Bosnia Bikepacking
Bosnia Gravel Bikepacking: A WILDER Adventure from Sarajevo
This 8-day gravel bikepacking adventure in Bosnia and Herzegovina follows a remote loop from the vibrant capital of Sarajevo. We journey through high mountain plains, hidden valleys, and traditional villages on a route mixing rugged gravel climbs, flowing descents, and even a spin down an abandoned bobsleigh track from the 1984 Winter Olympics.
This is bikepacking in Bosnia at its wildest. We traverse remote mountain trails, roll through modern ski towns, and explore little-visited corners of the Balkans that few cyclists ever reach. The route reveals two strikingly different sides of the country—Sarajevo's cosmopolitan energy, rich with history and culture, and rural Bosnia, where life often feels frozen in time.
Bosnia carries a complex and often painful past. Moving through its diverse regions, the group is joined by a local rider who shares lived experiences and insights into the country's recent history, adding powerful context to the landscapes along the way.
This multi-day bikepacking expedition suits experienced off-road riders who thrive in wild places. Expect long days in the saddle (70km+), challenging climbs (1,500m+ daily), and technical trails demanding confident bike handling. For riders seeking a next-level gravel adventure packed with cultural immersion, authentic connection, and serious challenge—this is it.
Highlights
✔ Experience incredible Sarajevo
✔ Enjoy some of our wildest riding
✔ Ride on the 1984 Olympic Bobsleigh track
✔ Visit places most tourists don’t see
✔ Sleep in remote mountain huts
✔ Share meals with local hosts
✔ Learn about the history and culture in a unique way
What To Expect On This Bosnia Bikepacking Adventure
We’ve got an incredible week of gravel riding and bikepacking in Bosnia and Herzegovina planned, looping out from our starting point in Sarajevo and crossing between the two federations that make up the country—each with its own distinct culture, history, and landscapes.
Each morning begins with a shared breakfast, followed by a detailed route briefing from our guides. We’ll typically roll out around 9am to begin the day’s ride.
Ahead of the trip, we’ll share the full bikepacking route via Komoot, including daily descriptions of terrain, highlights, safety tips, and resupply options—so you can plan each day with confidence. Whether you prefer to ride with our guides and the group or explore at your own pace, we’ll also suggest great regroup points along the way.
At the end of each day, we’ll arrive at our overnight stop, where we’ll either share a meal together or point you to our favourite local restaurants. We’ll recap the ride, talk through the next day’s plan, and settle in for a well-earned rest—ready to do it all again the next morning.
ITINERARY
Meeting Point: Sarajevo
End Point: Sarajevo
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Sleep - 4* hotel Sarajevo
Meals: N/A
You’ll be able to check in to our hotel from 3pm. Perched on the edge of the city, there’ll be time to build bikes and take them for a quick test spin around the car park and a talk about the week ahead at 6pm. You’ll then be free to head out for dinner, either grabbing something local, or a quick 5 euro taxi in to the city. Our adventure starts tomorrow!
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Sleep: 3* guesthouse
Meals: B, D
Today we head into the mountains!
After breakfast, and getting any hire bikes set up, we’ll begin!
Our hotel is well located on the edge of the city to deliver us straight onto a road climb that weaves past the iconic Olympic Bobsleigh Track from the 1984 Olympics. We’ll take a detour and a chance to ride the track.
Continuing our climb, we’ll make most of the elevation gain on tarmac, before cutting into forest tracks to continue or climb towards the ski-town of Jahornia - a popular place for wealthy Sarejevo folks to ski in winter, and hike in summer. It’s a different side to Bosnia, with modern cosmopolitan hotels and fancy restaurants, with a ghost town feeling in the shoulder season.
Tonight we sleep in comfortable ski apartments, and share a hearty pasta dinner together, cooked y your guide team.
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Sleep: Jalasca Homestay (shared dorm)
Meals: B, D
Today we begin our journey into a lesser visited corner of the country, with wild riding, remote villages, and simple accommodation the theme of our days.
We begin by climbing above Jahorina, on remote trails before tackling some of our more challenge riding of the week as we descend to the small settlement of Jabulka.
We’ll pickup trails that take us through farm lands to the roadside cafe at Miljevena, where we may have a chance to try local burek.
We’ll pass abandoned soviet style hotel on the road, a humbling reminder of recent troubles, before we head back onto gravel that takes us towards our home for he night, a simple hut on the edge of the village of Jelasca.
