Bjelasnica Highland Village Tour
Part of the Via Dinarica White Line
Olympic Mountain Bjelasnica
HIKING TOUR | 4-days | 535€ | This Bosnian adventure tour is part of the Via Dinarica White Trail, which leads through the breathtaking scenery of the Bosnian Olympic Mountain Bjelašnica to the isolated highland village Lukomir, ancient water mills and impressive views of the Rakitnica Canyon and the Bjelašnica and Visočica mountains.
Experienced guides and the crisp mountain air lead you into the rolling, grassy slopes of the Bjelašnica hinterland, just 25 km southwest of Sarajevo, a short 20‑minute escape into pure wilderness.
In the summer months, you can meet shepherds living in traditional summer villages and watch their sheep grazing on the steep slopes of Bjelašnica Mountain. You can drink water from a clean mountain stream, pick wild thyme and blueberries from the hillside for free.
The visit to the traditional highland village Lukomir is a great discovery. A local food produced in this isolated mountain village is a really special experience.
We warmly invite you to join us on this unforgettable journey into the heart of Bosnia's mountain landscapes.
Why not prolong your stay in Bosnia and explore the rich history and vibrant culture of Sarajevo on one of the city tours with a knowledgeable local guide? Check out our city tour, Discover Sarajevo.
TOUR DAY BY DAY
Day 1 - Bjelašnica Mountain & Hranisava climb (1,964m)
Picking up time in Sarajevo at 9:00 AM. Our hiking tour leads us to the mountain hut in the summer village of Stanari, located in the heart of Bjelašnica Mountain at 1,585 meters (the base location for further exploration of the mountain). We will continue to hike through beech and pine forest on the opposite side of the Olympic ski slopes, which is less frequented by hikers and nature lovers. The hike takes us up to the Gate of Wind. From here we are crossing over up to a small shepherd’s hut (at 1.620m), where we will have a lunch break. After lunch, we will start a 1-hour steep climb to the Hranisava peak (1,964m), which will reward us with a beautiful view of Central Bosnia-Herzegovina and its peaks Bukovik, Trebević, Igman, Romanija, Treskavica, Visočica, Velež, Prenj, Čvrsnica, Vran, Vranica and Vlašić, almost all main mountains in the Central Dinaric Alps chain. From the summit, we descend toward the abandoned village of Krošnje (1,660 m), once a traditional summer settlement for shepherds arriving from Herzegovina. The village rests at the foot of Krvavac (2,061 m), a rugged and imposing peak surrounded by dense juniper bushes, locally known as kleka, that rise in tangled walls up to four meters high, giving the valley a raw, untamed feel. After a short break, we follow the trail back to our mountain hut, where we settle in for a well earned night in the highlands. Approximately 5-6 hours of hiking. Accommodation: Mountain Hut, Stanari. Meals: lunch, dinner.
Day 2 - Climb to Greda Peak & Highland Village Lukomir
As dawn breaks, we set out from our “base camp” at the mountain hut on Stanari, traversing the Bjelašnica ridge past the Ljeljen peaks (1,938m) and through Greda pass toward our ultimate destination for the day — the remote highland village of Lukomir. On our way towards the interior of Bjelašnica, there is a possibility of meeting a shepherd with his sheep grazing on the steep slopes of Bjelašnica. After an hour and a half, we begin our gradual climb to Greda, a beautiful pass between Krvavac (Bjelašnica’s second-highest peak 2.062m) and Debela Brda (1.987m). Here we’re treated to another spectacular view, this time toward Bjelašnica’s highest peaks and the rugged ranges of Treskavica, Visočica, Zelengora, and Jahorina. While walking in the fresh mountain air, through soft green grass, we wind our way down to Grkarica source, a true lifesaver in the warm summer months. Leaving the source behind, we continue to walk through the long valley and empty mountainous terrain to today’s final destination: Bosnia's highest mountain village, Lukomir. It is settled at 1,469m, and its residents still follow a traditional shepherd way of life. You will find out more about their “old way” of life and customs. Its dramatic perch on the edge of the plateau rewards visitors with sweeping views over the breathtaking Canyon Rakitnica, as well as the surrounding mountains Obalj and Visočica. Approximately 5-6 hours of hiking. Accommodation: Pension „Ljetna Bašta“, Lukomir Village. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 3 - The Rakitnica Canyon
