Herzegovina, a land steeped in history and adorned with natural beauty, is once again becoming a destination for those seeking freedom and a new way of life. Once settled by Dalmatians fleeing Ottoman tyranny and later shaped by Napoleon’s wars, the region now faces a new wave of “invaders”—digital nomads and modern herdsmen.
Former shepherds and traders now arrive armed with laptops, bicycles, and a pressing need for high-speed internet.
In an era where European countries impose rules on almost every aspect of life, Herzegovina remains an unpolished gem of freedom, chaotic organization, and genuine hospitality.
It is in this freedom that many find something rare in their hyper-regulated societies—peace, nature, and community.
A Blank Check in Posušje
One of the most striking stories of this new trend comes from Posušje. A Scottish golf enthusiast was so captivated by a house near the town’s golf course—the only one in Bosnia and Herzegovina active year-round—that he didn’t even ask for the price.
Instead, he offered a blank check, ready for the owner to fill in any amount they deemed fit. His decision was further influenced by the fact that Posušje is just a short drive from the sea, with mountains and the golf course providing the perfect lifestyle he sought.
He is not alone. Nearby, a Norwegian and an American retired couple have also found their new home, solidifying Posušje’s reputation as an ideal spot for luxury settlers.
Ljubuški’s Pioneer Settlers
In Ljubuški, history was made with the arrival of foreign families who decided to settle permanently. English and Swedish children now attend Croatian primary schools, learning about Fishing and Fishermen’s Complaints, Stjepan Radić, and the complex histories of Mate Boban, Franjo Tuđman, and Alija Izetbegović. Meanwhile, their families enjoy the safety and natural beauty of the area.
This was unthinkable just a few years ago, yet it has now become a part of a new reality.
Trebinje: Scenic Views and 5G Internet
With stunning views of Dubrovnik, delectable Serbian cuisine, and access to Croatian 5G internet, Trebinje is drawing both nomads and settlers who seek a balance between rural charm and urban convenience.
Trebinje offers everything modern settlers need, from affordable property to excellent connectivity. Similarly, the nearby areas of Ivanica and Ravno are beginning to attract their first digital nomad homeowners.
Neum and Ramsko Lake: Untapped Potential
Although Neum remains relatively undiscovered, the first digital nomads have already arrived. Positioned along the Adriatic coast, this town holds immense growth potential, particularly in the highlands above the city.
Ramsko Lake, on the other hand, is emerging as a seasonal haven for adventurers and temporary settlers who value peace and a close connection to nature. It seems only a matter of time before these temporary visitors decide to make the area their permanent home.
From Fast Internet to Pig Slaughtering
New settlers bring fresh perspectives and even an interest in local traditions. While Herzegovina’s streets are currently plastered with posters discouraging pig slaughtering, some settlers have shown curiosity about this custom—and a few have even rolled up their sleeves to participate. Which country do they come from, you ask? That, dear readers, will remain a secret. Let’s not tarnish the reputation of any nation as being overly “bloodthirsty.”
Why “Celts”?
While local “entrepreneurs” smuggle unsuspecting tourists dropped off by Turkish and Arab airlines into Sarajevo, Herzegovina is witnessing the arrival of those whose ancestors might have once called this place home—the Celts.
A Celtic knife discovered in Neum serves as a reminder that the Celts once roamed these lands. Today, their descendants—Irish, Scots, Welsh, and others—may be finding their way back. Who knows? Perhaps a future nomad will discover that the very knife found in Neum connects them to their ancient roots. History, it seems, has a knack for poetic humor.
Komšić and the Fear of an IRA Revival
Will Komšić veto the settlement of these rebellious Celtic tribes in Herzegovina? What if their untamed spirit spreads among the overly docile locals, transforming them from a prayerful community into a political force worthy of Don Ivan Musić’s name?
He won’t. Komšić knows well that his presidential veto holds no weight here. Even if he tried, the Croats wouldn’t even bother to respond. They wouldn’t answer his appeal—not with a word, not with a glance, not even in silence. /POSKOK/