortresses and castles, beaches and breathtaking viewpoints. You will be able to walk narrow medieval streets and sandy beaches, climb steps of ancient archaeological sites, watch the beautiful coastal line with faraway islands, take amazing pictures passing by scenic roads, and all that within just one trip.