Adventurous hiking group trip to Sutjeska NP, Bosnia

Multi-day adventure in Sutjeska NP, Bosnia. Visit the most beautiful primeval forest of Europe: Perucica! Rafting, trekking, wild camping the Balkans! Join now!

Adventurous hiking group trip to Sutjeska NP, Bosnia - guided hiking tour in bosniaandherzegovina-sutjeskanationalpark

Tour Details

Description

Discover the beauty of the Balkans on this organized group trip to Sutjeska National Park in Bosnia and Hercegovina! A full six-day (five-night) outdoor program is waiting for you! Throw on your backpack and hike with like-minded people through this beautiful landscape to idyllic mountain lakes. Walk parts of the Via Dinarica Trail. Enjoy the diverse flora and fauna. Come rafting down the Tara River through Europe's deepest canyon(!) and enjoy a well-deserved traditional lunch afterwards. Visit the impressive museum and monument commemorating the battle of Sutjeska during the Second World War, which gave the valley its name: "the Valley of Heroes". Whether you have an adventurous spirit or just looking for relaxation through physical activity, this trip offers something for everyone!

Tour Highlights

Itinerary

  1. Day of travel -

    Participants not coming to Sutjeska by their own means will gather at Sarajevo airport at a pre-arranged time for the included transfer to the National Park. We will set up our tents and tarps at the Omladinski Camp or Mountain Camp Izgori and enjoy a good meal.

  2. Rafting through the Tara canyon -

    We get up, a little stiff from the day of travel. But! The focus is quickly shifted, because adventure awaits: rafting on the Tara and Drina rivers! A great way to get the good group vibes going!

    Before breakfast we hop one or more vehicles to drive to the Drina-Tara Rafting Club. There we will have a traditionally prepared breakfast. After that it is high time to paddle. Rafting distance: 25 kilometers. Rapids: at least 22!

    Depending on the time of year, the water level of the Tara River varies. The trip can last from 4 to 6 hours, including breaks to take photos and jump into the water, and ends at the place where the Tara and Piva rivers have already merged to form the river Drina.

    After rafting, we will have some local dishes prepared in cast iron before returning to Tjentište fully satisfied.

  3. History lesson, a warm-up hike and a wild camp -

    We get up early and have breakfast. We will gather centrally and depart towards the monument commemorating the battle of Sutjeska. There we will be received by a local guide who will lead the group around the museum and by the monument, telling us about the area's past.

    In the afternoon we will move to Donje Bare: a mountain lake at 1500m altitude south-west of Tjentište. From here we'll hike to a higher mountain lake: Gornje Bare, where we will most likely wild camp between the Balkan Chamois that roam the area.

    A good campfire and chat will close the day, weather permitting!

  4. From Donje Bare to Trnovačko Lake -

    We wake up at Donje or Gornje Bare mountain lake. Sleeping mats are rolled up and the tents taken down. We quickly eat something and then go for a long day of hiking!

    First up is the Borić viewpoint, where you can see the entire Sutjeska canyon and all the impressive mountains around it.

    Then we descend 1100m through bear territory to the road along the Sutjeska river to grab a hearty lunch at the Komlen restaurant. By then we have done about ten kilometers and could use a good meal for the rest of the day.

    After lunch, we load ourselves and all our packs into a combi or several jeeps and drive to Prijevor. A beautiful wide spot below Bosnia's highest mountain: Maglić (2386m).

    From here we head to Lake Trnovačko, crossing the border with Montenegro. The special thing about this lake is that it can barely be reached from the Montenegrin side.

    Arriving there in the evening, the group sets up everything for the night and we can fully enjoy this idyllic spot among the mountain peaks.

    Dinner is a classic shepherd's supper prepared by the local keeper. The day is complete by a campfire, perhaps with a sip of rakija and then hot into our sleeping bags.

  5. Views to kill and primeval forest Perućica -

    We stretch out on the shores of Lake Trnovačko. Hopefully the weather will allow for a relatively relaxed morning. Participants have a choice. Either linger around the lake, take a refreshing dip, and/or hike to one of the viewpoints.

    Towards the end of the morning we hike back to Prijevor to be met by a famous local guide who will lead the group through the Perućica Primeval Forest.

    The Primeval Forest is thickly covered with trees, some as old as 300 years or more, and parts of it are barely accessible. Locals are proud of it and it is even claimed that this Primeval Forest is home to the world's tallest measured fir tree (63 meters tall).

    Along the way, we will be taught about the Primary Forest and its peculiarities, with the flora and fauna naturally included. Animal inhabitants of the forest are regularly spotted on these walks, and certainly their tracks! Finally, we will stop at one or two more viewpoints within this beautiful natural park.

    Back in the valley, hotel rooms with breakfast have been booked for that evening to end the trip with some comfort and a well deserved shower!

    Satisfied after four days of being outdoors in a beautiful mountain area, physical activities and good company, we end the day with a final celebrational dinner and reflect on the experiences of this outdoor trip.

  6. Travel or Stay day -

    As mentioned, breakfast at the hotel is included. Some stay for a while, others travel back or onward. For the ones returning to Sarajevo (airport) collective transport is included.

What's Included

Not Included

Next Departures

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is this trip?

Almost all people with a good basic condition can join this trip. There are two long hiking days where you are required to carry your own backpack with gear (including tent, mat, sleeping bag, etc.). It doesn't require technical climbing experience. Some prior experience with camping in mountainous terrain and being exposed to the elements is beneficial.

Where does the trip start and end?

The meeting point is Sarajevo International Airport, from where the group heads to Sutjeska National Park and the Zelengora mountain range. Plan your flights to arrive in well in time for the included transport to the National Park (usually leaving the airport at 16:00h). Tip: Sarajevo is a fascinating town to visit for a day before heading into the wild!

What kind of terrain will we be hiking on?

Expect a mix of rocky trails, forest paths, valley floors and alpine meadows across the hiking days. The terrain varies as you move through Zelengora, Sutjeska National Park and into Montenegro.

How many nights are included and where will we stay?

The trip runs 6 days and 5 nights, based in and around Sutjeska National Park, the Zelengora mountain range and a mountain lake just over the border with Montenegro. Camping accommodation is arranged for each of those nights as part of the itinerary. The last night is in a B&B or hotel room.

Do I need prior mountain hiking experience for this route?

No technical skills are required, but the moderate rating means prior hiking experience is helpful. Being comfortable on uneven trails over multiple consecutive days will make the trip more enjoyable.

Related

Why Book With Made to Hike

This tour is led by a certified mountain guide verified through Made to Hike. All guides on the platform hold recognised certifications such as IFMGA, IML, or equivalent local qualifications. Bookings include secure payment processing, a money-back guarantee, and direct communication with your guide before the trip.

View Full Details and Book This Tour