Hiking
If you love the outdoors, Sarajevo is an ideal base for exploring some of the region’s most spectacular nature. Surrounded by lush hills and majestic mountains, the city offers trails for all levels—from relaxed forest walks to challenging alpine hikes. Just under an hour away, mountains like Bjelašnica and Jahorina offer panoramic views and well-maintained trails, while nearby Trebević Mountain is perfect for a quick escape into nature with breathtaking views of Sarajevo below.Another must-see is Skakavac Waterfall, located about 12 km from the city center. As one of the tallest waterfalls in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The hike to Skakavac is both scenic and peaceful, with trails winding through dense forest, leading to stunning views of the waterfall and the surrounding landscape.
Sarajevo is also part of the internationally recognized Via Dinarica trail network. Thanks to the efforts of USAID, UNDP, and GIZ, many of these trails – especially around Sarajevo – have been restored, clearly marked, and made more accessible, promoting safe and enjoyable outdoor experiences for all.
Planning your Hike
Check out AllTrails and Wikiloc for trail maps, distances, difficulty levels, and reviews. For guided adventures and curated routes, Funky Tours is a great local resource.
Important Safety Note – Mines
While most marked trails are safe and well-maintained, Bosnia and Herzegovina still has areas affected by landmines, mainly in remote, unmarked zones. Always stay on official paths, follow posted signs, and use trusted sources when planning your route. If in doubt, join a guided tour for added safety and peace of mind.
BH Mine Suspected Areas: This project maps all areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina that are suspected or confirmed to be an active minefield. Last updated on July 11, 2024. For more information, visit Mine Demolition Center in Bosnia & Herzegovina’s website.
Rafting
For an exciting day trip, head to Konjic (about 1.5 hours from Sarajevo) for rafting on the Neretva River. Tours typically include all equipment, an English-speaking guide, hotel transfers, and a BBQ lunch by the river. The river offers a mix of calm and fun rapids, making it great for beginners and families. Popular providers include Funky Tours, Neretva Rafting, and local tour agencies.
For more adventure, some agencies also offer Tara River rafting trips in nearby Montenegro.
Quad Biking
Looking for an adrenaline rush? Quad biking and ATV tours are a fun way to explore Sarajevo’s stunning natural surroundings, including Mount Igman, Bjelašnica, and even Skakavac Waterfall. Tours are available for all skill levels and usually include equipment, a guide, and hotel pickup. You can book short rides or longer adventures that include scenic stops, hiking, or even village BBQs. Popular providers include Europa Adventure and Squad na Quad.
Horseback Riding
If you’re a horse enthusiast, Sarajevo offers several riding schools and clubs that welcome English-speaking riders of all ages and experience levels. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced rider, you’ll find options for lessons, training, and even guided riding tours for small groups. To learn more about each club and what they offer, visit the links below:
Camping
There are numerous camping sites in BiH if you own a caravan or you prefer setting up a tent. These are some of the most popular autocamps in BiH:
- Camp half island Buna
- Autocamp green park
- Una camp bosanska Krupa
- Rafting camp tri vodenice
- River camp Aganovac
- Vrbas camp
Cycling
Cycling in Sarajevo can be a great experience, especially if you’re staying in one of the flatter areas of the city. Between Skenderija and the airport, you’ll find designated bike lanes on both sides of the main roads, along with bike-friendly traffic lights and clearly marked paths that make riding safer and more enjoyable. For route planning, Bikemap offers detailed cycling paths, while Trailforks is a great resource for mountain biking, hiking, and trail running routes, as well as Wikiloc!
“Please be extra vigilent while cycling the streets in BiH. Unfortunately many drivers are not on the lookout for cyclists while driving, so accidents with cyclists do occur”.
If you’re looking to buy a bike, there are several options in the city, such as M-Bike (which also offers bike servicing), bike.ba, and the Planet Bike online store. Prefer to rent instead? You can easily do that too! Check out this link for bike and e-bike rentals in Sarajevo: https://meetbosnia.com/tour/rent-a-bike-or-e-bike-in-sarajevo.
If you like to join a cycling club, visit MTB XC Team Sarajevo‘s website!
Running
If you’re into running, the Sarajevo Running Club (SRC) is a fantastic place to start. They actively connect with members and share updates about group runs and training sessions on their Facebook page, so it’s easy to stay in the loop. For details on races and marathons across Bosnia and Herzegovina, check out deckiuplavom.ba.
One of the season’s highlights is the “Unusual Marathon” in Sarajevo on May 11, offering 42K, 21K, and 10.5K race options. You can register here: stotinka.hr.
If you’re more of a trail runner, the Skakavac Trail is a beautiful option, offering both full and half-distance routes through nature which is perfect for those who enjoy going off-road.
Swimming in the Lakes Around Sarajevo
While Sarajevo is best known for its mountains, it also offers a few peaceful lakeside spots perfect for a refreshing swim during the summer months. One of the most popular is Lake Stojčevac, located near Ilidža and surrounded by greenery – ideal for picnics, easy walks, and dipping your toes on a hot day (though it’s more of a nature escape than a formal swimming area). For a more structured lake-swimming experience, head a bit farther out to Ribnjak Hadžići or Rakovica Lake, where locals often gather for a swim and barbecue in the warmer months.
These spots may not have lifeguards or facilities, so it’s best to bring your own essentials and check with locals about current water conditions. While lake swimming isn’t as developed as in other parts of the region, it offers a calm, scenic alternative for nature lovers looking to cool off near the city.