By: Gregor Stetchen on Thu May 8, 2008

Bosnia is not the first place you might be thinking about as a hiking destination, given the history of violence during the break-up of the Republic of Yugoslavia, and how Sarajevo is synonymous with the word "sniper" (and Hillary Clinton's courage under fire), but you’ll be pleasantly surprised to know that recently a world of hiking opportunities have opened up in some of the most unspoiled and naturally beautiful mountain ranges in all of Europe. Compared to the over-run coastal throngs of Croatia and Montenegro, Bosnian hiking offers inland adventures that Americans have been slow to discover, but continental hikers have known about for years. Hiking in Bosnia this summer is a viable and affordable option for experienced hikers and new enthusiasts alike.

With unparalleled views into a unique, distinct mountain village culture, very few other hikers, gorgeous forests and mountains ranging from low-elevation to Maglic, a 7,828 foot peak, and the highest in Bosnia & Herzegovina, the hiking opportunities are unparalleled.

Sarajevo, the capital and site of a major airport, is surrounded by five major mountains, and there are many rivers flowing through Bosnia, from the stunning Sava river (which creates a natural border between Bosnia and Croatia), to the Una, the Sana, the country-spanning Bosna, the Drina, and the Neretva, which is crossed by the famous Stari most bridge, a 16th century bridge that was destroyed by a Croatian military formation during in the 1990s, and has since been rebuilt.

As Bosnia is quite small, covering about 51,000 square kilometers, with a population of approximately 4 million, you won’t find yourself overwhelmed by crowds during your trip. Below are two of the major hiking tour companies currently operating in Bosnia and Herzegovina that offer service in English for American visitors.

Mountain Travel Sobek
This company has experience in mountain range travel dating all the way back to 1969, so you know you’ll be in good hands. They offer a 10 day trip which begins and ends in Sarajevo. In between that, you’ll spend 5 days hiking the Bjelasnica Mountains, the Hranisava peak, the Krosjne, the beech forests of Zljeb, Planinica, Ugljesin, Lokva Derneciste, Maglic Mountain (Bosnia’s highest peak), as well as rafting the Neretva river, and visiting Mostar and Lukomir, Bosnia’s highest village.

The level of hiking is moderate to strenuous, so it’s recommended for hikers with some experience, or people who are in shape. Contact the company through their website for scheduling and further details!

Green Visions
An 8 year old Bosnian-owned and Sarajevo based company, Green Visions offers eco-tours and rigidly follow a "Leave No Trace" policy during their hiking tours, and direct much effort and time to lobby the BiH government to protect the green spaces and mountains of Bosnia.

The four-day cultural option is good for beginning hikers, or those who might have more of an interest in the history and culture of the region. The tour hits Sarajevo, Mostar, the villages of Blagaj and Tekija, the Herzeg Stjepan Fort, the Kravica waterfall, includes a boat-ride through the Hutovo Blato marshes, and ends with a canoe trip down the Trebizat river.

For straight-up hiking, Green Visions offers single day and multiple day trips. You can choose from one of three hikes through Sutjeska National Park: Perucica Primeval Forest (which lasts about 6 hours), the two day hike of Maglic Mountain (Bosnia’s highest), and the two-day hike of The Pyramid Peaks & the Zelengora Lakes. On Bjelasnica Mountain, you can take the Dubocani-Vis-Ostro hike, a four hour hike through rugged terrain with marvelous cliffs; and the Bjelasnica Hiker’s Paradise tour, hiking through the pine and beechwood forest of the Gate of Wind, which ends with a steep 45 minute climb to Hranisava.

There are also Green Walk options, for older or inexperienced travelers! Don’t forget to ask, as hiking routes often change, and many new more opportunities may pop up as the hiking season approaches.