Situated on the Via Dinarica hiking trail, Helena offers simple accommodation and food to travellers, and we’ll have a basic dorm room tonight, with home cooked dinner in the cosy communal living room, shared with other hikers and cyclists on their own adventures.
For those with extra energy, an out and back along the gravel road climb towards Orlavacko Lake is recommended.
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Sleep: Nevesinje - simple gueshouse
Meals: B, D
We get two big descents today!
After breakfast at our hut, we’ll head through Jalasca village, and to the rarely visited village of Kalinovik, before beginning a big descent on tarmac to the riverside settlement of Ulog.
From here, we’ll pick up gravel road, climbing up util we emerge above the tree lane, and begin an in incredible descent on gravel into the next valley. We’ll pick up tarmac road for a short hop into Nevesinje, a truly locals town, with time for coffee with the locals in a curb side cafe.
Tonight we’ll be staying in simple accommodation, with the group in two co-owned pansions in the town. We’ll share dinner together at a local restauarant, or at our accommodation.
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Sleep - Guesthouse, Konjic
Meals: B
We stay high in the hills above Mostar today, cutting through into the rocky mountains on a mixture of gravel and tarmac.
We’ll emerge on a wild plateau, hitting gravel that takes us above beautiful lake Jezero. We’ll zoom down to join tarmac again, heading into the riverside town of Konjic, on the turquoise River Neretva. Dinner will be at our hotel, or at a local restaurant.
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Sleep: Lukomir Mountain Hut (shared dorm)
Meals: B, D
Today is short in miles but big in elevation, with lots of off-road riding. We’ll hit the gravel straight out of town, climbing up and up towards the protected mountain plateau of Bjelasinca, and the village of Lukomir. There’s some
challenging riding in store, that’ll require a bit of pushing at times, but the rewards are plenty. We’ll pack a picnic for the ride today, and take our time.
Once in Lukomir, we’ll have time to explore the local trails and village, or just relax and enjoy the incredible spot.
Tonight we sleep in dorms in the remote mountain huts, with a home cooked dinner and chance for a sunset stroll. It’s a special place to spend the night.
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Sleeping - 4* Hotel, Sarajevo
Meals: B
After breakfast at our mountain hut, we’ll head out of the village to ride incredible gravel trails through the high wide plateau, before hitting single track tarmac that keeps us high with incredible views to the valleys below. We’ll drop into the off-season ski town around Bjelasnica via fast forest tracks, and weave hrough the high forests above Sarajevo, with relics of the 1984 Winter Olympics scattered around. Reaching the Sarejevo suburbs, we’ll wind through mostly quiet roads that give us a glimpse of local life, and deliver us back to to our starting hotel for the night, perched on the hill to the south of the city.
There’ll be time to pack bikes before hading into the city for our final dinner together.
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Meals: B
We’ll say our farewells over breakfast, with time to finish packing bikes.
Our hotel can help arrange taxis to the airport.
View Dates & Book
| Start Date | End Date | Days | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 June 2026 Guaranteed | 4 July 2026 | 8 | £1295 | Book Now |
Questions about the trip or want to be kept in the loop on future dates?
Booking Info
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Click on your preferred trip date to be directed to our secure booking partner WeTravel who will process and manage your booking.
£300 deposit to secure your spot
Full balance due 60 days before the trip
💡 Tip: We recommend paying with bank details to avoid card processing fees.
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Single Supplement - £230
Bike Hire - £200 (Simple hardtail mountain bike)
Bikepacking bags (£25)
Hammerhead Karoo navigation devices (£10)
Luggage transfer - If you prefer to not ride bikepacking style, add luggage transfer for £100
All add-ons can be selected at booking or added later.
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⚠️ Important: This trip requires a minimum of 8 participants to run.
Please do not book your travel until we've confirmed the trip is running.
Your deposit is fully refundable until we confirm this number has been met.
You will see a guaranteed badge next to those dates we have already guaranteed to run.
Reviews
What’s Included?
Included ✓
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Our trip will be hosted by our British Cycling and First Aid qualified Sisters in the Wild guides who between them have a tonne of experience of riding in this area.
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Seven nights accommodation included in a mix of hotels, local guesthouses, and mountain huts.
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Bikepacking bags and navigation devices can be added to your booking and we’ll have them ready for you on day one.
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Each participant will be provided with a specially curated collection of routes and route briefings via Komoot, and a free map bundle to access/navigate them.
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Breakfast =B, Dinner=D
Not Included ✗
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Lunch and snacks are not included. We’ll make sure you know where you can pick up food on the ride. We will also recommend some places to eat for dinners that are not included.
