Novi Travnik

Novi Travnik is a planned town in central Bosnia, founded in 1949 during the socialist period to serve as a planned industrial settlement for the nearby metalworking and transport industries. Originally named Pucarevo (after a Yugoslav partisan), it was designed on a grid pattern with wide boulevards, functional housing blocks, and a large central square. Today, Novi Travnik is a quiet, well-organised town with a pleasant atmosphere, good schools, and a strong sports culture. It is surrounded by green hills and lies a short distance from the historic Ottoman town of Travnik.

The climate is continental with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The Lašva River flows through the town. The large central square (Trg) is the focal point, with a modernist war memorial and a fountain.

By Plane

Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ IATA) is about 80 km east (1.5 hours by car).

By Train

By Car / Road

Novi Travnik is on the M5 road between Travnik (8 km south) and Vitez (5 km north). Buses from Travnik, Vitez, Sarajevo, and Banja Luka run regularly.

The town is very walkable—the central square, shops, and restaurants are all within a few minutes' walk. Taxis are available.

• Central Square (Trg) — A large, open square with a modernist war memorial dedicated to the town's fallen soldiers. The surrounding buildings show typical socialist-realist architecture.

• Lašva River walk — A short promenade along the river.

• Sports Hall — A modern sports centre that hosts basketball and handball matches.

• St. John the Baptist Church — A Catholic church in the newer part of town.

• Surrounding hills — The green hills around Novi Travnik offer walking and picnicking spots with views of the valley.

• Walking and picnicking — The hills above town have easy trails.

• Sports — The sports centre offers basketball, football, and handball. The town's football club is NK Novi Travnik.

• Day trip to Travnik — The historic Ottoman town is a short bus ride away.

• Restaurant Central — On the main square, serving grilled meats and Bosnian dishes. 8–16 KM.
• Restaurant Lašva — By the river, known for its trout and grilled specialities. 8–14 KM.
• Pekara Novi Travnik — A bakery with burek and pastries. 2–4 KM.
• Restaurant Gostionica — A family-run konoba serving traditional stews and lamb. 8–15 KM.

Cafés around the main square serve Bosnian coffee and espresso. Tap water is safe.

• Budget: Guesthouse Novi Travnik — Basic doubles from 30 KM.
• Mid-range: Hotel Lašva — Doubles from 55 KM with a restaurant.
• Upscale / heritage: None available; the nearest hotels are in Travnik.

The town has a small market, supermarkets, and a few local shops. For a wider selection, go to Travnik (8 km).

• Travnik (8 km south) — The historic Ottoman capital with colourful mosques, a fortress, and the Plava Voda spring.
• Vitez (5 km north) — A central Bosnian town in the Lašva Valley.
• Jajce (50 km northwest) — Famous for its 22-metre waterfall and medieval fortress.
• Sarajevo (80 km east) — The capital with Baščaršija bazaar and historic sites.
• Bugojno (40 km west) — A central Bosnian town with mountain scenery.