Sarajevo Olympic mountains – Driving and Walking Tour

Exploring Sarajevo’s Olympic mountains is a rewarding experience, especially if you’re interested in the city’s winter sports past and natural beauty. This Sarajevo Olympic Mountains – Driving and Walking Tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into the sites that celebrated Bosnia’s role in the 1984 Winter Olympics. The tour covers notable mountains like Trebević and Igman, both full of history, scenic vistas, and a touch of nostalgia. With a friendly guide leading the way, it’s a great way to get out of the city for a few hours and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

What I especially like about this tour is its balance of driving and walking—it’s perfect if you want a quick, relaxed overview without the hassle of organizing transport or doing an extensive hike. Plus, the passionate guides—notably Enes—bring stories and insights that elevate the experience far beyond just sightseeing. And at just over $40 per person, it feels like a solid value considering the personalized attention and the rich context you gain.

One possible consideration is that the tour is relatively short—around 2 to 3 hours—so if you’re craving a deep dive into Sarajevo’s Olympic history, this might be a quick taste rather than an in-depth exploration. Also, since it’s weather-dependent, poor conditions could mean rescheduling or a refund, which is good to keep in mind for winter visits.

Key points / Takeaways

Beautiful Scenic Stops: The tour visits iconic mountains that played a role in Sarajevo’s Olympic history, offering photo-worthy views and a sense of nostalgia.
Passionate Guides: Enes and other guides are praised for their knowledge, enthusiasm, and storytelling, making each stop more meaningful.
Historical Highlights: Not just natural beauty—sites like the bobsleigh track on Trebević evoke memories of a bygone era and are considered some of the most photogenic abandoned sites worldwide.
Value for Money: At $40.49, the tour provides a good mix of transportation, sightseeing, and local insights, especially for those short on time.
Flexible and Convenient: Pickup is offered from a central Sarajevo location, and the mobile ticket makes it easy to join without fuss.
Suitable for Most Travelers: With a maximum group size of 100 and most travelers able to participate, it’s accessible to a wide audience.

Discovering Sarajevo’s Olympic Mountains: The Guide’s View

If you’re like me, the idea of visiting Olympic sites sparks curiosity—especially when they’re surrounded by stunning natural scenery. This Sarajevo Olympic Mountains tour does a fine job of combining both. Starting from Ferhadija 19, you’ll hop into a vehicle and quickly find yourself in the mountains, just a short 30-minute drive from the city. The proximity makes it a perfect half-day escape.

The first stop, Trebević Mountain, is famous for its panoramic views and the abandoned bobsleigh track. The track, often called “the most beautiful abandoned place in the world,” draws photographers, journalists, and fans alike. It’s a compelling reminder of Sarajevo’s Olympic past and is surprisingly easy to explore during this quick visit. Walking along the track, you’ll appreciate how nature has reclaimed it, and it’s a vivid piece of sports history frozen in time.

Next, the tour heads to Igman Mountain, where the pristine scenery and Olympic legacy combine. Igman was vital during the 1984 Winter Olympics, hosting events like cross-country skiing and ski jumping. You’ll get a sense of its significance—plus, the views from Igman are a highlight, with wide-open spaces and mountain peaks that stretch far into the horizon.

The guides, especially Enes, bring stories alive with their passion and knowledge. One reviewer called Enes “the best guide they’ve ever encountered,” praising his ability to share both factual details and personal stories that make each stop memorable. This personal touch is what elevates the experience from a simple sightseeing tour to a meaningful encounter.

Itinerary Breakdown: What To Expect on Your Tour

Start at Ferhadija 19—the meeting point is central, easy to find, and the tour kicks off at 9:00 am. Expect to spend around 2 to 3 hours exploring, with short stopovers at each site. The tour is designed to be leisurely, so don’t expect a rushed pace; instead, it’s about soaking in the sights and stories.

Trebević Mountain: Your first stop, just 30 minutes from Sarajevo, is a mix of stunning vistas and a walk through Olympic history. The highlight is the abandoned bobsleigh track, which feels like a scene from a post-apocalyptic film—yet it’s a beloved symbol of Sarajevo’s Olympic days. Entry is free, and you can spend as much time as you like walking along the track or taking photos.

Igman Mountain: Also about 30 minutes away, Igman offers a different vibe—more pristine and peaceful, with wide open spaces perfect for photos. The landscape is still recognizable from the Olympics, and the guide will share stories about the events held here, adding context for history buffs.

Jewish Cemetery: The tour concludes with a visit to the Jewish Cemetery—a sobering but significant site that adds depth to the experience, as noted by a reviewer who mentioned learning a lot from Enes. It’s a peaceful spot, and the guide’s storytelling makes it more than just a cemetery—it’s a chapter in Sarajevo’s diverse history.

Return to Sarajevo: The activity ends back at the starting point, leaving you with plenty of time to continue exploring or relax afterward.

Price and Logistics: What You’re Getting for $40.49

Compared to other guided excursions, this tour strikes a good balance of affordability and value. For just over 40 dollars, you get transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and access to key Olympic sites. The mobile ticket and pickup option simplify logistics, making it easy to join without stress.

The tour’s duration—around 2-3 hours—is perfect for busy travelers or those wanting a quick, enriching experience. It caters to most people, with service animals allowed and small group sizes increasing the chance for personal interaction.

The flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance adds peace of mind, especially if weather might impact your plans. Since the experience is weather-dependent, cloudy or snowy days could require rescheduling, but the option for a full refund offers reassurance.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal if you’re interested in Sarajevo’s Olympic past, scenic mountain views, and local stories. It’s most suitable for travelers who have limited time but want to see the highlights without sacrificing depth or authenticity. Nature lovers will enjoy the peaceful mountain scenery and fresh air, while history enthusiasts will appreciate the stories behind the abandoned tracks and Olympic venues.

Families, small groups, and solo travelers all find value here—just keep in mind the walking component is mild, so it’s accessible for most ages and fitness levels. For those with a passion for photography or a curiosity about Sarajevo’s modern history, this tour offers plenty of compelling sights and tales.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

For its price, this Sarajevo Olympic mountains tour provides a memorable glimpse into a pivotal chapter of the city’s recent past. The combination of scenic stops, passionate guides like Enes, and the opportunity to walk through history makes it a worthwhile addition to your Sarajevo itinerary. Whether you’re a sports fan, a history buff, or simply looking for a scenic escape, this tour hits a nice balance of nature, history, and storytelling.

If you want to see iconic Olympic sites, enjoy easy walks with local insights, and prefer a relaxed pace, this experience offers excellent value. It’s especially perfect if your time in Sarajevo is limited but you still want a meaningful, picturesque outing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, making it a quick but enriching experience.

What is included in the price?
For $40.49 per person, you get transportation, a guide, and access to the Olympic mountain sites. Pickup is offered, and the ticket is mobile for convenience.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the mild walking involved makes it accessible for families and older visitors. Service animals are allowed.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes for walking, a camera for photos, and weather-appropriate clothing—especially if visiting in winter or during unpredictable weather.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

Who is the best guide I might encounter?
Many reviews praise Enes for his knowledge and enthusiasm; asking for him upon booking can greatly enhance your experience.

This guided tour makes a solid choice for travelers wanting a concise, authentic look at Sarajevo’s Olympic mountains, with friendly guides and stunning views that will stick with you long after you leave.