Bosnia and Herzegovina’s hiking trails are Europe’s best-kept secret. They wind through magical landscapes of alpine peaks, rainforests, rugged valleys and river canyons and tiny villages wrapped in mist. The 1990s conflicts sadly meant that the country’s wild beauty remained hidden for decades, but an enthusiastic new generation of Bosnians have been marking hiking trails, building bothies and making the mountains accessible again. Routes range from gentle day walks near cities like Sarajevo and Mostar, to challenging multi-day alpine treks on the Via Dinarica.
The below routes are all found on our Bosnia holidays:
The best panoramic hiking trails
Maglić Peak & Sutjeska National Park
For a challenging ascent, featured on our 7 day hiking holiday, you can summit Bosnia’s highest mountain (≈2,386 m) through the ‘Bosnian rainforest’ of Perućica – one of Europe’s last primeval forests. This is a full-day hike with unforgettable scenery. The first section to Trnovačko Lake takes around 2 hours and 30 mins and is 12.9 km, with an elevation gain of 1,151 m, and the hike up to little cairn atop Maglić Peak will take you another hour at least.
Our hike starts in Prijevor (1659masl), one of the most untouched areas of the national park. It is a flower-filled meadow but soon gives way to scree, so take care on this section – you may have to scramble a little. Along the way we’ll see the Skakavac waterfall at Perućica forest, then it’s a 90-minute hike to Trnovačko Lake, a heart-shaped lake like a jewel below Mount Maglić, Bosnia’s highest peak (although it’s technically in Montenegro). In the park is the striking ‘spomenik’ Partisan Memorial at Tjentište dedicated to the Yugoslav partisans who fought in World War II.
The last section passes through meadows again until a steep ascent to Maglić, the ‘Misty mount’ in Bosnian/Montenegrin. It is worth it for the spectacular views over Volujak, Bioč, Zelengora, Trnovački Durmitor and the shining Trnovačko lake.
Hike on Čvrsnica Mountain with Outlaw’s Gate viewpoint (Hajdučka Vrata)
The Outlaw’s Gate is a striking natural rock arch in Blidinje Nature Park reached via a long but rewarding trail through alpine terrain. Hiking distance: 17km. Grade: challenging.
Start early to climb one of the highest and most beautiful peaks in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Veliki Vilinac (2,228m), part of Čvrsnica mountain and a must-see for anyone who loves highland ranges. The initial ascent is a bit of a calf burner, but the surroundings make it worthwhile.
It’s a crescendo to the natural wonder that is Hajdučka Vrata (the Outlaw’s Gate), a rock formation that resembles a gate, located at 2,000m above sea level. To locals, it symbolises the unbreakable spirit of the people of this region who have always found a way to overcome any challenges.
Hiking to Gornje and Donje Bare in Sutjeska national park
Head to Zelengora, the “green mountain” and hike the trail from Borovno Brdo mountain to Gornje Bare lake. It’s a relatively easy hike along a winding tail through the forests. Your reward is far-reaching views across the pristine Gornje lake and surrounding hills at the top.
The next section to Donje Bare lake is slightly more challenging but the effort is worth it for a more secluded spot and arguably even prettier lake to gaze at while you catch your breath.
Lastly, follow a quick but steep ascent to the Borić Viewpoint. From this incredible location you can see the canyon, mountains Vučevo, Maglić and the Perućica rainforest and remnants of the ancient cities Vratar and Vrata.
Lukomir loop & Rakitnica Canyon from Bjelašnica to Umoljani
A classic Bosnian day hike near Sarajevo that links Bosnia’s highest village of Lukomir with Umoljani village, offering stunning views over the Rakitnica River canyon and traditional stone-roofed houses. Moderate difficulty and great for both scenery and culture. Ascend roughly 600m in around 3.5 hours, all the while soaking up yet more incredible scenery.
The prize piece at the top is the view of Rakitnica Canyon, Bosnia’s longest canyon, and the surrounding mountains.After some rest, hike down to Lukomir, meaning “harbour of peace” in the local dialect. Here you’ll find 600-year-old traditions still kept including some of the best Bosnian coffee in the country, in our opinion.
You can also visit the medieval Stećci tombstones which date from the 14th century and show this high altitude region has long been inhabited. The return to Umoljani is a pleasant, mostly flat hike along the upper edge of the wildly untouched Rakitnica Canyon.
