The spirit of the Winter Olympics | Hike along the bobsleigh track

Explore Sarajevo’s Olympic Past and Mountain Views on a Unique Hike

This 4-hour tour offers a fascinating journey into Sarajevo’s Olympic history while blending outdoor adventure and cultural sights. Starting from Vijenica and ending back at Sarajevo’s City Hall, the experience takes you just 10 minutes via cable car up to Trebevi mountain. Along the way, you’ll walk along the remnants of the 1984 Winter Olympics bobsleigh track, now marked by colorful graffiti, and enjoy panoramic overlooks of the city.

What makes this tour stand out is the chance to walk through historic Olympic sites, combined with natural landscapes and traditional Bosnian cuisine. The small group setting, limited to 8 participants, ensures a personalized experience. The only consideration is that the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and travelers should wear comfortable shoes for the approximately 8 km hike.

Pricing is flexible—you can reserve now and pay later—and the tour includes a ticket for the cable car and a Bosnian snack. This experience appeals most to those interested in sports history, outdoor exploration, and enjoying spectacular city views from mountain vantage points.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Duration: 4 hours, with flexible start times based on availability
• Location: Starts at Vijenica, with a short walk to Sarajevo City Hall
• Highlights: Walk along the 1984 Winter Olympics bobsleigh track, visit Trebevi mountain, and enjoy stunning views of Sarajevo
• Includes: Cable car ticket and a Bosnian mezze snack at a local restaurant
• Physical activity: Approximately 8 km hike with varied terrain, suitable for most who are comfortable with outdoor walking
• Group size: Limited to 8 participants for a more intimate experience

Meeting at Sarajevo City Hall and Starting the Adventure

The tour begins opposite the Sarajevo sign at City Hall, where the guide shares insights about the city’s history, including its resilience during the siege and its Olympic legacy. After a brief introduction, a short walk takes travelers to the cable car station, which quickly transports everyone up to Trebevi mountain.

This initial step sets the tone, blending history with scenic travel. The cable car ride is a highlight, offering a quick ascent with views of Sarajevo gradually unfolding below. Once on Trebevi, the real exploration begins along the old bobsleigh track—a relic from the 1984 Winter Olympics, now a canvas for vibrant graffiti art.

Walking Along the Old Bobsleigh Track from 1984

The core of the tour is the hike along the ancient bobsleigh track. Once lined with eager spectators during the Olympics, the concrete track now features graffiti by artists and travelers alike, adding a colorful contrast to its historic structure. The downhill walk offers ample opportunities to admire the artworks and imagine the excitement of Olympic competitions.

The track ends at a lookout point with breathtaking views of Sarajevo sprawling out beneath the mountain. From here, the trail continues on gravel paths, descending through village lanes as the scenery shifts from mountain wilderness to the outskirts of the city.

Exploring Old Neighborhoods and Village Lanes

After leaving the Olympic site, the route takes travelers through old neighborhoods and village lanes, revealing a quieter side of Sarajevo beyond the bustling city center. The walk is gentle, with the terrain mainly on gravel and gentle slopes, making it accessible for most participants.

This part of the journey emphasizes local life and the blend of natural and urban landscapes. The walk concludes at a Bosnian restaurant that boasts spectacular views over Sarajevo, offering a perfect spot to relax.

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Enjoying a Bosnian Snack with Mountain Views

At the local restaurant, visitors can unwind with a Bosnian mezze, included in the tour. The setting provides a peaceful backdrop, where you can savor traditional flavors while taking in the panoramic vistas of Sarajevo at your feet. It’s an ideal moment to reflect on the journey and recharge before heading back.

Guests can then choose to relax at the restaurant with a drink or stroll back to the city either on foot or by arranged taxi. The 15-minute walk back to Vijenica makes for a leisurely end to the experience.

Logistics of the Tour: From Meeting Point to Return

The tour begins at Vijenica, across from Sarajevo City Hall, making it easy to find. The small group size ensures a relaxed pace, and transport arrangements—either walking or taxi—are organized to return to the starting point.

Participants are advised to bring comfortable and sports shoes, a reusable water bottle, and be prepared for outdoor walking over rougher terrain. The total hike length is about 8 kilometers, making it suitable for most physically active travelers.

The Scenic Journey from Urban History to Mountain Views

This experience offers a balance of city history and mountain scenery. The cable car ride sets the tone, whisking visitors from the urban landscape to the mountain’s edge, where the Olympic remnants and views of Sarajevo provide a compelling backdrop.

Walking along the bobsleigh track bridges the past and present, with graffiti and ruins telling stories of Olympics and resilience. The viewpoints serve as highlights of the tour, offering memorable perspectives of Sarajevo’s sprawling architecture and lush surroundings.

Visiting the Old Bobsleigh Ruins and Graffiti Art

The remains of the 1984 bobsleigh track are visually striking, with their concrete structures now covered in imaginative graffiti. While the site is a reminder of Sarajevo’s Olympic dreams, it also reflects urban art and tourism’s influence.

The graffiti artworks add splashes of color and personality, making the site lively despite its abandoned state. This part of the tour is both a historical exploration and a chance to appreciate contemporary street art.

Final Stop at the Mountain Restaurant with Views

The Bosnian restaurant perched on the mountain offers spectacular views over Sarajevo. Here, the included mezze snack allows visitors to relax and enjoy local flavors in a scenic setting. The atmosphere is laid-back, perfect for digesting the sights and sounds of the day.

Travelers can stay and enjoy the environment or take the short walk back to the city. The overall pace is leisurely, making it accessible for most outdoor enthusiasts.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This tour is ideal for history buffs interested in the Olympics, outdoor lovers, and those eager to see less-visited parts of Sarajevo. It suits travelers who enjoy hiking but want a manageable route with spectacular views and cultural insights.

While not suitable for wheelchair users, the tour offers a combination of outdoor activity, historical storytelling, and scenic relaxation. It’s a solid choice for small groups seeking a personalized experience blending history, nature, and local cuisine.

The Sum Up: A Memorable Mix of History, Nature, and Views

The Spirit of the Winter Olympics tour provides a unique look at Sarajevo’s Olympic past through a scenic 8 km hike along the old bobsleigh track. With stunning mountain vistas, a cable car ride, and a relaxing meal with panoramic views, it combines outdoor adventure with cultural storytelling.

While the terrain may challenge some, the small group size and flexible logistics ensure an intimate and comfortable experience. This tour is especially well-suited for active travelers with an interest in sports history, urban exploration, and mountain scenery.

Overall, it’s a worthwhile journey into Sarajevo’s Olympic legacy and natural beauty, capturing both the resilience and charm of this vibrant city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children or families?
Since the route involves outdoor walking of about 8 kilometers and uneven terrain, it is best suited for adults or active children. The tour is not recommended for wheelchair users.

What should I bring for the hike?
Participants should wear comfortable or sports shoes and bring a reusable water bottle for hydration during the walk.

Are food and drinks included?
Yes, a Bosnian mezze snack is included at the mountain restaurant, allowing visitors to enjoy local flavors after the hike.

Can I join the tour if I don’t speak German or Bosnian?
Yes, the live tour guides speak English, German, Bosnian, and Serbo-Croatian, making it accessible for most travelers.

How do I get back to Sarajevo after the tour?
The return can be on foot via a 15-minute walk or by a taxi arranged by the tour. The ending point is Vijenica, near Sarajevo City Hall.

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