Bosnia and Herzegovina Stari Most Bridge, Mostar

Few bridges in Europe are as instantly recognizable as Stari Most. Spanning the turquoise Neretva River in the heart of Mostar, the elegant stone arch was originally completed in 1566 during the Ottoman period. After being destroyed in 1993, it was reconstructed and reopened in 2004; the Old Bridge Area became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 and today stands as a symbol of reconciliation and international cooperation.

Mostar is especially impressive from the air because the Neretva naturally becomes a leading line through the entire composition. For this shot, I positioned the drone farther down the river rather than directly above the bridge. This keeps Stari Most relatively small in the frame while showing how beautifully the old town, river, and surrounding mountains fit together.

I also really like flying here during the early morning or towards golden hour. With softer light, the rooftops and stone buildings gain much more texture, while the deep blue-green water provides strong contrast.

This is one destination where you definitely need to plan before bringing your drone. Drones between 249 g and 25 kg must be registered with the Bosnia and Herzegovina Directorate of Civil Aviation (BHDCA). The official authority states that once you submit a complete application, the registration certificate is issued within 30 days. So I recommend starting the process about four weeks before your trip, rather than trying to organize it once you arrive.

There are additional operational rules regarding altitude, distances from people, buildings, roads, and other infrastructure, so always check the current requirements and any local restrictions before taking off.