The Trebević Cable Car (Sarajevska Žičara) is a gondola lift that carries visitors from the Bistrik lower station near Obala Kulina bana in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, up Mount Trebević to the Vidikovac summit station. The original lift opened in 1959 and was destroyed during the siege of Sarajevo in the 1990s; a new system reopened in 2018 and is again a popular city attraction. The ride takes about six to seven minutes and rises more than 500 metres above the old town, giving views across the Miljacka valley, the red roofs of Baščaršija, the minarets, the Vijećnica and the surrounding mountains. At the top, a terrace with a restaurant and café is the starting point for walks on Trebević, a wooded mountain with marked trails and picnic areas. A popular route leads about 20 minutes downhill to the abandoned bobsled track built for the 1984 Winter Olympics, now covered in graffiti, and other trails reach the Vidikovac viewpoint and forest paths. Visitors typically allow two to three hours including walks. The best photo angles are from the cabin looking back over the city and from the summit viewing terrace. Clear mornings and summer weekdays are the best times, when the air is clear and queues are short; weekends and holidays can bring waiting times at the lower station, and strong wind or maintenance can suspend operations. The lift runs seasonally and has a maintenance closure, so visitors should check zicara.ba for current timetables and fares. Earlier published rates listed a return fare of about 20 KM, with children under seven riding free. The lower station is a 10-minute walk from Baščaršija and the Vijećnica.
| Admission | Adult Return fare for foreign visitors was 20 KM (approx USD 11) in earlier published rates; current fares, student discounts and reopening dates are published on zicara.ba · Child Children under 7 ride free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Seasonal; typically daily from about 10AM to evening, with a closure for maintenance in winter or low season. Check zicara.ba before going |
| Typical visit | 2-3 hours including summit walks |
| Best time | Clear mornings; summer weekdays |
| Getting there | Lower station near Bistrik, a 10-minute walk from Baščaršija and Vijećnica; the ride to the Vidikovac summit station on Mount Trebević takes about 6-7 minutes |
| Address | Lower station: Bistrik, Obala Kulina bana, 71000 Sarajevo |
Location
Lower station: Bistrik, Obala Kulina bana, 71000 Sarajevo
43.8605, 18.4366 View on map
Highlights
- Six-minute gondola ride above Sarajevo's old town
- Panoramic view from Vidikovac summit
- Trails on Mount Trebević
- Walk to the 1984 Olympic bobsled track
- Terrace restaurant and café at the top
Tips for visiting
- Check zicara.ba before going: operation is seasonal and weather-dependent.
- Go on a clear morning for the best views.
- Bring a jacket; the summit is cooler than the city.
- Combine the ride with a downhill walk to the bobsled track.
- Buy return tickets if planning to come back by cable car.
When to visit
Clear mornings and summer weekdays; avoid windy days and weekends in peak season.
Accessibility
The cabins and stations are generally accessible at ground level, but visitors with limited mobility should confirm boarding assistance with the operator. Trails at the summit are uneven and unpaved.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does the ride take?
About six to seven minutes each way; the whole trip usually takes two to three hours with walks.
How much is the ticket?
Earlier published return fares were about 20 KM for foreign visitors, with children under seven free. Current fares are listed at zicara.ba.
Is it worth it for kids?
Yes, the cabins and views appeal to children, and the summit has open space and short easy walks.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, visitors can photograph from the cabins and the summit terrace.