Things to Do in Mount Trebević
Mount Trebević, Bosna i Hercegovina / Босна и Херцеговина - Complete Travel Guide
Mount Trebević stands as one of Sarajevo's most iconic natural landmarks, rising 1,627 meters above the Bosnian capital and offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city below. This mountain holds deep historical significance, having served as a venue for the 1984 Winter Olympics bobsled and luge events, while also bearing witness to the tragic siege of Sarajevo during the 1990s conflict. Today, the mountain has been transformed into a symbol of resilience and renewal, attracting visitors with its stunning vistas, outdoor activities, and poignant historical sites.
The mountain's accessibility via cable car makes it a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking respite from city life and spectacular photo opportunities. Trebević offers a unique blend of natural beauty, Olympic heritage, and wartime history, creating a compelling destination that tells the story of Bosnia and Herzegovina's complex past while showcasing its natural splendor. The summit provides an unparalleled vantage point over Sarajevo's red-roofed buildings, minarets, and the surrounding Dinaric Alps.
Top Things to Do in Mount Trebević
Cable Car Ride to Summit
Take the modern cable car system that connects Sarajevo's city center to Mount Trebević's summit in just 9 minutes. The journey offers spectacular aerial views of the city, valleys, and surrounding mountains, making it an attraction in itself.
Booking Tip: Tickets cost around 15-20 BAM for a round trip and can be purchased at the base station. Visit during clear weather for best views, and consider timing your trip for sunset. No advance booking required, but expect queues during peak summer months and weekends.
Explore the Olympic Bobsled Track
Walk along the abandoned but iconic bobsled and luge track from the 1984 Winter Olympics, now covered in colorful graffiti art. This haunting yet beautiful site offers insight into both Olympic glory and the impact of war on the infrastructure.
Booking Tip: Access is free and the track is always open, but wear sturdy shoes as the concrete can be slippery. Best visited during daylight hours for safety and photography. Consider hiring a local guide for historical context, which costs around 50-80 BAM for small groups.
Hiking and Nature Trails
Explore numerous hiking trails that wind through Trebević's forests and meadows, offering varying difficulty levels from easy walks to challenging mountain hikes. The trails provide opportunities to spot local wildlife and enjoy pristine mountain air.
Booking Tip: Trails are free to access year-round, but spring through fall offers the best conditions. Bring water, snacks, and appropriate hiking gear. Local hiking groups organize guided tours for 30-50 BAM per person, which can be arranged through Sarajevo tourism offices.
Visit Vidikovac Viewpoint
Experience the main observation deck that provides 360-degree panoramic views of Sarajevo, the Miljacka River valley, and the surrounding mountain ranges. This spot is particularly magical during sunrise and sunset when the city is bathed in golden light.
Booking Tip: Free to access once you reach the summit via cable car. Best photography light occurs 30 minutes before sunset. Bring warm clothing as temperatures can be significantly cooler than in the city below, especially in evening hours.
Mountain Biking Adventures
Navigate exciting mountain biking trails that range from beginner-friendly paths to challenging downhill routes. The mountain offers well-maintained trails through diverse terrain including forests, meadows, and rocky sections with stunning valley views.
Booking Tip: Bike rentals available at the summit for 25-40 BAM per day, or bring your own via cable car for small additional fee. Best riding conditions are April through October. Consider guided mountain biking tours for 60-100 BAM including equipment and guide.
Getting There
Mount Trebević is easily accessible from Sarajevo city center via the modern cable car system, with the base station located in the Bistrik neighborhood, about a 10-minute walk from the old town. The cable car operates daily (weather permitting) and provides the most scenic route to the summit. Alternatively, visitors can drive up the winding mountain road, though this requires a vehicle suitable for mountain terrain and takes about 45 minutes from the city center. Public transportation options are limited, making the cable car the most practical and enjoyable option for most visitors.
Getting Around
Once at the summit, Mount Trebević is best explored on foot, as the main attractions and viewpoints are within walking distance of the cable car station. Well-marked hiking trails connect various points of interest, including the Olympic bobsled track and different viewpoints. For those planning longer hikes or mountain biking adventures, rental equipment is available at the summit facilities. During winter months, some areas may require appropriate footwear for snow and ice conditions. The compact nature of the main tourist area makes it easy to navigate without additional transportation.
Where to Stay
Sarajevo Old Town
Baščaršija District
Marijin Dvor
Ilidža
Bistrik Neighborhood
Centar Municipality
Food & Dining
Dining options on Mount Trebević itself are limited to a restaurant at the cable car summit station, which serves traditional Bosnian cuisine with spectacular views. For the best culinary experiences, visitors typically dine in Sarajevo before or after their mountain visit. The city offers everything from traditional ćevapi and burek to international cuisine, with many restaurants in the old town providing authentic Bosnian hospitality. Pack snacks and water if planning extended hiking or outdoor activities on the mountain, as food options become scarce away from the main summit area.
Top-Rated Restaurants in Sarajevo
Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)
When to Visit
The ideal time to visit Mount Trebević is from late spring through early fall (May to October) when weather conditions are most favorable for outdoor activities and cable car operations. Summer months offer the warmest temperatures and longest daylight hours, perfect for hiking and sightseeing, though this is also the busiest period. Spring and autumn provide excellent visibility, fewer crowds, and comfortable temperatures, making them perfect for photography and peaceful mountain experiences. Winter visits can be magical with snow-covered landscapes, but weather conditions may affect cable car operations and trail accessibility.
Insider Tips
Visit during weekday mornings for the best chance of clear views and fewer crowds, as afternoon clouds often roll in and obscure the panoramic vistas
Bring layers of clothing as temperatures on the mountain can be 10-15 degrees cooler than in Sarajevo, especially during evening hours and shoulder seasons
The abandoned bobsled track extends for several kilometers - explore beyond the main visible section for unique graffiti art and fewer tourists, but always prioritize safety and stick to stable concrete sections