Experience the Olympic spirit on a five-day self-guided hike through the Bjelasnica Mountains, a stunning area in the heart of the Dinaric Alps. Explore the Via Dinarica Trail, a region still undiscovered by many hikers, and experience spectacular limestone peaks, glacial lakes, medieval villages and a friendly, hospitable culture.
During this tour, you will hike through pristine mountain settlements, cross deep gorges and enjoy some of the most impressive views and sunsets in Europe. Finish your hike in Sarajevo, a city with a fascinating mix of European and Oriental culture that hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics.
Additional Information:
- Total hiking time: 5 days
- Difficulty level: Moderate to challenging
- Distance: 8-14 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 starts with a hike along the old war routes on the Igman mountain. On the following days, you will climb to the highest peak of the Bjelasnica mountain, traverse the impressive Rakitnica canyon and finish the tour with a challenging hike over the Visočica mountains and a transfer back to Sarajevo.
What is included:
- Accommodation in hotels, 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: Hiking on the old war routes in the Igman Mountains
Start your journey with a transfer to the foot of Mount Igman, where you will hike along historic war routes to the Bjelasnica ski resort.
- Moderate hike: 5-6 hours
- Difference in altitude: 750 m
- Distance: 14 km
- Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel Bjelasnica, Bjelasnica Ski Resort
Day 2: Climb to the observatory (2,067 m), the highest peak of Bjelasnica
Take an optional climb to the Observatory, the highest peak of the Bjelasnica mountain range, followed by a hike to the charming village of Umoljani.
- Moderate hike: 4-5 hours / Challenging hike: 6-7 hours
- Difference in altitude: 450 m / 850 m
- Distance: 10 km / 13 km
- Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Pension Umoljani, Umoljani village, Bjelasnica mountain
Day 3: Village-to-village hike (with optional ascent to Obalj peak)
Enjoy a scenic hike with breathtaking views of the Rakitnica Canyon and gain insight into the traditional lifestyle of local 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 4: Crossing the Rakitnica Canyon, from Bjelasnica to Visocica Mountains
Hike into 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 5: 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
This five-day trek offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage and physical challenge, making it an unforgettable experience for adventurous travelers.