Zenica is an industrial city (the fourth largest, after Sarajevo, Banja Luka and Tuzla) in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the capital of the Zenica-Doboj Canton of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina entity. It is located about 70 km north of Sarajevo and is situated on the Bosna river, surrounded by mountains and hills. The modern city is dominated by the Zenica Steelworks and the air can be toxic, making it difficult to walk around.
There are many different ways to get to Zenica. Some prefer the bus, but others choose to take cars.
Unlike many other cities in Bosnia, Zenica is rather well served by trains. There are at least five departures per day from the capital Sarajevo and two from Banja Luka. Additionally, the overnight train between Bihać and Sarajevo also calls here.
The town's Stara čaršija (old quarter) contains several attractions, including a synagogue, which used to be the City Museum and Art Gallery. There is also a mosque (Čaršijska mosque), an Austrian fountain, and an old bey's farm house (Hadžimazića House). Fatih Sultan Mehmed Barracks of the Turkish Armed Forces was also based in Zenica within the peace-keeping activities of European forces in the country.
There are many things to do in Zenica. A lot of people just enjoy walking around the city and shopping. But there are also places where you can hike and enjoy beautiful views. Also, there are beautiful mountains around Zenica. One of the most visited is mountain Smetovi. It is very attractive in all seasons; by summer there are beautiful meadows and forest and marked mountaineer trails through forests. By winter, it's attractive for skiing and snowboarding. There are few other mountains worth of seeing as well, such as Lisac and Vepar.
Some things to buy are traditional Bosnian clothing, and sometimes handmade jewellery.
Zenica has nice restaurants serving Bosnian food, fast food, and there are bakeries in the old town Čaršija.
There are several hotels of different kind. Hotel Internacional, Hotel Zenica and The Dubrovnik hotel in the city center "Metallurg" are the most visited. There is plenty of ongoing activities in renovating/building old hotels in the area.
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