The Trebević ridge walk is the most convenient mountain outing from central Sarajevo in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Access is by the rebuilt Sarajevo cable car (Žičara Sarajevo), which runs from the Bistrik lower station near the Old Town up to the Vidikovac upper station at roughly 1,100 m. Foreign visitors typically pay about 20-30 KM for a return ticket, and children up to 7 ride free, so no permit, parking or driving is needed. The ride itself takes only a few minutes and gives a broad view over the Miljacka valley and the city's rooftops. From Vidikovac the route follows ridge paths and forest tracks of about 4-6 km round trip depending on the chosen loop, with a total gain of under 200 m, which places it firmly in the easy category suitable for first-time hikers and families. The surface is a mix of gravel track, packed dirt and short stretches of asphalt, with long sections under beech and spruce cover that provide welcome shade in summer. Exposure is minimal, although the ridge edge drops steeply in places and unfenced viewpoints deserve caution with children. The best-known landmark is the abandoned bobsleigh and luge track built for the 1984 Winter Olympics, a concrete ribbon now covered in graffiti and set among the trees. Walking along or beside it is a popular turn-around option, and visitors often continue to the Trebević summit area, which reaches about 1,630 m, only if time and weather allow. Another reasonable turn-around point is the viewpoint near the upper station, where the walk can be shortened to under two hours. Water is not reliably available on the trail, so each person should carry about one litre, although kiosks and a restaurant near the upper cable car station sell drinks and snacks in season. There are no refuge huts, but the upper station facilities offer shelter in sudden rain. Mobile coverage is generally good near the station, and the emergency number is 112. The area was a front line during the 1992-1995 siege, and visitors are advised to stay on marked paths and tracks because of the residual risk of unexploded ordnance off the beaten path.
| Distance | About 4-6 km round trip depending on the loop |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2-3 hours |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Trailhead | Sarajevo cable car from the Bistrik lower station to Vidikovac (zicara.ba); foreign visitors typically pay about 20-30 KM (~$11-17) return, children up to 7 ride free |
| Best season | May-October |
| Address | Vidikovac upper cable car station, Trebević, 71000 Sarajevo |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Mount Trebević, Sarajevo
What to bring
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- 1 litre of water per person
- Light jacket
- Offline map and charged phone (emergency 112)
Location
Vidikovac upper cable car station, Trebević, 71000 Sarajevo
43.8437, 18.4505 View on map
Highlights
- Cable car ride from Bistrik to Vidikovac with views over Sarajevo
- Graffiti-covered 1984 Winter Olympics bobsleigh and luge track
- Shaded forest ridge paths of beech and spruce
- Panoramic viewpoint over the Miljacka valley and the Old Town
Tips for visiting
- Check cable car operating hours and maintenance days at zicara.ba before heading out.
- Stay on marked paths and tracks; mines from the 1990s siege remain a risk off established routes.
- Wear shoes with grip, as the concrete bobsleigh track can be slippery when wet.
- Carry about 1 litre of water per person, since the trail has no reliable source.
- Start before midday in summer to avoid crowds at the cable car queue.
When to visit
May to October offers the most reliable weather; weekday mornings are quietest. Clear autumn afternoons give the best light over the city.
Accessibility
The cable car stations are step-free in places, but the ridge paths are uneven gravel and dirt and are not suited to wheelchairs. Short sections near the upper station may be manageable with a sturdy stroller.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How do visitors get to the Trebević trailhead?
The Sarajevo cable car runs from the Bistrik lower station to the Vidikovac upper station. Foreign visitors typically pay about 20-30 KM return, and children up to 7 ride free.
How long does the ridge walk take?
The loop is about 4-6 km and typically takes 2-3 hours at an easy pace, including time at the bobsleigh track and viewpoints.
Is the Olympic bobsleigh track safe to walk?
Visitors commonly walk along and beside the track, but the concrete is cracked and can be slippery. Sturdy shoes are advised and children should be supervised.