TOURISM
Get to know Banja Luka
Based on the political and territorial organization of the Republic of Srpska, which consists of municipalities and cities, the biggest political and territorial unit is the City of Banja Luka (former municipality), which occupies the surface of 1 239 km2.
As the university, economic, finance, political and administrative center of the Republic of Srpska, which is one of the two entities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Banja Luka is the second biggest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina with the population of 180.053 (results of the 2013 census of population and housing units).
Situated in a valley at an elevation of 164 m above sea level, where the Dinaric Alps from the south descend into the Pannonian Basin in the north, Banja Luka has a temperate continental climate with the prevailing influences from the Pannonian plain. It belongs to the Central European Time zone (GMT +1) and has a temperate continental climate. The average annual temperature reaches 10,7°C, whereas the average January temperature is 0,8ºC, and July 21,3ºC.
Due to many of its green surfaces – parks and tree-lined roads, Banja Luka is also known as the city of greenery. It is also called a city of young people, sport and culture. It used to be a strong economic center with developed industry – the machinery-, electrical-, textile-, food- and cellulose industry in particular.
Surface
1.239 км2
Population
180.053 (results of the 2013 census of population and housing units)
Coordinates
44o 46’ north 17o 11’ east
Elevation
164 m above sea level
Climate
temperate-continental (average annual temperature – 10,7 oC)
Time zone
CET (GMT+1)
Country code
+387
Zip code
051
Currency
Convertible mark (KМ)
Postal code
78 000
Explore Banja Luka
A huge tourism potential lies in Banja Luka. A natural resource of special significance is the Vrbas River, which is suitable for water sports such as kayaking, rafting and sports fishing.
A special boat, dayak, a peculiarity of the Vrbas River, adds to the river`s attractiveness and the tourist offer of Banja Luka.
Due to many of its green areas (parks and tree-lined roads) Banja Luka is known as a city of greenery. It is also called a city of youth and sports, and is famous of Banja Luka`s kebab, Trappist cheese and dayak boat.
The interweave of many cultures in Banja Luka gave a considerable number of cultural and historical monuments that witness various epochs and human creation in the area.
The Kastel fort is particularly attractive as a historical center of the city and the place where Banja Luka was basically founded. It is situated in the city center, at the confluence of the Crkvena and Vrbas River. Old walls kindle imagination as the witnesses of battles, trade expeditions, ups and downs in city’s historical development.
History
The present name of the city was recorded for the first time in the Charter of Hungarian king Ladislaus II of Jagiellon on February 06, 1494. Discussions held by philologists and historians resulted in the finding that the city name consisted of an old adjective “banj” (ban`s), which disappeared long time ago in our language, but has been preserved only in the name of the city. The noun “luka” (plain) was then added to the possessive adjective. This attributed the meaning ban`s plain to the name of the city.
Ban Milosavljević
Seven buildings for City Administration officials were built in the Saint Sava Street and near the Post Office. During those years Palas Hotel was also built, and Bosna Hotel was annexed and modernized. The city park was also developed and got embellished with a monument raised to the memory of writer Petar Kočić. Sokolski dom and the Public Institute of Hygiene were also constructed. Banja Luka got its first asphalted streets, the Central Banovina`s Tourism Association was established, and the Vrbas Newspaper launched.