After a hearty homemade breakfast, we will start today’s hike with a descent into one of the deepest and least explored corners of Europe, the wild Rakitnica Canyon. As we drop lower, ancient water mills appear along the trail, and the canyon walls open into dramatic viewpoints that reveal just how remote and untouched this landscape truly is. The path zigzags relentlessly downhill until we reach the Rakitnica River itself, hidden in the very heart of the canyon. Our long descent along historic shepherd trails finishes with a thrilling crossing of an old suspension bridge, an unmistakable “Indiana Jones” moment, before we climb up the opposite slope toward the isolated village of Bobovica. From here, the terrain softens as we follow rolling meadows and green pastures across the flanks of Visočica Mountain, eventually reaching the Mountain Lodge “Vrela” in the village of Tušila, located at the foot of Visočica Mountain. This will be our “base” for the night. Approximately 4-5 hours of hiking. Accommodation: Mountain Lodge "Vrela", Tušila Village. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Day 4 - The Visočica Mountain with Vito and Drstva Summits
The last day of this incredible adventure offers one of the most beautiful tours on Mount Visočica. The ridge of Vito peak (1,960m), our highest point of today’s hike, is visible in the distance and creates one of the most attractive ridges in the vicinity of Sarajevo. Vito Peak itself is extremely elegant with some stunning 360-degree views, making the climb to the top very worthwhile. After about 45 minutes on the trail, we step into the vast natural amphitheatre of Vito, a dramatic cirque carved by ancient glaciers thousands of years ago. Here, for the first time, the summit reveals itself—towering above us like a stony crown. From this point on, the trail climbs steadily across open mountain slopes, each turn unveiling new horizons and fresh views that pull us onward. As we approach the top of Vito, the landscape opens even wider, and you’ll spot the remote village of Lukomir perched on the opposite side of the canyon, the very place we crossed from the day before. Leaving Vito’s summit behind, we follow the magnificent ridge that links it to Drstva (1,808 m), our final peak of the day. This airy traverse delivers a string of unforgettable vistas, the kind that stay with you long after the hike is over. From here, we drop off the ridge and descend into the forest, following the trail toward the signpost that points the way to the village of Tušila. Following the direction of the arrow and entering the forest, we pass a water spring. In about 30-45 minutes, we reach the road from where we return to the Mountain Lodge „Vrela“.In the afternoon, we settle in for a scenic one hour transfer back to Sarajevo. Approximately 5-6 hours of walking. Meals: breakfast, lunch. Return time: around 7:00 PM.
Price information & additional costs:
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Tour Dates 2026: |
Price: |
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May 28 - 31 |
535 € |
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June 25 – 28 (guaranteed) |
535 € |
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July 13 - 16 |
535 € |
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August 11 - 14 (guaranteed) |
535 € |
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August 27 – 30 |
535 € |
- Prices are per person.
- The tour price is based on a minimum of four (4) participants.
- Individual guests can join an existing group.
- Definite departure will be confirmed to participants by email.
- Participants interested in a private trip may contact Inlandia for an individual offer.
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:
- Transport from Sarajevo to the hike location and back.
- One fully equipped and experienced local English-speaking guide.
- Accommodation in Mountain Hut/Pension.
- Meals: breakfast (3x), lunch (4x), dinner (3x) and snacks.
- Coffee or tea during the hiking tour.
- Tourist taxes.
- Insurance and costs required to organise and operate the trip.
NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE / Additional costs:
- Extra drinks at Mountain Hut.
- Tip for the tour guide, driver and local staff (optional).
- Souvenirs and items of a personal nature.
- Travel insurance (additional health insurance, insurance against accidents, damage or loss of luggage and travel cancellation insurance). For more information, read „Inlandia Terms & Conditions“ or contact us at info@inlandia.com
- All other expenses not covered by the programme.
