Things to Do in Olympic Mountains, Bosna i Hercegovina / Босна и Херцеговина

The Olympic Mountains in Bosnia and Herzegovina represent one of the country's most spectacular natural treasures, centered around the dramatic peaks that hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics. Located near Sarajevo, this mountainous region encompasses Jahorina, Bjelašnica, Igman, and Trebević mountains, offering a perfect blend of Olympic history, pristine wilderness, and traditional Bosnian mountain culture. The area transforms dramatically with the seasons, from world-class skiing and winter sports venues to lush hiking trails and mountain biking routes in summer. Beyond the Olympic legacy, these mountains provide an authentic glimpse into Bosnia's natural beauty and cultural heritage. Traditional mountain villages dot the landscape, where locals still practice centuries-old customs and serve hearty mountain cuisine. The region offers everything from challenging alpine adventures to peaceful nature walks, making it accessible to travelers of all fitness levels while providing stunning panoramic views of the Dinaric Alps.

Top Things to Do in Olympic Mountains

Olympic Mountain Skiing

Experience world-class skiing on the same slopes that hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics, particularly on Jahorina and Bjelašnica mountains. These resorts offer excellent powder snow, well-maintained pistes for all skill levels, and modern lift systems with stunning alpine views.

Booking Tip: Ski passes cost around 25-35 BAM per day, with equipment rental available for 20-30 BAM. Book accommodations early for peak season (December-March), and consider weekday visits for better prices and fewer crowds.

Olympic Mountains Hiking

Explore extensive hiking trails through pristine mountain wilderness, including routes to Olympic peaks and traditional shepherding areas. The trails offer varying difficulty levels, from gentle valley walks to challenging summit climbs, all with spectacular views of the Dinaric Alps.

Booking Tip: Guided hikes cost 40-80 BAM per person depending on duration and group size. Best hiking months are May through October, with early morning starts recommended in summer. Always check weather conditions and inform someone of your hiking plans.

Traditional Mountain Village Tours

Visit authentic Bosnian mountain villages where traditional lifestyles are still preserved, experiencing local customs, handicrafts, and hospitality. These tours often include visits to working farms, traditional cheese-making demonstrations, and home-cooked meals with local families.

Booking Tip: Village tours cost 50-100 BAM per person including meals and activities. Book through local operators in Sarajevo or directly with mountain guesthouses. Spring through autumn offers the best experience when villages are most active.

Olympic Bobsled Track Exploration

Explore the abandoned but historically significant bobsled track on Mount Trebević, now covered in striking street art and offering a unique blend of Olympic history and post-war cultural expression. The track provides excellent photo opportunities and panoramic views of Sarajevo below.

Booking Tip: Access is free, but consider hiring a local guide for 30-50 BAM to learn about the track's history and significance. Wear sturdy shoes as the concrete can be slippery, and visit during daylight hours for safety and better photography.

Mountain Biking Adventures

Navigate challenging mountain biking trails through Olympic mountain terrain, ranging from gentle forest paths to technical downhill routes. The area offers some of the best mountain biking in the Balkans with well-marked trails and stunning alpine scenery.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals cost 30-50 BAM per day, with guided tours available for 80-120 BAM including equipment. Best season is May through October, with trail maps available from Sarajevo bike shops. Always wear protective gear and carry repair tools.

Getting There

The Olympic Mountains are easily accessible from Sarajevo, located just 20-40 kilometers from the capital depending on which mountain you're visiting. Sarajevo International Airport receives flights from major European cities, with regular bus connections to the city center. From Sarajevo, you can reach the mountains by rental car (recommended for flexibility), taxi (50-80 BAM depending on destination), or local buses that run to major ski resorts during winter season. The roads are generally well-maintained, though winter driving requires snow chains and careful attention to weather conditions.

Getting Around

A rental car provides the most flexibility for exploring the Olympic Mountains, allowing you to access remote trails and villages at your own pace. During ski season, shuttle buses operate between Sarajevo and major resorts like Jahorina and Bjelašnica for 10-15 BAM each way. Taxis can be arranged for day trips but are more expensive at 100-150 BAM for a full day. For serious hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, many trails are accessible on foot from mountain villages where you can arrange accommodation. Local guesthouses often provide transportation to trailheads as part of their services.

Where to Stay

Jahorina Ski Resort

Bjelašnica Mountain Lodge

Pale Town Center

Igman Mountain Villages

Trebević Guesthouses

Traditional Mountain Huts

Food & Dining

Mountain dining in the Olympic region focuses on hearty traditional Bosnian cuisine perfect for outdoor adventures. Mountain lodges and guesthouses serve specialties like lamb under the bell (ispod sača), mountain trout, homemade cheeses, and warming stews. Many establishments source ingredients locally, including wild game, forest mushrooms, and herbs. Ski resorts offer more international options alongside traditional fare, while village guesthouses provide authentic home-cooking experiences often included in accommodation packages. Don't miss trying local rakija (fruit brandy) and mountain honey, both produced in the region.

When to Visit

The Olympic Mountains offer distinct seasonal experiences, with winter (December-March) being ideal for skiing and winter sports when snow conditions are excellent and Olympic venues are fully operational. Summer months (June-September) provide perfect hiking weather with mild temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and accessible high-altitude trails. Spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November) offer fewer crowds, beautiful scenery, and moderate weather, though some higher trails may still have snow in spring. Winter sports enthusiasts should visit January-February for the best snow conditions, while hikers will find July-August optimal for accessing the highest peaks.

Insider Tips

Purchase a Sarajevo-Olympic Mountains combination pass during winter for discounted access to multiple ski areas and transportation

Stay in traditional mountain guesthouses rather than resort hotels for authentic experiences and home-cooked meals at much lower prices

Pack layers regardless of season as mountain weather can change rapidly, and always carry rain gear even during summer months

Things to Do in Olympic Mountains