Situated in the heart of the Balkan peninsula, Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country with a rich history, vibrant culture, and outstanding mountains. The people are also friendly and hospitable, making it a great place to visit.
Thanks to all those mountains and beautiful landscapes, it’s also an awesome place to go hiking. There are hundreds of trails that will take you through spectacular mountains ranges, breathtaking canyons and more.
Plus, as you hike through its impressive mountains, you’ll get to learn more about the country’s past and experience its east meets west culture first hand.
There is so much to explore in Bosnia and Herzegovina! To help you get started with your trip planning, we’ve selected six of the best trips out there. Keep reading to learn more.
1. Experience Bosnia and Herzegovina's most beautiful mountains
Start strong by exploring the Prenj mountain range nestled in the Dinaric Alps. With their distinctive sharp peaks, these are some seriously stunning mountains and are a great place to ski in the winter. In the summer they are perfect for hiking.
Start your hike with a trip down the Old Tobacco Road, a rugged path which was once used for illegal tobacco transportation.
From there, head to the highest summit in the range, Zelena Glava (also know as Green Head). This mountain range sits at 2155 meters and hiking to the summit is an adventure filled two-day experience. You’ll stay overnight in a mountain hut, and far from the city, you’ll be able to enjoy a spectacularly stary sky.
In brief:
Duration: 2 days.
Difficulty: Intermediate, previous hiking experience is required.
Starting point: Your guide will pick you up from your accommodation in Mostar. Mostar is just 2 hr and 30 minutes from Sarajevo in bus, train or car.
Book now to explore the magical Prenj Mountains and hike to the highest point.
2. Encounter wild horses on your hike to Čabulja Mountain
Hiking to the summit of Velika Vlajna on Čabulja Mountain is a must do, even if it’s just to see wild horses on the way back down.
Velika Vlajina stands at a modest altitude of 1,786 meters. But this is no easy climb. The first five kilometers are moderate, but then there will be steep sections with rocky terrain to cover. The spectacular views on offer from the top of the Drežanka River Canyon will make all that effort worthwhile though.
Then, as you descend you’ll come across the wild horses as a final treat to end a great day of hiking.
In brief:
Duration: 1 day
Difficulty: Intermediate, previous hiking experience is required.
Starting point: Your guide will pick you up from your accommodation in Mostar. Mostar is just 2 hr and 30 minutes from Sarajevo by bus, train or car.
Run wild with the horses. Book your day hike on Čabulja Mountain now
3. Explore an enchanting canyon
The hidden canyon of the Bijela River is a real gem that you do not want to miss. It's quite hard to find, but with the help of a guide, you won't have any trouble.
Not only will you get to experience the natural beauty of the canyon, but you’ll also be able to trek through old abandoned villages and learn more about the area. Plus, within the canyon, you’ll find a breathtakingly beautiful waterfall.
This is a gentle hike, and all up it lasts for around 4-5 hours. It’s also suitable for beginners.
In brief
Duration: 1 day.
Difficulty: this hike is easy and suitable for beginners.
Starting point: Your guide will pick you up from your accommodation in Mostar. Mostar is just 2 hr and 30 minutes from Sarajevo by bus, train or car.
Experience the stunning Bijela Cave on your trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
4. Maglić Mountain, the highest mountain in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sutjeska National Park has a lot to offer. Not only is it home to Europe’s last remaining jungle, Perućica, it’s also where we’ll find the highest mountain in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mount Maglić.
On a two day tour, you can reach the summit of Maglić and on the way, you’ll have time to really appreciate the beauty of the national park. Spend a night in a mountain hut or camp next to Trnovačko Lake. Then, wake up the next day and hike the remaining way to the summit to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the amazing landscape you hiked through.
In brief:
Duration: 2 days.
Difficulty: Intermediate, previous hiking experience is required.
Start point: Your guide will pick you up from your accommodation in Mostar. Mostar is just 2 hr and 30 minutes from Sarajevo by bus, train or car.
Don’t wait, book your guided tour to the Sutjeska National Park and Maglić Moutain now.
5. Hike through spectacular mountainous terrain and enjoy bird’s eye views
Why not hike multiple peaks while you’re in Bosnia and Herzegovina? The Čvrsnica Mountain range is perfect for that. With its ten summits that sit at over 2,000 meters, you'll have a lot of choices.
Start out in Blidinje Nature Park, and hike through the native vegetation till you get to the summit of Veliki Vilinac at 2116 meters. Then, high up over clouds, you’ll get to pass through a stunning natural monument, Hajdučka vrata arch and enjoy the views. You’ll sleep high up in the mountains before hiking to the summit of Pločno at 2228 meters, the next day.
In brief:
Duration: 2 days.
Difficulty: Intermediate, previous hiking experience is required.
Starting point: Your guide will pick you up from your accommodation in Mostar. Mostar is just 2 hr and 30 minutes from Sarajevo by bus, train or car.
Book now to enjoy two great hikes and excellent views of the Čvrsnica Mountains.
6. Combine history and hiking on a trip to Velež Mountain
Mount Velež looks over the beautiful city of Mostar and is a symbol of the city. On this trip, you’ll climb to the highest peak which sits at 1900 meters, in one day.
The interesting thing about this peak is that it used to be a communications base for the Yugoslav National Army. It was damaged during Bosnia and Herzegovina’s civil war but you’ll still be able to explore the shelter and go inside. Your guide will also be on hand to explain the history of the region and the country.
In brief
Duration: 1 day.
Difficulty: this hike is easy and suitable for beginners.
Starting point: Your guide will pick you up from your accommodation in Mostar. Mostar is just 2 hr and 30 minutes from Sarajevo by bus, train or car.
Reserve your place now and discover the beautiful nature and fascinating history of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
When is the Best Time to Go Hiking in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Most of the best hikes in the country are in and around the mountains. Therefore, if you're looking for the best hiking experience, it's best to avoid the harsh winter months. Anytime from Jun through to October is a good time to go.
How to Get to Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Sarajevo International Airport is the biggest airport in the country and likely where you'll fly to. To get around within the country, you'll need to drive or get the bus. There are some train lines, notably the service that connects Sarajevo with Mostar. This also happens to be a ridiculously scenic journey.
So, now that you have six great trip ideas there's nothing holding you back from embarking on your ultimate Bosnia and Herzegovina hiking adventure.