The Olympic Beauty: Bjelašnica
Olympic mountain near Sarajevo
Bjelašnica is a mountain that captivates with its beauty both in winter and summer. It may be wild at times, but it's hard to decide in which season it’s more attractive, as it’s uniquely stunning in both January and July. Located in the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina, just 35 km from Sarajevo's center and 25 km from Sarajevo International Airport, the mountain offers remarkable views. Babin Do is at an altitude of 1268 m, while the peak of Bjelašnica reaches 2067 m, covered with lush green grass in the summer and up to 3 meters of snow in the winter. Winter temperatures can drop as low as -41 °C, with wind gusts reaching up to 150 km/h.
Bjelašnica in Winter
Bjelašnica boasts the highest ski resort in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the most challenging slopes, used for the men's competitions during the 1984 Winter Olympics. The winter season, which often lasts from November to May, brings snowdrifts several meters high, presenting a thrilling challenge for winter sports enthusiasts. It's a top destination for skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and snowshoeing. The modern Ski Center offers 14 km of trails for all alpine disciplines and snowboarding, making it an essential destination for nature lovers and winter sports fans.
The Ski Center includes 3 chairlifts and 5 ski lifts that take you to the top of Bjelašnica at 2067 m. Some of the slopes are illuminated for spectacular night skiing. Bjelašnica is also one of the most attractive destinations for ski touring, with its glacial valleys, limestone peaks, and untouched nature. It's also a host to prestigious competitions like the FIS Europa Cup in Super-G for women in 2023 and 2024, drawing over 60 athletes from top skiing nations like Austria, France, and the USA.
Bjelašnica in Summer
Despite the harsh winter conditions, Bjelašnica in summer offers a refreshing escape from the heat, with average temperatures around 24 °C. Visitors can enjoy scenic chairlift rides, hiking, via ferrata, canyoning, mountain biking, ziplining, quad rides, and jeep tours to Lukomir. Sports activities like basketball, football, and tennis are also available at the Ski Center.
Summer also brings numerous competitions, fairs, and events to Bjelašnica. Mountain biking is a particularly exciting activity, with thrilling downhill rides or more leisurely panoramic routes for all skill levels. Quad routes offer adventurous rides through nature, making it a must-try for summer visitors.
Javorov Do Recreation Area
Javorov Do, located between 1250 and 1350 meters above sea level, offers a variety of hiking and sports activities. It’s a popular destination for families, with recreation, hiking trails, caves, and a zipline. You can reach Javorov Do via a 40-minute hike from Babin Do, or by quad or car.
Lukomir Village
Lukomir is the highest village in Bosnia and Herzegovina at 1500 m and is still inhabited today. Known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, Lukomir offers a glimpse into traditional life. Visitors can enjoy the local cuisine, outdoor activities, and explore the unique charm of this mountain village.
To enhance your visit to Bjelašnica, we recommend using the services of Rentura.ba for a seamless experience.
Places in this guide
- Ski centar Bjelašnica - Babin do
- Izletište Javorov Do
- Lukomir - The highest village in Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Umoljani