Adventure Hiking in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Hike the best of the Via Dinarica, through remote landscapes and traditional villages in the wild Bjelasnica and Visocica mountain ranges
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guidesAccommodation
2 nights in a hotel, 2 nights in guesthouses and 1 night in a mountain hutMeals
All meals includedTransfers
A group transfer to and from the airport, and everything in betweenPermits & Fees
All hiking permits and entrance feesSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
Cross the dramatic Rakitnica Canyon via a suspension bridge while peering down into one of the least explored gorges in the Balkans
Tackle a mountain ridge to summit Vito Peak (1960m) and Drstva (1808m) for unforgettable 360º views of the Dinaric Alps
Hike rugged trails to medieval Lukomir, Bosnia’s highest village at 1496m, famous for its ancient tombstones and traditional way of life
Soak up the warmth of Bosnian hospitality and explore the cobbled streets and lively evening atmosphere of Mostar and Trebinje
Key Information
Day 1
Head to Bosnia and Herzegovina
Driving
Hiking
Kick off your adventure with a group transfer from Dubrovnik Airport, enjoying a scenic drive into Bosnia and Herzegovina. Watch as the landscape transforms from the Adriatic coastline to the rugged mountainous terrain of the Balkans. Arrive in the quaint city of Mostar, where you can stretch your legs by walking among the cobblestone streets of the Ottoman Quarter and to its famous Stari Most bridge. Tonight you’ll head to a traditional Bosnian restaurant, where you'll have the chance to get acquainted with your guides and fellow adventurers over some tasty local food.
Day 2
Hike the hunting trails of King Karadjordjevic
Hiking
Venture into the wilderness of the Cvrsnica Mountains, home to some of the most dramatic landscapes in Bosnia. After a short drive, you’ll arrive at Diva Grabovica, a picturesque valley beneath towering cliffs and ridges in the Dinaric Alps, where your hike begins. You'll follow ancient hunting trails once used by King Karadjordjevic. ascending through dense beech forests. After a steady two and a half hour climb, you'll reach Zljeb, an awe-inspiring viewpoint that offers panoramic vistas of the largest rock face in the Balkans. Here, take a break to enjoy lunch surrounded by the imposing peaks of Cvrsnica, Mali, and Veliki Medvjed. After soaking in the views, descend back to the valley floor before transferring to the traditional village of Umoljani, nestled in the heart of the Bjelasnica Mountains. Tonight, you'll stay in a simple mountain lodge where you can enjoy a delicious homemade dinner, and experience the warmth of Bosnian hospitality.
Day 3
Explore Bosnia's highest village in the Bjelasnica Mountains
Hiking
The next two days will immerse you in the rugged beauty of the Bjelasnica Mountains. Leaving Umoljani you’ll pass the historic 'Seven Watermills' before continuing along a ridge that offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks. The trail then leads you toward Obalj Peak and into the remote highlands, passing villages where modern life gently co-exists with centuries-old customs. You'll be rewarded with an exceptional view of the Rakitnica River, Obajl Peak, and Visocica Mountain. After four to five hours hiking you'll reach Lukomir, Bosnia's highest village at 1496m where you will spend the night. The village is famous for its medieval tombstones, known as stećci, which date back to the 14th century.
Day 4
Cross the Rakitnica Canyon on the Via Dinarica
Hiking
Get ready for one of the most exhilarating days of your trip as you tackle the rugged Rakitnica Canyon, crossing from the Bjelasnica to the Visocica Mountain range. The trail takes you down an old shepherd's path into the canyon, eventually leading to a suspension bridge across the river below. From there, it’s a steep climb back up, winding through rocky terrain that rewards you with breathtaking views. At the top, you’ll reach the remote village of Bobovica, a peaceful settlement nestled in the hills. The trail then eases into wide-open meadows, offering a gentler pace as you hike through lush green fields. All the while, the Visocica Mountain Range looms impressively on your right, guiding you toward the small village of Tusila and the Vrela Mountain Hut, your cosy stop for the night. This day has it all - challenging terrain, local culture, and stunning scenery - a true highlight of the Via Dinarica trail.
Day 5
Summit peaks of the Visocica Mountains
Hiking
Driving
Today, you’ll take on some of the best peaks in the Visocica Mountain Range. Starting right from the mountain hut, you'll climb through a dense beech forest and emerge into a breathtaking natural amphitheatre, with Vito Peak (1960m) towering ahead. The trail then leads up a steep climb to the ridge, where your first summit awaits. At the top, you’re treated to 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. On Vito Peak, you'll take a well-deserved break for a picnic, with the stunning Dinaric Alps as your backdrop. After lunch, it’s time to descend along the ridge, following a scenic path to the second peak of the day, Drstva (1808m). From Drstva, the trail takes you swiftly down before circling back to Tusila Village. Meet the van and head to Trebinje - a charming city known for its wine, iconic bridge, and being one of Bosnia's prettiest cities.
