Bjelasnica & Visocica Snowshoeing Weekend

Mount Bjelasnica is the perfect place for a winter adventure, and where better to start than in Sarajevo, the host city of the 1984 Winter Olympics. The wild and remote mountain ranges surrounding Bosnia's capital are ideal for adventurous exploration. We climb through pine forests to snow-capped peaks. This will be an unforgettable snowshoe weekend.

Day 1: We start the day with a morning transfer of 1 hour to the village of Umoljani on the Olympic mountain Bjelasnica. From the traditional Bosnian village of Umoljani we hike to the watermills and the beautiful spring that has been used for centuries to generate energy to grind wheat into flour. We follow the ridge until the Rakitnica gorge opens up in front of us.

After 45 minutes of uphill walking through thick snow, we reach the cascades of Studeni Potok. Here, at certain times of the year, the stream falls in numerous cascades into the Rakitnica, more than 300 meters below. We follow the stream to Studeno Polje (field) and the serpentine formations of Studeni Potok (stream). Here we enjoy great views of Obalj and the long flat valley of Studeno Polje. At this point we can decide whether to climb the peak of Saruk (1,828 m), from which we will have even better views of the surrounding peaks and the valley of Studeni Potok.

The shepherds' summer village Gradina is just around the corner and from here we slowly climb to today's peak Saruk (1,828 m) where we will have our lunch break. From here we return to Umoljani through the "back door". We finish the hike at the pension with a well-deserved home-cooked dinner.

Moderate hike / 4-5 hours hike / 450Δh / 10 km
Lunch, dinner / Pension Umoljani, village Umoljani, mountain Bjelasnica

Day 2: On the second day we reach the Rakitnica through the winding back roads of Bjelasnica and cross the river towards the Visocica mountain. In the hills just above the jagged walls of this mountain lies the village of Sinanovici (1,250 m). The climb takes us through beech forests and then over open, rocky terrain to the summit of Crveni Kuk (1,733 m).

You will be rewarded with far-reaching views of the highest mountains in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the neighboring mountains of Montenegro. From the summit you have a wonderful view of the surrounding villages, as well as the mountains Maglić, Volujak, Zelengora in the Sutjeska National Park, Lelija, Treskavica and Prenj.

We descend on an alternative shorter path back to the mountain hut, where we take a break for hot tea, cocoa or even a cold beer before returning to Sarajevo.

Moderate hike / 5-6 hours hike / 550Δh / 10 km
Breakfast, lunch