Igman
Gentle woodlands of Mountain Igman (1502m) have always attracted mountaineers. During the summer the mountain offers a multitude of marked cycling trails, as well as places where both athletes and amateurs can play football, volleyball and basketball.
The Igman area has characteristic ecological and climatic conditions, specific vegetation fauna, and there is even a small section with rainforest characteristics.
Lilium Bosniacum – Bosnian lily is a Bosnian and Herzegovina endemic species that grows on Mount Igman, and the mountain is also rich in hunting grounds.
During the 14th Winter Olympics in Sarajevo 84, competitions in Nordic skiing, cross-country skiing and biathlon, as well as ski jumping on 70 and 90-meter ski jumps were held on Igman.
Ski jumping:
Unfortunately, Mount Igman was the scene of fierce fighting during both liberation wars (1941-1945, 1992-1995). During World War II, the Igman March, a maneuver of the First Proletarian Brigade of the People’s Liberation Army of Yugoslavia, was carried out under extremely difficult weather conditions on the night of January 27-28, 1942. The temperature at the time of the march was around -40 C. During the last war, all hotel and ski infrastructure was destroyed, so the ski jumps are still not functional today.
However, Veliko and Malo polje on Igman are slowly regaining their former glory. On Igman, there are up to 39 km of Nordic skiing and biathlon trails over 30 km long with ascents and descents of up to 30%. There are also 9 children’s ski trails with lifts.
Across from the Olympic ski jumps is the Igman mountain hut. Built of natural materials at 1246 m above sea level and surrounded by conifers, it offers a beautiful view of the peak of Bjelašnica. The house is open all year round and offers visitors 6 sleeping rooms with a total of 50 beds. Organized by Start magazine, in 2007, the Mountain House “Igman” Malo Polje was declared the best mountaineering facility in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
On a mountain pasture 8 km drive from Malo Polje is the Hrasnički stan mountain house (1315 m above sea level). It is a popular family and mountaineering excursion destination that can be reached by car or by a two-hour walk from Hrasnica or a one-hour walk from Veliko Polje. The comfortable atmosphere guarantees a pleasant stay of several days.
Overnight prices in mountain houses are around 20 KM.
Igman is not only interesting in winter. Thanks to its lush vegetation, the mountain is an “air spa” close to the city. From spring to late autumn, Igman is the best destination for excursions, walks, hiking, cycling, in general; it is an ideal mountain for all those who love untouched nature.
Mountain biking
Igman – Bjelašnica Ski Center, and especially Veliko Polje on Igman, is known for mountain biking. You can rent a bike on Veliko Polje during the summer, and there are controlled and marked trails at your disposal.
A medium-difficulty trail, 34.7 km long, leads from Sarajevo via Ilidža to the Hrasnički stan mountain lodge. From Hrasnički stan, in just over 4 km, past the Igman war mosque, we arrive at the location Vrhovi.