Day 6
Goodbye Bosnia and Herzegovina
Driving
Wake up in the quiet town of Trebinje and enjoy a relaxed breakfast before heading to the airport to catch your flight home.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Dubrovnik Airport, Croatia
13:30 on Day 1
Ends
Dubrovnik Airport, Croatia
11:30 on Day 6
Transfers
Your adventure begins at Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) where you will meet your host and fellow adventurers in the arrivals area at 13:30. Please schedule your flight to arrive more than 30 minutes before this time. At the end of the trip, you will be dropped back at Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) at 11:30, so you're free to catch any flight departing after 12:30. Alternatively, you can always stay on and explore Dubrovnik further. There are regular airport shuttle buses to and from Dubrovnik Airport and the city centre for those who are arriving early or staying on after the trip.
Travel options
There are regular flights to Dubrovnik from airports across the UK and Europe.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
All the food on this trip will be freshly made, local fare. Dishes are typically hearty with plenty of cheese and other dairy products, as well as dried meats, breads and local fruits and vegetables. During the hikes a picnic lunch is provided and typically includes bread, cheese, sausage, meat and vegetarian options, salad, chocolate bars, cookies and trail mix. When staying in the mountains you'll be served traditional hearty and rustic dishes typical of the rural regions of Bosnia. Dishes such as cevapi - grilled mince and sausage - are a staple, often served with flatbread and a side of creamy kajmak, a local cheese. Slow-cooked stews like begova čorba, a rich, velvety soup made with chicken and vegetables, offer warmth and comfort in the cool mountain air. Dinners in Mostar and Trebinje are in local restaurants known for their good food and great locations.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for – please just request this on your passenger info form.
What is the accommodation like?
Mostar
In Mostar, you'll stay in the comfortable Hotel Almira. Situated in the heart of the old town and just 30m from Mostar's famous bridge. You'll be staying in twin-share, ensuite rooms with air conditioning and WiFi. The hotel also has a terrace to enjoy views of the old town and bridge.
Mountain Pensions in Umoljani and Lukomir
As you cross the mountains you'll stay in the attractive highland villages of Umoljani and Lukomir, the highest in Bosnia. Here you'll stay in traditional 'pensions' (guesthouses), known for their welcoming atmosphere and home-cooked food. In Umoljani the pension has twin-share ensuite rooms, while the guesthouse in Lukomir has 3-4 person same-sex dorms with shared bathrooms.
Vrela Mountain Hut
Your final night in the mountains is spent at the Vrela Mountain Lodge, a mountain refuge with room for 40 hikers and one of three official Via Dinarica Centres in Bosnia and Herzegovina. You'll be in good company to share stories from the trail and enjoy the cosy restaurant and common areas. You'll stay in same-sex 4-bed dorms with shared bathrooms on each floor.
Trebinje
In Trebinje you'll stay at the 3 star Hotel Apis, a short walk from the town centre, river and old bridge. Rooms are ensuite on a twin-share basis.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for the nights in Mostar and Trebinje for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
This trip has been rated as Moderate
This trip has been rated moderate due to 4-5 hours of hiking each day, with substantial elevation changes (up to 850m per day). You'll be walking in a remote mountainous environment on sometimes uneven terrain. However, with a little preparation, this trip is designed to be manageable for most, with a focus on taking in the scenery and mountain culture rather than overly challenging hikes. Each day provides plenty of time to complete the routes at a comfortable pace, with rest stops along the way.
It is worth getting in some preparation hikes at home ahead of this trip. The best approach is to practice back-to-back days of similar length hikes in hilly terrain. So that you are prepared to enjoy the trip and the rigours of hiking for 4 consecutive days in the mountains.
What will I need to carry?
On each day of hiking, you will only need to carry a day pack with snacks, waterproofs and personal items, with your main luggage being transported to the next accommodation for you.
The exception is Day 3 on the hike to Lukomir, where there is no vehicle access. On this day you will need to carry some overnight items such as spare clothes and toiletries etc. Your main luggage will be waiting for you at the Vrela Mountain Hut the next day.
Summer is the best time to visit Bosnia, with daytime temperatures ranging from 24 - 30 degrees Celsius, but cooling down in the evening and at night. Most days on this adventure are spent in the mountains where the temperature can be cooler, ideal for hiking. The weather can be wet and changeable at any time of year, so it's worth packing waterproof clothing.