You need to bring: Hiking boots recommended/Sturdy walking shoes, flashlight, pocket knife, sunglasses, sun cream, 1,5 litre of water, personal hygiene kit, fleece/jumper, rain gear, towel, change of clothes (e.g. dry socks, T-shirt & underwear, trousers), 30 to 40 liter backpack.
DO NOT FORGET!
- Green Card (if travelling by your own car).
- Your passport or Identity Card (depending on the country of origin).
- Bjelašnica Mountain
- Highland village Lukomir
- Legend of Studeni stream & Rakitnica Canyon
- Visočica Mountain
1. Olympic Mountain Bjelašnica is located only 25 km southwest of Sarajevo (a 20-minute drive). It is a part of the Dinaric Alps. Neighbouring mountains are Igman, Treskavica, and Visočica. Bjelašnica is covered with snow from November to May (hence the name, which is similar to white mountain). On the central massif with the highest peak, “Bjelašnica” (2,067m), you will discover a weather station built in 1894, the first in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Therefore, the peak also has a local name, Observatory. From that place began the start of the Olympic downhill during the Winter Olympics in 1984. The hinterland of Bjelašnica, tucked away in ten mountain villages which were once home to about 2,500 inhabitants, before the last Bosnian war of the 1990s. Today, these villages lie mostly deserted, except for a handful of residents who remain. The population is mainly engaged in agriculture and livestock breeding.
2. Highland village Lukomir, locatedat 1,469 m above sea level, is the highest and most isolated village in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is situated in the Bjelasnica Mountains (50 km southwest of Sarajevo), on the 800-metre-high edge of the powerful Rakitnica Canyon, an impressive piece of nature. What makes Lukomir truly distinctive are its centuries-old stone houses covered with hand-cut shingles made of cherry wood and the traditional folk costumes still worn by its villagers. The locals of this mountain village are friendly and hospitable. They will offer you coffee or homemade tea, tell you the legends and folklore of the area, and introduce you to a rare glimpse into a way of life that has changed little over the centuries. Today, the village of Lukomir is a symbol of the historical, cultural, architectural and environmental heritage of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and an increasingly sought-after destination for many hikers and travellers from all over the world.
3. The Studeni stream and Canyon Rakitnica – According to local legend, a dragon emerged from the depths of the Canyon Rakitnica, threatening to devour the villagers. Taking the form of a great serpent, meandering through fields and leaving behind what we know today as Studeni stream. The villagers fled to a nearby hill, asking God to protect them from the dragon. Their prayers were answered, and God turned the dragon to stone. Whoever today sees the Rakitnica Canyon, Studeni potok (stream) and the mentioned rock, with some imagination can believe in this legend. It is difficult to find another explanation for this unusual natural formation and the beauty in one place. The more adventurous and sure-footed hikers can walk along the stream to the point where it flows into the Canyon of River Rakitnica and see a beautiful waterfall of Studeni stream, which plunges in thundering cascades from around 400m height into the river.
4. Visočica Mountain is one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most captivating mountain massifs, a place where rugged peaks, deep canyons, and traces of ancient glaciation come together to form a landscape that feels both wild and timeless. It forms the natural border between Bosnia and Herzegovina. Visočica rises between the Rakitnica Canyon and the upper Neretva Valley, forming a high, undulating plateau with dramatic drops on all sides. Its name comes from the Slavic word visok (“high”), and the mountain lives up to it with an impressive collection of towering summits. The highest peak of Visočica is Džamija (1,967 m above sea level). The slightly lower peaks are Veliki Ljeljen (1,963m), Mali Ljeljen (1,860m), Vito (1,960m), Subar (1,820m), Veliko Brdo (1,884m) and Drstva (1,808m). The massif divides into two distinct zones: the northern side opens into wide alpine pastures at 1,300–1,400 m (once used by seasonal shepherd communities), while the southern side plunges into dense forests that descend toward the Neretva Valley. Visočica is a dream for hikers seeking solitude and raw nature. Cultural heritage: scattered across the mountain are stećci, medieval tombstones from the 14th–15th centuries, found in high-altitude necropolises where no permanent settlements ever existed. These silent stone markers add a mysterious historical layer to the landscape.
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