Sarajevo Urban Mountain Hike: Old Town to Trebevic Summit｜Bosnia and Herzegovina

This urban mountain hiking experience begins at Trg Prve brigade policije, the square located directly across from Sarajevo City Hall (Vijećnica), in the heart of the Old Town. The tour both starts and ends at this central location, forming a complete circular route that connects Sarajevo’s historic core with its surrounding mountain landscape. The starting point lies at approximately 540 meters above sea level, from where the hike gradually ascends toward the summit of Mount Trebević.
From the meeting point, the route continues entirely on foot through traditional old mahallas, narrow streets, and lesser-known corners of Sarajevo’s historic center. As we move away from the busy streets of Baščaršija, the urban environment slowly transitions into quieter residential areas and eventually into nature, offering a unique blend of city life and mountain scenery.
The trail leads toward Mount Trebević and reaches the iconic Olympic bobsleigh track, originally built for the 1984 Winter Olympics. During the war in the 1990s, parts of the track were used by Serbian forces as defensive positions. Holes were made in the concrete for rifle use, and the structure served as a shield. These wartime scars are still visible today and represent an important historical element of the tour. We spend approximately 10 minutes at the bobsleigh track for photos, exploration, and storytelling before continuing the hike.
Beyond the bobsleigh track, the route enters forested terrain and follows well-defined hiking paths and ridgelines. Several viewpoints along the way offer impressive panoramic views over Sarajevo, highlighting the contrast between the dense urban valley below and the surrounding mountains.
The hike continues toward the summit of Mount Trebević, reaching an elevation of 1,629 meters above sea level. The tour involves a total elevation gain of approximately 1,090 meters, making it a rewarding but physically engaging experience. The full walking distance is approximately 21 kilometers, depending on conditions and group pace, with an average duration of 7 to 8 hours, including breaks, viewpoints, and historical stops.
The descent follows a different trail, providing varied scenery and a fresh perspective of the mountain before reconnecting with familiar paths that lead back toward the city. This creates a diverse and well-balanced hiking loop.
The tour concludes back at Trg Prve brigade policije, where it began. Throughout the hike, your guide shares insights into Sarajevo’s history, Olympic legacy, wartime experiences, and natural surroundings, offering an authentic urban-to-mountain adventure that combines culture, history, and nature in one complete experience.