Our Journey Begins
It all started in Sarajevo, during the summer of 2023.
In July and August, we rented a apartment with a beautiful view over the city’s hills. The rental agreement? Just a single handwritten sheet of paper. But that was enough – because Autostop House has always been about people, trust, and good vibes.
Sarajevo – a city with soul, full of contrasts and stories.
On one hand: the unmistakable Balkan atmosphere, delicious ćevapi, burek, and homemade rakija. On the other: visible traces of a not-so-distant war, powerful museums, and streets that carry deep, sometimes painful history. Sarajevo teaches humility and welcomes you with a wide-open heart.
Our home was right next to a market, where we picked up fresh fruit and veggies every morning.
Mornings smelled like coffee from a džezva; evenings were filled with conversations, guitar playing, and laughter on the balcony.
Sarajevo turned out to be the perfect base to explore Bosnia and Herzegovina and the rest of the Balkans.
For many of us, it was our very first taste of what Autostop House truly is and it was love at first night.
Take a look at the photo gallery from Sarajevo here.
After the magic of Sarajevo, expectations were high – and Ohrid did not disappoint.
Everyone who experienced the first edition of Autostop House was eager for the next one. The organizing team had grown, things became a bit more structured, and after many passionate discussions about the perfect place… we chose the lakeside gem of North Macedonia: Ohrid.
Perched on a small hill, our new Autostop House greeted tired hitchhikers with a bit of a climb – but also with an unforgettable view of the town and the shimmering waters of Lake Ohrid. It was worth every step.
Life in Ohrid moved slowly, beautifully.
We started each day with shared breakfasts and coffee on the terrace, soaking in the sun and calm atmosphere. Though not well known to everyone, Ohrid turned out to be the perfect choice – peaceful, stunning, and full of charm.
We spent countless warm evenings by the lake, singing, playing music, and talking for hours under the stars.
More new faces joined us this year, and with them came new stories, friendships, and memories. The Autostop House spirit grew stronger and even more contagious.
And this time… it was all captured in a film, preserving the essence of what we lived together.
Ohrid 2024 was proof that this idea works and that a house full of travelers can become a home.
Take a look at the photo gallery from Ohrid here.
Ljubljana: Small, Beautiful, and Unexpected:
The third edition of Autostop House brought us to Ljubljana, Slovenia, still within the Balkans, yet offering a completely different rhythm and atmosphere than Bosnia and Herzegovina or North Macedonia. Slovenia, though small, feels like a crossroads of worlds, blending Balkan soul, Italian ease, and Alpine serenity into one beautifully compact experience.
Autostop House once again proved to be more than just a place to stay. It became a true hub for exploration and connection. During the hot summer days, we escaped to the refreshing waters of Lake Bled and other nearby spots, while evenings welcomed us back home to share stories, meals, and moments together.
Ljubljana itself charmed us with its relaxed yet vibrant energy, and its location made it an ideal base. Within reach for a day trip were the Julian Alps, crystal-clear lakes, and even the Adriatic coast, all close enough to explore and still return home by nightfall.
As Ljubljana continues to grow in popularity among travelers and serves as a natural gateway between Western Europe such as Italy, Austria, and Switzerland and the eastern Balkans, Autostop House experienced record numbers of visitors. Hitchhikers and travelers from all over the world passed through, creating a uniquely diverse and dynamic community under one roof.
This edition showed once again that Autostop House is not just about a place, it is about people, movement, and the shared spirit of the road.
Take a look at the photo gallery from Ljubljana here.