Sarajevo Canton: Discover Nature and Cultural Heritage

Sarajevo Canton offers a range of reasons to stay: spring landscapes, caves and mountain areas sit alongside places of significant cultural heritage. When looking for a hotel, you can first consider which of these interests will shape your trip. The natural areas and museums offer different highlights for your time here.

Spring Landscapes, Trails and Caves

Vrelo Bosne is the source area of the Bosna River. It lies southwest of Sarajevo, below the slopes of Igman and Bjelašnica. Paved paths lead to lakes with swans; Velika aleja is suitable for walking, jogging and cycling. The tram runs to the terminus in Ilidža. From there, it is about a ten-minute walk to the start of the 3.5-kilometre-long Velika aleja. Check the connection before your trip.

The Skakavac area offers good conditions for hiking, mountain biking and various extreme sports. Skakavac Waterfall is 98 metres high and is one of the largest waterfalls in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bijambare offers a different landscape: rolling mountain meadows meet dense forests and limestone ridges.

The Middle Bijambare Cave is developed, lit and open to visitors. Its approximately 500-metre route follows a paved path through four chambers. Check the opening arrangements before visiting. Bijambare also has cycling, educational and forest trails. A tourist train runs between the entrance and the centre of the core area; as its service may vary seasonally, it is advisable to check the latest information.

Mountain Areas and Protected Landscapes

The protected landscape of Trebević is divided into three protection zones, including a strictly protected core area. During the 1984 Sarajevo Winter Olympics, bobsleigh and luge events were held there. Trebević offers opportunities for hiking and mountain biking and is accessible by the Sarajevo cable car. Check whether it is operating before making plans. The astronomical observatory at Čolina Kapa is also part of the protected landscape’s cultural and historical heritage.

Bentbaša has facilities for walking, running and cycling, as well as opportunities for families to relax. Its ecological diversity is also remarkable: the landscape includes 70 habitat types, 169 plant species and 50 bird species. One example of architectural heritage is Kozija ćuprija, a single-arch stone bridge made from local white stone and tuff. Its architectural style is attributed to the 16th century.

The Dolovi necropolis, designated a national monument, lies near Umoljani. It comprises 53 medieval tombstones, eleven old nišans and the remains of an unexplored building that may have been a church. The necropolis is 1.5 kilometres from the entrance to Umoljani, next to the local road; access is not regulated.

Museums and the History of Sarajevo

The National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina was founded in 1888 and is the country’s oldest Western-style cultural and scientific institution. Its purpose-built complex comprises four pavilions and a botanical garden and was inaugurated in 1913. The medieval department preserves around 11,500 objects relating to medieval Bosnian and Herzegovinian culture from the 6th to the 15th century. There are also two open-air exhibitions of stećak tombstones.

The public institution Museum of Sarajevo comprises five museum buildings and presents the city’s history from prehistoric times to the Austro-Hungarian period. Brusa Bezistan was built in 1551 by Rustem Pasha, grand vizier to Suleiman the Magnificent. Today, the building houses the permanent exhibition of the Museum of Sarajevo; its archaeological displays cover prehistory, antiquity and the Middle Ages. The Museum Sarajevo 1878–1918 offers another historical perspective: its permanent exhibition covers Austro-Hungarian rule and Sarajevo’s development into a modern urban centre.

The Tunel spasa also offers insight into a distinctive chapter of the city’s history. The Butmir side, which is open to visitors, offers a historical experience at the authentic site of the tunnel’s construction and operation, as well as an exhibition on the Siege of Sarajevo. The Tunel spasa includes the original entrance on the Butmir side, 25 metres of authentic tunnel and 100 metres of revitalised original tunnel passage. This section recreates the interior of the tunnel during its operation from 1993 to 1995. Check the latest visitor information before visiting.

A Different Focus in Winter

If winter sports are part of your travel plans, the Babin Do ski area on Bjelašnica offers a different option. It has eight ski runs and five children’s slopes. Three gondola lifts and five ski lifts lead to the summit of Bjelašnica, at 2,067 metres. As the operating infrastructure may change, check the latest information before making plans.

Discover more destinations: Ilijaš, Hadžići, Umoljani, Faletići, Vogošća, Ilidža, Trnovo, Ljubovčići, Vrančići, Garež.

For the broader travel overview: Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.