Mostar, a city on the Neretva River, is one of the most recognizable urban centers in Bosnia and Herzegovina and a symbol of its rich history, culture, and connectivity. Its world-famous Old Bridge (Stari Most), protected by UNESCO, represents a link between tradition and modernity and stands as one of the strongest symbols of unity and national identity.
Located in the heart of Herzegovina, Mostar is characterized by a Mediterranean climate, picturesque landscapes, and a strong sporting spirit. The city is surrounded by natural beauty, rivers, and mountains, creating an ideal environment for cycling and outdoor sports.
As the finishing destination of the first stage of the Tour of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mostar offers a special stage finale in a city of rich history and vibrant energy. The combination of sport, culture, and the city’s distinctive Herzegovinian hospitality makes Mostar the perfect setting for the stage finish and a strong promotion of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the international sports stage.
The city’s name derives from the bridge guards (mostari) who protected the bridges over the Neretva River. It is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Neretva is spanned by the Old Bridge, which, together with the old town, has been listed as UNESCO World Heritage since 2005. Mostar is located in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the central part of Herzegovina. Geographically, the Mostar area serves as a hub connecting northern, western, and eastern Herzegovina. The Neretva River canyon runs through the city center, giving Mostar the nickname “city on the Neretva River.”
Mostar is located 132 km southwest of Sarajevo and 57 km northeast of Ploče. It developed in a transitional area between the low Herzegovinian karst and mountainous regions, where an old trade route crossed the Neretva and continued toward the sea. Mostar is an important transport hub, located on the Ploče (Croatia) – Sarajevo railway line, and also has an airport. Its unique architectural and urban ensemble consists of the former bazaar area with shops, artisan workshops, and access to the approximately 20-meter-high stone bridge from 1566 (Stari Most), under UNESCO protection.
The city stretches across three valleys. To the north is Bijelo Polje, home to most northern suburban settlements. In the center is the Mostar Valley, where the city center and most western suburban settlements are located. To the south is Mostarsko Polje (Bišće Polje), which contains most southern suburban settlements and the city’s industrial zone. Bišće Polje is the local name for this valley, though various maps may label it as Mostarsko Polje.
The most notable hills around the Mostar Valley include Hum, Brkanovo Brdo, Galac, Orlovac, Mikuljača, Žovnica, Planinica, and Fortica. The city itself sits at an elevation of 60–80 meters above sea level. Two mountains near Mostar are Velež and Prenj. The rivers Neretva and Radobolja flow through the city, and nearby rivers include Drežanka, Buna, Bunica, and Jasenica.