Related:
- Meet Skender, our adventure guide in Bosnia and Herzegovina
- What to see and do in Sarajevo
- 7 Balkan alternatives to the best hikes in Europe
Short hikes from city centres, for easy/moderate days
Istup waterfall hike near Mostar and Blagaj
An easy, 30-minute trail to the Radimlja river canyon near the historic town of Stolac.. Hiking distance: 7km. Grade: easy/moderate, with some boulders.
Once there, step into the water and continue hiking for 20 minutes (depending on water levels) passing through the “Bosnian jungle”. The accompanying waterfalls and little pools are too tempting not to stop for a dip. This area is full of lush vegetation, steep karst cliffs, and moss-covered boulders, creating a rainforesty, hidden oasis vibe.
After roughly one and a half hours, you’ll arrive at the glorious Istup Waterfall where you can take a swim before returning along the same path. Istup cascades over multiple levels and the cooling pool at its base is ideal for swimming.
Skakavac Waterfall
A beautiful and moderately easy walk that leads to a scenic waterfall near Sarajevo — great for a half-day hike. Distance: 10km.
Located only 12 km from the capital of Sarajevo, Skakavac Waterfall (Grasshopper Falls) is the tallest flowing waterfall in Bosnia and Herzegovina and an absolute must for all outdoor lovers visiting Sarajevo. The waterfall is 98 metres high plunging down a slippery limestone cliff and descending into a series of stunning smaller waterfalls and pools which are perfect for swimming.
The trail is popular among hikers and mountain bikers but also those wanting a gentle walk to escape the city. Note: in summer months we may instead visit Mount Lukomir if the waterfall runs dry!
Neretva Riverside & Lower Valley Path
This is a laid back route following the emerald Neretva River near Konjic. The Neretva river canyon is approximately 20km long but the path only follows part of it, making it a good half day hike. We visit on day 1 of our 7 day multi activity holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Trebević Peak Trail
Sarajevo’s local mountain. This one is easily accessed via a 15-minute cable car ride from the city center, but it’s much more fun to take the trail up from the city which passes by the semi-abandoned 1984 Olympic luge track which is covered in colourful graffiti. It’s longer and more strenuous if you hike all the way up to the summit, but plenty of shorter loops around Trebević are accessible too. The view from the top is gorgeous: spires of minarets and old churches poke through the mist and woodsmoke that rises from Sarajevo, where the Ottoman lanes of the old town are enchanting.
Multi-Day & Long-Distance Options: The Via Dinarica
Via Dinarica White Trail
The ‘white trail’ section of the Via Dinarica is a long distance Balkan trekking route that crosses Bosnia’s mountains and landscapes. Sections can be done as multi-day hikes, or in one go as a deep immersion in the Dinaric Alps. All within a stone’s throw of the magnificent capital, Sarajevo.
Day 1: Bjelašnica, 12 km – Bjelašnica – Hranisava summit (1,964m)
Day 2: Greda Pass, 16 km
Day 3: Rakitnica Canyon, 10km
Day 4: Visočica mountain, 11 km – Visočica Mountain’s Vito summit (1,960m) and Drstva summit (1,808m)
The Herzegovina Wine route
Snaking through Herzegovina’s striking karst landscape between Mostar and Trebinje, the Herzegovina Wine Route moves from vineyard to vineyard. The route begins in Mostar, named the European Wine City Dionisio 2024. From there, it’s a walk or drive through the region with stops off at family-run wineries along the way to taste a range of traditional dishes and exceptional local wines. Many vineyards along the hiking route offer guest accommodation.
Notable stops on the way include Goranci village, Tvrdoš Monastery, Kovačević, Stolac and Ljubuški.
The end point is the country’s southernmost city, Trebinje where the nearby karst fields, known as Popovo Polje, are considered some of the best wine growing terrain in the country. Local grape varieties include blatina, žilavka and trnjak.
Safety tips for hiking in Bosnia
Most trails are best from late spring to early autumn (May–October).
Weather can change fast in the mountains — carry layers, good boots, and plenty of water.
Some remote areas once saw conflict; stick to marked routes and ask local guides or clubs for up-to-date trail info if you’re heading off the beaten path.
While most routes above are mapped out, they may not be as clear as some of the more established hikes in Europe and it could be easier to get lost, particularly in more remote areas where there are fewer people (and English-speaking at that) to ask directions of. Mountain rescue services do exist, but are not as well-funded or resourced as in the west. That’s why all of our hiking holidays are led by qualified mountain guides who know the routes like the backs of their hands.
Other than that, people in the Balkans are incredibly welcoming and crime is very rare in the mountains. Nature itself is likely to pose the greatest danger.
Feeling inspired? Discover our full range of hiking holidays in the Balkans.
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