We’re still waiting to collect any reviews from other travellers on this trip. However, all our hosts go through an extensive vetting process to ensure that your adventure is awesome.
Itinerary Activities
- Guided hike along ancient hunting trails of King Karadjordjevic
- Guided hike to the village of Lukomir
- Guided hike to cross the Rakitnica Canyon on the Via Dinarica trail
- Guided hike to summit the two peaks of Vito (1960m) and Drstva (1808m)
Guides
- Expert, local, English-speaking mountain guide
Accommodation
- 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Mostar
- 2 nights in village 'pensions' (guesthouses)
- 1 night in the Vrela Mountain Hut
- 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Trebinje
Meals
All your meals are provided for the duration of the trip. This includes:
- 5 hearty breakfasts
- 4 picnic lunches
- 2 traditional dinners in restaurants
- 3 homemade dinners in guesthouses
Transfers
- Group arrival transfer from Dubrovnik Airport on Day 1
- Group departure transfer to Dubrovnik Airport on Day 6
- All transfers during the trip
Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.
Travel to and from the trip
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Tips
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however we suggest the below as a guideline:
- Trip leader: €40-50 per person
- Local support driver: €20-25 per person
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Personal expenses
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping and laundry.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness. Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine, as their insurance offers all of the above.
Visas
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Soft overnight duffel bag or rucksack
- Daypack (20-30 litres) which can also be used as an overnight bag for basic toiletries and a change of clothes for your overnight stay in Lukomir on day 3.
- Waterproof liner for kitbag or rucksack / drybags
CLOTHES
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Breathable wicking layers
- Fleece jacket or similar
- Warm hat
- Gloves
- Buff or neckscarf
- Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
- T-shirts
- Underwear and socks
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Sleepwear
- Hiking boots (worn-in)
- Sandals/trainers
SLEEPING
- Cotton or silk sleeping bag liner
OTHER
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Power bank or solar charger
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Insect repellent
- Suncream
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Quick-dry towel
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Headtorch or torch
- Reusable water bottle x1 litre (or x2)
- Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
Additional Post-Trip Night Double Room (BB) in Trebinje
Payable Before Departure
Additional Post-Trip Night Double Room (BB) in Trebinje
… Per Night
Additional Post-Trip Night Single Room (BB) in Trebinje
Payable Before Departure
Additional Post-Trip Night Single Room (BB) in Trebinje
… Per Night
Additional Pre-Trip Night Double Room (BB) in Mostar
Payable Before Departure
Additional Pre-Trip Night Double Room (BB) in Mostar
… Per Night
Additional Pre-Trip Night Single Room (BB) in Mostar
Payable Before Departure
Additional Pre-Trip Night Single Room (BB) in Mostar
… Per Night
Optional Private room Upgrade (2 nights: Mostar and Trebinje)
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private room Upgrade (2 nights: Mostar and Trebinje)
… Per Person
Private Arrival Transfer (Dubrovnik to Mostar)
Payable Before Departure
Private Arrival Transfer (Dubrovnik to Mostar)
…
Private Departure Transfer (Trebinje to Dubrovnik)
Payable Before Departure
Private Departure Transfer (Trebinje to Dubrovnik)
…
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 143kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
The Via Dinarica is a long-distance hiking trail connecting eight countries through the Balkans, the main 'white trail' follows the spine of the Dinaric Alps. The trail was created to promote sustainable tourism, foster regional cooperation, and showcase the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Western Balkans - an inspiring example of how adventure tourism can bring people, and even countries, together!
In the event of poor weather such as heavy rain, strong winds and/or storms, it is possible that conditions may become unsafe to complete the planned hikes on this trip. Your guide will assess the conditions and weather forecasts and make a decision with your safety in mind. If it becomes necessary to make a change to the planned itinerary, an alternative hike or activity will be offered.
There will be one guide leading your group, as well as a driver on the days with transfers.
Excess luggage can be left in the van, where it will be transported with you and available each evening except for night 3 in Lukomir (you'll need to use your daypack as an overnight bag on this day).
Tap water throughout this trip is drinkable. You'll also come across a few mountain springs during the hikes.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however we suggest the below as a guideline per person:
Trip Leader: EUR 40-50 per person Local Support Driver: EUR 20-25 per person.
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Much Better Adventures refers to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.
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DEPARTURE DATES
Saturday 14th June 2025
to Thursday 19th June 2025
New Trip Offer - Next 1 spot available at 5% off
