GERMAN MAN ARRIVES IN KOZARA DRIVING A TRACTOR ON A LIFE JOURNEY

A curious and heartwarming sight drew smiles and attention from locals in Kozarac, near Prijedor, when an old tractor with German license plates was spotted cruising down the town’s main street. The vintage machine was pulling an equally antique camper painted in the colors of the Italian flag.

PHOTO: Info Prijedor

Behind the wheel was a smiling 56-year-old farmer from Nuremberg, Germany – Hansi Sielberhorn – who is on a personal journey through Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Readers of the InfoPrijedor portal tipped off reporters, who managed to catch up with Hansi halfway to Mrakovica and convince him to share his story. He gladly agreed.

For the past seven years, Hansi has followed a tradition: once the farming season ends, he packs his belongings, unfolds a paper map, and sets off – not by plane, bus, or car, but with his over-50-year-old tractor towing an even older camper. Together, the two vehicles boast more than a century on the road and countless stories from across Europe.

This year, his chosen destination is Bosnia and Herzegovina. He began the 2,300-kilometer journey a month ago in Nuremberg, traveling through Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and Croatia without encountering any major issues.

"At the borders, they just look at me, smile, say I’m funny, and wave me through. Some even ask to take pictures with me," Hansi told InfoPrijedor.

His travel style is unique – no GPS, no internet – just an old-fashioned map and the slow rhythm of the tractor, which allows him to fully absorb the countries he visits.

"When you drive slowly, you see everything – the people, the homes, the nature. Every kilometer has a soul," Hansi shared.

Though he doesn’t remember every single town he passed through, he recalls visiting Doboj, parts of Sarajevo, descending to Visoko, continuing through Travnik and Banja Luka, and finally passing through Kozarac on his way to his next stop.

He plans to spend two days resting at the Kozara National Park on Mrakovica before beginning the return leg of his journey through Croatia, Slovenia, and Austria, heading back home to Nuremberg.

When asked why he chooses to travel by tractor, Hansi’s answer is simple:

"The tractor lets me enjoy the view. A car is too fast. I’m in no rush. I want to experience the world and feel every place I pass through. Bosnia is beautiful. There are no crowds, the nature is wild and pure, and the people… The people are amazing. In every village and town, wherever I stopped, they asked if I was hungry, thirsty, if I needed anything. I felt like I was with family. That kindness and warmth are rare in other countries I’ve visited in the past seven years."

In a time when the world chases speed, luxury, and convenience, Hansi reminds us that true beauty lies in slow travel, an open heart, and genuine human connection. Perhaps that is why his old tractor leaves a mark not only on the road—but on the hearts of those he meets.