Bjelasnica Mountain Self-Guided Tour – Explore the Dinaric Alps on your own

Experience the Olympic spirit on a four-day self-guided hike through the spectacular Bjelasnica Mountains, the heart of the Dinaric Alps. This tour takes you along the Via Dinarica Trail, a route still undiscovered by many hikers. Look forward to stunning limestone peaks, glacial lakes, medieval villages and a hospitable culture that offers a warm welcome.

During this hike through stunning nature, you will experience the highs and lows of the Bjelasnica Mountains and enjoy some of the most impressive sunsets in Europe. The tour ends with a visit to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia, which offers a fascinating mix of European and oriental culture.

Additional Information:

• Total hiking time: 4 days
• Difficulty level: Moderate to challenging
• Distance: 8-13 km per day
• Altitude difference: 450-850 m per day
• Available days: April to October

Meeting point: The meeting point for this self-guided tour will be confirmed after booking. On the first day, the tour begins with a climb to the Observatory, the highest peak of the Bjelasnica Mountains (2,067 m). On the following days, you will hike from village to village and cross the spectacular Rakitnica Canyon. The tour ends with a challenging hike over the Visočica Mountains and a transfer back to Sarajevo.

What is included:

• Accommodation in mountain huts and guesthouses
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner every day
• Detailed route description and maps

Not included:

• Tips for staff and local guides
• Personal items (sodas, alcoholic beverages, etc.)
• Transport to Sarajevo and back

Recommended equipment:

• Hiking boots with good profile
• Weatherproof clothing
• Daypack with 1 liter of water
• Sun hat and sunscreen
• Camera to capture the breathtaking views

Itinerary

Day 1: Climb to the observatory (2,067 m), the highest peak of Bjelasnica
Start your adventure with an optional climb to the Observatory, the highest peak of the Bjelasnica mountain range, before continuing your hike to the picturesque Umoljani village.

Moderate hike: 4-5 hours / Challenging hike: 6-7 hours
Difference in altitude: 450 m / 850 m
Distance: 10 km / 13 km
Meals included: lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Pension Umoljani, Umoljani village, Bjelasnica mountain

Day 2: Village-to-village hike (with optional ascent to Obalj peak)
Explore the scenic views of Rakitnica Canyon and learn about the traditional lifestyle of mountain communities.

Moderate hike: 3-4 hours / Challenging hike: 4-5 hours
Difference in altitude: 450 m / 700 m
Distance: 9 km / 8 km
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Pension Ljetna basta, Lukomir village, Bjelasnica mountain

Day 3: Crossing the Rakitnica Canyon, from Bjelasnica to Visocica Mountains
Hike through one of the deepest gorges in Europe and cross the mountains from Bjelasnica to Visocica. The day ends at the Vrela mountain hut, where you can learn all about the Via Dinarica.

Moderate hike: 5-6 hours
Difference in altitude: 800 m
Distance: 10 km
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Vrela mountain hut, Tusila village, Visocica mountain

Day 4: A view of the Visocica Mountains, with the peaks Drstva and Vito
Finish your adventure with a challenging hike over one of the most exciting mountain ridges in the region, offering breathtaking views of the opposite side of the Rakitnica Canyon, before transferring back to Sarajevo.

Challenging hike: 5-6 hours
Difference in altitude: 850 m
Distance: 11 km
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch