I have had such a great opportunity for hiking here. My Airbnb is located at the base of Olympic Mountain, situated only a 15-minute walk downhill to Old Town. If I traverse across from where I am, in 40 minutes I find myself at the entrance to an extensive trail system. Hiking on beautiful Mount Trebevic in Sarajevo is good for my soul.
Getting There
There is no end to routes, but here are my favourite. Find your way to Dolovi Street (link here) and follow this road up and into the forest. At multiple places along the road, once you are high enough, you will see arrow signs leading the way into the various trails and paths for hiking and biking.
A fun option is to take the cable car up from the base of the mountain. A one-way ticket to the top will cost you 20KM or $15 CAD. Once you have arrived, you now have access to the entire mountain and the trails are extensive, going down every side.
Abandoned Buildings
One of my favourite parts of hiking this mountain are all of the abandoned buildings I have been able to explore. These are sadly the result of the civil war that occurred 30 years ago. Some are historic like Bistrik Tower, an Austro-Hungarian fortress built before WWI as an observation post.
Others are old houses and farmsteads and even an observatory! The only one of its kind in Bosnia at the time it was built in 1972. During the war, it too was destroyed and remains a shell of its former existence.
Flowers
Perhaps my favourite part of hiking this mountain are the wildflowers. I am seemingly always surrounded, by the prettiest, and most dainty yellows, blues, whites and pinks.
Not only the flowers but the number of bees, butterflies and insects swarming around these blossoms are tremendous in number. Sometimes, I have to cross to the other side of the path or road, as I’m sure there is a huge nest just beside me, the buzzing is that loud!
Trees
Offering hikers an ever present and in the summer months, heaven sent shade, are the tall pines and deciduous trees like the birch. These beautiful big trees offer dappling sunlight early in the mornings and filtered light for the remainder of the day.
The aroma of sun baked pine needles is ever present and such an intoxicating smell. Birds are constantly fluttering in and out of the branches, and even squirrels running amok as they search for nuts.
Olympic Bobsled
I wrote an entire post on this experience, as its just so cool, but I need to mention it here as well. Yes, there is the entire 1984 Olympic bobsled track on the side of Mount Trebevic! Hikers can hop up at any point, and follow this graffiti lined ride to the top or bottom.
I have walked it up and down, and can tell you it is such a unique experience. Now 40 years old this year, the concrete structure is still in good nick. There are a few larger holes from being shelled during the war, but I never once felt unsafe on any part of it.
Views
I could not write this post without mentioning the stunning views from all parts of this mountain. I’ll never miss an opportunity to peek through a clearing or climb a knoll to see what the view is like. And have I ever found some treasures. One can see the entire expanse of the city of Sarajevo, its just incredible.
Pause for moments and try to spot your favourite mosque or church in Old Town, or perhaps your hotel. A sweeping view of the valley, river, bridges and skyscrapers is always such a pleasure to behold.
I hope when you visit Sarajevo you will have the opportunity to hike up and into the forest on Mount Trebevic. It is an absolutely gorgeous piece of nature that sits on the city’s doorstep. I feel most at peace in nature and being able to hike here every other day, has been a joyous way for me to spend a summer month.
