Hiking the Via Dinarica in Bosnia-Herzegovina (Self-guided)
Hiking the Via Dinarica in Bosnia-Herzegovina (Self-guided)
Hiking the Via Dinarica in Bosnia-Herzegovina (Self-guided)
7 Days Starting and ending in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina
Visiting: Sarajevo, Mount Igman, Bjelašnica, Lukomir, Rakitnica Canyon
Tour operator:
Tour code:
608
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a self-guided hiking adventure along the Via Dinarica in Bosnia-Herzegovina, starting in the vibrant city of Sarajevo. Explore the city's rich history before setting off to hike through stunning landscapes, including Mount Igman, a site of the 1984 Winter Olympics, and the Bjelašnica Plateau. Ascend to Observatory Peak for breathtaking views and visit the remote village of Lukomir, the highest in the country, overlooking the Rakitnica Canyon. Traverse old shepherds' trails, cross suspension bridges, and enjoy panoramic vistas from the ridge near Tušila. Comfortable accommodations and meals are provided throughout, with convenient transfers ensuring a seamless journey. Conclude your trek with a return to Sarajevo, where you can further explore this captivating city. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and outdoor adventure in the heart of the Balkans.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In Sarajevo
Location: Sarajevo
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Sarajevo
Arrive in Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia-Herzegovina. If time allows, spend the afternoon exploring the lively city, visiting sights such as the Old Town or Katedrala Srca Isusova (Sacred Heart Cathedral). A visit to Vijecnica (Sarajevo City Hall) is also highly recommended, named as a monument of multiculturalism for Bosnia-Herzegovina, with impressive architecture and an intricate facade of Islamic influence.
Day 2 : Mount Igman 14Km
Location: Mount Igman
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Bjelašnica
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a transfer to Mount Igman. From there, today’s route heads towards Bjelašnica Ski Resort. This was the area used for many of the skiing events during the 1984 Winter Olympics, so many of the facilities and hotels date back to that period.
Walking for the day: 14km, 5-6h, ?750m
Day 3 : Bjelašnica Plateau – Opservatorija – Umoljani
Location: Bjelašnica
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Umoljani
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s route leads across Bjelašnica Plateau, before ascending up to Opservatorija (Observatory Peak) (2,067m), so-called because of a meteorological observatory located there. The observatory dates back to 1878, when the Austro-Hungarian Empire occupied the country and constructed the first meteorological station in the Balkans. Continue following the route to the village of Umoljani, where today’s walk ends.
Walking for the day: 13km, 6-7h, ?850m
Day 4 : Umoljani – Lukomir
Location: Lukomir
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Lukomir
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving Umoljani, today’s route takes you past old water mills while also offering extensive views over Rakitnica Canyon. There is a choice of two routes today, with the more challenging route involving a detour to the summit of Mount Obalj (1,896m). Today’s walk ends in Lukomir, Bosnia-Herzegovina’s highest village, at 1,469m. Please note that there is no luggage transfer to this evening’s accommodation, due to it’s wonderfully remote location.
Walking for the day (option 1): 9km, 3-4h, ?450m
Walking for the day (option 2): 8km, 4-5h, ?700m
Day 5 : Rakitnica Canyon
Location: Rakitnica Canyon
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in a mountain hut in Tušila
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s route leads down into Rakitnica Canyon, following old shepherds’ trails on a long descent to the river’s banks, where you cross an old suspension bridge. Head up again through meadows to Vrela mountain hut, and official Via Dinarica centre located in the Visocica foothills.
Walking for the day: 10km, 5-6h, ?800m
Day 6 : Tušila – Sarajevo
Location: Sarajevo
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Sarajevo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
From Tušila, head across the ridge and take in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, from the opposite side of Rakitnica Canyon. At the end of today’s walk you are transferred to Sarajevo, leaving you time to explore the city.
Walking for the day: 11km, 5-6h, ?850m
Day 7 : Departure
Location: Sarajevo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Departure after breakfast, or extend your stay with an extra night in Sarajevo.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in Sarajevo, Bjelašnica, Umoljani, Lukomir, and a mountain hut in Tušila.
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Meals
Meals included are breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner on most days, with breakfast only on the last day.
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Transfers
Transfers are provided from Tušila to Sarajevo on the last day.
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Transport
Transfers are provided to and from hiking locations, including Mount Igman and Tušila, with a return transfer to Sarajevo, ensuring convenient travel throughout the tour.
What's Not Included
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Luggage Transfer
There is no luggage transfer to the accommodation in Lukomir due to its remote location.
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Meals on Arrival Day
No meals are included on the arrival day in Sarajevo.
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Departure Arrangements
Departure arrangements after breakfast on the last day are not included.
Mode of Transport
Transfers are provided to and from hiking locations, including Mount Igman and Tušila, with a return transfer to Sarajevo, ensuring convenient travel throughout the tour.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays in Sarajevo, Bjelašnica, Umoljani, Lukomir, and a mountain hut in Tušila, with meals included at most locations, providing a cozy retreat after a day of hiking.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of meals are included during the tour?
Meals included are breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner on most days, with breakfast only on the last day. No meals are included on the arrival day in Sarajevo.
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Is luggage transfer available throughout the tour?
Luggage transfer is not available to the accommodation in Lukomir due to its remote location.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
Accommodation is provided in Sarajevo, Bjelašnica, Umoljani, Lukomir, and a mountain hut in Tušila, offering comfortable stays with meals included at most locations.
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Are transfers provided during the tour?
Yes, transfers are provided to and from hiking locations, including Mount Igman and Tušila, with a return transfer to Sarajevo.
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What is the significance of Observatory Peak on the tour?
Observatory Peak, also known as Opservatorija, is significant for its historical meteorological observatory, which was the first in the Balkans, dating back to 1878 during the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
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What can I expect when visiting Lukomir village?
Lukomir is Bosnia-Herzegovina's highest village, offering extensive views over Rakitnica Canyon. It is a remote location, and there is no luggage transfer available to this evening's accommodation.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t
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Oct 25, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.
Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.