We stroll along a forest path, the ground soft and springy beneath us, except for a few birds and the rustling of the trees - silence! A stream gurgles quietly alongside our path, we step carefully over ancient roots. The city feels miles away - even though we boarded the cable car in the centre of Sarajevo only 15 minutes ago.
Trebević, one of the Olympic mountains of Bosnia and Herzegovina, rises 1,627 metres above the capital Sarajevo. It is a local recreation centre, hiking area and excursion destination for the inhabitants of Sarajevo all year round.
I've been living in Bosnia's capital since 2021, I'm on Trebević, the mountain on the southern outskirts of Sarajevo, several times a month and I'll tell you the best tours, hikes and activities for a day in the great outdoors.
Cable car: the best way up Trebević
The Sarajevska žičara was reopened in 2018 after being destroyed during the war in the 1990s. A single ticket costs 20 KM. A return ticket costs 30 KM - suitable for anyone who just wants to get a breath of fresh air at the top of the mountain, go for a walk or explore the old bobsleigh run.
For about 10 minutes, you glide over red rooftops, have a marvellous view over the city and finally land in the middle of nature. If you don't want to walk, you can simply enjoy the mountain air at a picnic area right next to the cable car station.
Hiking in Bosnia and Herzegovina and mines
Since the question comes up often, I'd like to address it briefly here: The area around Sarajevo and the Trebević were officially declared mine-free in 2021, so you can go hiking here safely and comfortably. However, it should go without saying that you should stay on the marked hiking trails.
If you generally want to play it safe on your hike in Bosnia and Herzegovina, stick to marked hiking trails and avoid unmarked terrain and landslides. Here you can download a Bosnia mine map via app but it is no longer completely up-to-date.
Hike to the summit of Trebević
The most challenging hike on Trebević is certainly the one to the top of the mountain. You have three possible starting points: You can start directly from Vijećnica, Sarajevo's town hall. Around 20 kilometres and 4 hours await you. Or you can take the Trebević cable car to the top and set off from the cable car mountain station. If you are travelling by car, you can also park directly at the Hotel Pino, from where several hiking trails start to the summit.
The routes are well marked, you will see red signs all along the way pointing you in the right direction - even if you start from the city and the route first takes you through houses and inhabited neighbourhoods.
I usually start from the Hotel Pino - starting in the town is a bit too steep and long for me. It takes about two hours to get to the top of Trebević, and on the way back we usually stop off at the Jure Franko mountain hut, which is clinging to a hillside and from where you have a wonderful view of the city - including hearty Bosnian food.
Hike along the abandoned bobsleigh and toboggan run
The hike from Trebević along the old bobsleigh track down to the town is not a particularly challenging hike, in parts it is more of a walk. Nevertheless, there are a few steeper sections, so it is not suitable for sensitive knees.
It is around six kilometres down to the old town from the Hotel Pino. Walking along the remains of the 1984 bobsleigh run is quite impressive and makes for a stunning photo opportunity around every corner. This is because the bobsleigh run is now used as a canvas for graffiti artists.
Another lost place awaits at the end of the bobsleigh run: somewhat hidden in the forest are two observatories from Austro-Hungarian times. If you climb up, you have an impressive view of Sarajevo.
Want more tips and must-sees for Sarajevo and Bosnia?
I've been living in the country since 2021 and now know it really well - from restaurants and must-sees to real hidden gems!
For anyone exploring Bosnia and Herzegovina for the first (or second) time, I've put together this handy travel map and app for you. over 300 spots that you should not miss.
Guided tours on Trebević
Although the hiking trails on Trebević are well marked, I can really recommend a guided hike with a guide! This way you can learn even more about the mountain, the Winter Olympics or the Siege of Sarajevo.
Restaurants and hotels on Trebević
You can easily spend the whole day on Trebević! Many locals do the same, travelling up the mountain in the morning, taking a picnic with them or having a barbecue and staying until the early evening. If you don't want to cook for yourself, you don't have to worry about hunger, as there are plenty of restaurants and hotels on the mountain.
Hotel Pino - perfect for coffee and lunch. The rooms and the spa are also very nice.
Restoran Brus - There is no better place on Trebević to spend the day with friends, have a barbecue, hire bikes or quads and explore the area.
