Bjelašnica is the highest mountain in the Sarajevo area. It rises to an altitude of 2,067 metres and hosted the men’s alpine skiing events during the 1984 Winter Olympics.

In winter, it is mainly skiers who come here, whilst from summer to autumn it attracts tourists. It takes approximately 45 minutes to reach the foot of the mountain from the centre of Sarajevo.

Babin Do is not the summit of Bjelašnica

Most visitors head to the Babin Do resort, which lies at an altitude of approximately 1,270 metres. Here you’ll find the lower cable car stations, hotels, restaurants, ski hire shops and car parks.

The summit of Bjelašnica itself, with its weather station, lies almost 800 metres higher.

You cannot reach it by car, and the cable cars do not run regularly outside the ski season.

Things to do in summer

For a short trip, a walk around Babin Do and the lower parts of the ski slopes is sufficient. Allow about 2 hours for this.

The ascent from Babin Do to the summit is a full-day mountain hike:

• Length: approximately 12 to 16 km, depending on the route chosen
• Elevation gain: 800 to 1,000 metres
• Total time: approximately 6 to 8 hours
• Moderate to difficult
• Hiking map of the area

The weather on the open ridge changes very quickly, and strong winds or fog are not uncommon even in summer. Take a warm layer, plenty of water and a downloaded offline map.

Stick to the marked paths. The main hiking trails and the area around the ski resort are safe, but on some unmarked slopes there may still be a risk from unexploded ordnance and mines.

Another popular day trip is the hike between the mountain villages of Umoljani and Lukomir. However, the starting point lies outside Babin Do and is difficult to reach without a car or an organised tour.

Skiing at Bjelašnica

The ski resort offers approximately 12 km of slopes, several chairlifts, beginner’s lifts and artificial snowmaking facilities. Some runs are also floodlit for night-time skiing.

• Daytime skiing 9.00–16.00
• Evening skiing on selected days from approximately 18:30 to 21:00
• Full-day ski pass for an adult approx. 60 bam
• Full-day ski pass for a child: approximately 40 bam

The highest ski lifts are often closed in strong winds. Therefore , always check the lift operations, snow conditions and webcams before you set off.

Bjelašnica is smaller and less of a resort than Jahorina. It is particularly suitable for a day’s skiing or a weekend away; the advantages are the shorter journey from Sarajevo and usually cheaper ski passes.

Travelling by car and parking

Travelling by car is the most convenient option. Babin Do is approximately 30 km from the centre of Sarajevo, and the road is tarmac all the way.

There are several large paid car parks at the lower cable car stations. Expect to pay approximately 5 bam.

• Babin Do car park on Google Maps

On winter weekends, set off as early as possible. Traffic jams form on the approach road and the nearest car parks fill up quickly.

Book a car hire in Sarajevo

Seasonal buses from Sarajevo

During the ski season, GRAS and Centrotrans operate direct buses to Babin Do. These are two different operators with their own tickets and timetables.

The usual winter timetable is as follows:

• GRAS departs from Franje Račkog Street near the National Museum at around 9.00 am and also stops at the Ilidža terminal at around 9.20 am
• The return GRAS bus departs from Bjelašnica at around 15:30, and a return ticket costs approximately 8,50 bam
• Centrotrans departs from Dom Armije at around 8.30 am
• The return Centrotrans bus departs at around 16:00 and a return ticket costs approximately 10 bam

Direct buses usually run at weekends and on public holidays, and often daily during the winter school holidays. The specific timetable is always announced before the start of the season.

In winter, therefore, you can get to Bjelašnica quite easily without a car, but you will be limited to a single return service.

Public transport outside the winter season

Outside the ski season, direct tourist buses generally do not run.

Minibus route 85 from Ilidža towards Šabići and Sinanovići only runs a few times a week, and its timetable is generally unsuitable for a typical day trip.

For summer hiking, we therefore recommend a car, an organised tour or a pre-arranged transfer.

Taxi from Sarajevo

A taxi from the centre of Sarajevo to Babin Do costs approximately 60 bam to 80 bam one way. The journey takes around 45 minutes, though in winter it can be significantly longer due to traffic.

Agree the price and return journey in advance. It is not worth relying on finding an available taxi back to Sarajevo in Babin Do without a prior booking.

Accommodation in Bjelašnica

If you’re just going for a short summer walk or a day’s skiing, you can return to Sarajevo in the evening. Staying overnight in Babin Do makes sense if you’re skiing for several days or going on longer mountain hikes.

• Hotel Nomad – a modern hotel right next to the slopes, with an indoor swimming pool, spa and ski-to-door access
• Hotel Han Bjelašnica – a more affordable hotel with an excellent location, a restaurant and access to the slopes

You’ll also find many other hotels and private apartments in Babin Do.

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Sarajevo.