Hiking in and around Sarajevo

The Bosnian countryside is beautiful and one of the many wonderful things about living in Sarajevo is that within 20 minutes you can be deep into the surrounding countryside, enjoying everything it has to offer.

We have done some exploring in the hills around the city, but probably not as much as we would have like to have done. Sadly, it is not quite a simply as just heading out for a walk as you need to aware of the landmine treat as these litter the countryside around Sarajevo and throughout the whole country.

This spring we have managed to get out and enjoy several walks, either on routes we know are safe or with friends and guides who know the area.

1. Barice

Located at the north-end of Sarajevo, Barice overlooks the city (see map below). Drive up the road as far as you can, it gets quite windy and then you come to a little car park, which offers the first fantastic view point. From here, leave the car. Follow the path to the right of the building (I think it is a cafe/restaurant). The track is stony and uneven and 4x4 vehicles do venture up there. Basically, follow the path for about 30 minutes (it is all up hill on the way there) and eventually you will come to an open’ish area and here there is the most perfect little restaurant which serves ice cold beer! There is a lovely meadow area with some tables and chairs and there is also a little shade offered. It is easy to relax here for a couple of hours... or until the beer runs out (unless you are driving, soft drinks are also served). They also serve some snacks including ustipci and omelets. The walk back is downhill and there are a couple of routes (follow the red dots). This is an easy hike, suitable for kids.

 

2. Trebabic
Located on the southern side of Sarajevo, Trebavic towers over the city and was once famous for hosting the 1984 Olympic Bob-Sleigh.

It is possible to hike all the way to the top, where the TV ariel’s sit proudly on the summit of the hill. Follow the signs out of Sarajevo to Trebavic (via Grbavica), as you get up onto the mountain road you will pass a couple of disused building and viewing points on your left (be careful around here, don’t wander off the path as this area was mind during the war). You will then see a sign and a right hand turn to 'Vrh Trebavic' (Trebavic Summit). Follow this road. It is a long road (10km approx.) and soon the tarmac runs out and you are on a dirt track. There are a lot of hairpin bends and depending on the time of year, it will depend how far up the road you can get. When you have had enough, park up. You then continue to follow the road a little further and will eventually the forest will meet the road on the right hand side, here you pick up the red footpath dots and turn right into the forest, heading up. Keep following the signs, sometimes it feels as though they disappear, but you will always find the next one. There are also sign posts to the summit (Vrh) so follow these and you should do just fine. This hike is a little more strenuous and takes a good hour and half, the terrain is steep. But, it is well worth it as the view from the top is magnificent. On one side, you face north and look over the city, you can see as far as the flat plains around the airport. To west you can see the snowcapped mountain of Bjelasnica and to the south west you can see the other Olympic mountain of Jahorina. There are no facilities at the top of Trebavic, so be prepared and take the necessary provisions.

3. Backside of Bjelasnica

There are plenty of walks and hikes which can be undertaken up beyond the Olympic mountain of Bjelasnica. If you take the road up to Bjelasnica (out of the city past the airport, past Butmir Military base, follow the road and just before the flags into the RS you turn right, it is sign posted and then follow this road for about 20mins), when you get to the ski resort carry on through the resort and the road continues. The next section of road is somewhat dodgy, large pot whole, stones and rocks falling from the rock face etc... So just take it easy. After about another 10mins there is a sign post to a mountain restaurant - you can park here, and also enjoy cold beer and light refreshment. From here there are a number of amazing walks up into the mountains and down into the surrounding villages. In light of the land mine issue, I would strongly recommend hiring a guide for walks in this area, especially for the first time. Fikret is a local mountain guide and he organises weekly walks which are a great way to get out and see more of the beautiful Bosnian countryside.

For more information, go to: http://www.bosnian-mountaintourism.com