Vila Andrea - I wasn't there, but the view and the food are said to be recommendable
Frequently asked questions about Trebević
Are there no mines? Safety on Trebević
Eight years after the 1984 Winter Olympics were held in Sarajevo, Sarajevo was besieged by Trebević for four years and the forest was the scene of fierce fighting. Since 2020, however, the entire mountain has been declared mine-free and can be hiked and explored without any worries.
When hiking on the mountain, always stay on the marked trails! Hiking trails ensure that flora and fauna are protected, that you take the safest route and that you can always be found if something happens.
Is the bobsleigh run safe?
The bobsleigh run is safe and can even be walked along. However, it is important to listen to signals from above: It is also used by mountain bikers and sometimes even by bobsleigh teams who train on the abandoned tracks.
Can I go to Trebević with children?
If you have children, Hotel Pino, Restaurant Brus or Vila Andrea are a good choice - all three have lovely children's playgrounds and offer leisure activities.
Are you a keen hiker?
Here you can find even more recommendations for great hikes in Bosnia and Herzegovina:
Travel planning for Bosnia-Herzegovina made easy
💸 What is the currency of Bosnia and Herzegovina?
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the convertible mark (KM for short) is used for payment. It has been the currency of Bosnia and Herzegovina since 22 June 1998 and was pegged to the German mark at a ratio of 1:1 until 2001 and to the euro since 2002. One euro is always exactly 1.95583 KM). The conversion is therefore very simple.
🇧🇦 What language is spoken in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
The official languages of the country are Bosnian, Serbian and Croatian, but there are hardly any linguistic differences between them - I always compare them to German and Austrian. Serbian, however, uses Cyrillic letters, which can lead to confusion in the Republika Srpska part of the country. The best thing to do is to download Google Translate, which also allows you to take photos of Cyrillic menus or street signs and have them translated.
💉 Do I need international health insurance for Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Absolutely! You should never, never, never travel without international health insurance. Bosnia and Herzegovina is also not in the EU, which means that your German health insurance covers the country. not with. I am always happy to recommend other travellers SafetyWing. For less than one euro per day, you can insure yourself here and also protect yourself against the risks of extreme sports, lost luggage and other travelling ailments.
📲 Can I use European roaming in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
No, as Bosnia and Herzegovina is not in the EU, your roaming package does not apply here. You can either buy a SIM card locally at a kiosk for a few marks or simply get an eSIM like Airalo, which you can even use for other countries after your trip to Bosnia. You can download the Airalo app here.
🪂 Which tour operator is recommended for my trip to Bosnia?
Together with my Bosnian partner, I founded the boutique travel agency .Cheyf in 2022. We have combined our experience of sustainable tourism in places like South Africa with our knowledge of Bosnia and the way of life in Bosnia. ćejf united - savouring the little moments that make life worth living. This has resulted in tours that convey sustainability, local experiences and communities and a real attitude to life. Here you can take a look at our tours and get to know Cheyf better.
🗺️ I would like to travel without a travel agency, are there any ready-made routes?
Yes! I offer an interactive travel map for the whole of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with several ready-made itineraries and lots of restaurants and insider tips. And best of all, the map is regularly updated and expanded, meaning you always have the latest recommendations in your pocket. Click here for the interactive travel guide.
💦 Can I drink the tap water in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
You can drink the water in large cities without hesitation. Bottled water is recommended after heavy rainfall or flooding and in rural areas.
🛬 Where can I find the best flights to Bosnia and Herzegovina?
You can find the cheapest flights on Kiwi - where you can compare prices directly.
🏯 Where can I find the best accommodation in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Most accommodation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including private accommodation, is often offered at Booking.com set. In addition to hotels, you can also book flats or guesthouses here and directly support the Bosnian population with your stay.
🛵 Where can I book a hire car for my trip to Bosnia?
On Rentalcars.com you can choose from a wide range of hire cars and compare prices. I recommend that you always book with fully comprehensive insurance. The German driving licence is valid, so you don't need to pack an international driving licence.
This blog article contains personal recommendations in the form of affiliate links. If you book or buy something via the links, I will receive a small commission. This does not change the price for you at all. Thank you for your support.
