This is quite possibly the most unique hike I have done in a very long time. Not only are you immersed in nature, below a canopy of soaring pines and beautiful deciduous trees, but you are walking the length of a luge! Come hike the 1984 Olympic bobsled track with me in Sarajevo.
Getting There
Two methods are standing out, depending on your endurance. Firstly, you can hike your way up from old town to the finish line (50 minutes) and from there walk up the track. Use Dolovi Street as your guide and follow it up into the forest.
The second method, and one to make the hike easier is to take the cable car to the top of the mountain and hike down. Not five minutes from the exit of the car, will you find the entrance to the bobsled track. Cost is 20BAM for one way.
The Track
I have never ever seen a bobsled track, so this was the coolest thing for me. It is such a unique thing to walk along. These Olympics were exactly 40 years ago now, and this old concrete structure is maintaining its strength.
There are parts that are overgrown, especially the off chutes, where the speeding cars would go off the main track in order to slow down and stop.
The entire time I was walking down, I was thinking about how incredibly fast these vehicles move inside here. Only when you are walking this, do you fully comprehend how narrow that space is and how high the sides are to keep the car on the track.
Graffiti
I think we all know by now, how much I love graffiti and street art. Well, I was overwhelmed here. For much of the track is absolutely covered in art. In spots, its so thick, from being painted over multiple times, that the paint is chipping off in large thick chunks.
And the colour! Itโs a cacophony of bright and vivid imagery. Like the rainbow has been vomited onto the track. ๐๐
My favourite pieces are always the pictorial ones, but the font and letters here are absolutely a delight to see as well. I love the creativity and felt I was surrounded by the expressionism of the youth of Sarajevo.
Nature
The walk down takes so much longer than I expected. For some reason I was thinking it would be 10 minutes, however it was more like 40. Most of the time, visitors will be in the shade from the tall trees, which is a blessing in the summer months.
Bees are buzzing past, wild flowers are sending their seed puffs into the air, and its so quiet, only the birds are creating a sweet and constant chatter.
Echo
One thing that is so interesting and cool. I was walking this as a solo person, but if you have company, one person should go ahead and one lag behind. The bends in the track cause an echo effect. When one person speaks, the other will hear them as if they are standing side by side!
Even though I was alone, I did experience this twice and it was quite unsettling. ๐ I could hear people talking, like they were right behind me! But when I turned to look, no one was there. ๐๐ I have to say it was a little unnerving each time it happened but so interesting at the same time.
I can definitely recommend doing this hike to anyone visiting Sarajevo. Donโt worry if you are not a serious hiker, this is doable, so unique and very fun. I know this will be a highlight of my time here in the city, something I will take with me and talk about for ages, its that great.