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Riders can bring their own bike, or hire locally. See BIKES section for info.
Riders should carry simple tools/spare for their bike in case of bike issues. Our guide team can help you use them!
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Flights, transfers and all travel to/from our meeting point in Sarajevo is not included. Our trip finishes at our same hotel in Sarajevo.
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Travel insurance that allows multi-day cycling as an activity and covers medical emergency, repatriation, cancellation and public liability is mandatory for all SITW trips and is not included.
Most travellers do not require a visa to travel. If you require a visa to travel, this will not be included.
Accommodation & Food
Accommodation
We stay at a real mix of places, sometimes the only option for miles! Expect a mix of modern 3* hotels, with a rustic mountain hut, a stay on a village farm, and a Soviet-style guesthouse. Most nights (5/7) will be on a twin room basis, two will be a simple dorm room. Single supplement is available.
This is a bikepacking trip, with riders carrying their own stuff between hotels. If you prefer, luggage transfer can be added to your booking for a fee.
Food
On most days breakfast will be a hotel buffet and on some days where we stay in smaller towns, you’ll find a typical local breakfast of eggs, bread and cereals.
On the nights where dinner is not included, we will either book a table for a group dinner, where people are free to order and pay for what they’d like, or give you some local recommendations.
We will pass on dietary requirements given at booking. Bread and meat play a heavy part in Bosnian food, and Gluten Free/ Vegans may find choices in some parts of the route can be limited. With the help of our local support team, we will try to find the best options for you.
For lunch, we will recommend places en route to pick up supplies.
About The Riding
Challenge Level
We’ve rated this trip as a 4/5 on the challenge level. This trip is a part of our WILDER series - bikepacking trips in wild landscapes that go that little bit further. Longer days, bigger climbs, more thrilling descents, wilder terrain, more solitude and even more memories to be made. With multiple days of 70+km, 60% off-road terrain, and a mix off all types of trails, this trip is well-suited to experienced gravel riders who love long days in the saddle and willing to embrace some chunkier gravel terrain.
Terrain
The riding on this trip is around 60% off-road, predominantly on double track trails of mixed quality, with some singletrack trails in sections. We’ll have plenty of stretches of well maintained forest gravel roads, but also some trails that can be steep and looser/rougher in places. There are some long and occasionally steep downhill stretches that may vary in quality in places (e.g. washed out, rockier) and require confidence in descending on off-road terrain.
On some days, the tracks will be more technical, with features such as washed out channels, larger rubble and rocks , or clay. Whilst the area is relatively rocky, periods of rain can cause some parts of the tracks to become , and some bits of walking your bike may be needed. Overall, the route is 98% rideable by confident gravel riders.
Amongst the off-road sections, we’ll also have some smooth tarmac riding, where we’ll enjoy a chance to make some quick miles or elevation!
Climbing
Climbing is a significant contributor to this trip’s challenge level, with most days featuring an elevation gain of around 1400m. Our days of significant climbing tend to be one or two big climbs, with some undulating around it. Around half of our big climbs are on tarmac and half are off-road terrain. They tend to have decent gradients, though there are some steeper sections.
Most of our big descents are off-road and require confidence and skill in off-road descending.
Daily Distances
Most of our daily distances are between 50km and 70km, with shorter mileages on our first and middle day of riding. Komoot suggests an average moving time per day of around 6-7 hours in the saddle.
Remoteness & Weather
Bosnia is still one of the poorest and least “developed” countries of Europe. Usual Western European standards are not always there, be it in service, infrastructure, or in the availability of emergency services. It’s nearly certain that not everything will go 100% according to the plan, so a willingness to embrace the spirit of the unknown and adventure is important for this trip.
This is one of our more remote and wild trips, with lots of riding in areas that do not have many shelter options. Riders should be comfortable with long days outside, whatever the weather! Our guide team will monitor the weather and make route adjustments as needed.
Most of the route is accessible by our support vehicle, though we have one day where the first half of the route is on single trails in the mountains, which is not accessible by vehicles. We plan to ride as amore cohesive group on this day. Most days have at least one place to stop for a cafe or shop, but shelter outside of these regroup stops can be limited.
Support Style
Our Sisters in the Wild (SITW) bikepacking adventures strike the perfect balance between freedom and support. Riders are welcome to cycle at their own pace or ride with the guide and group. Either way, our experienced team will be out on the trail offering encouragement, support, and practical help throughout the day.
Guiding
Each trip is led by two bike-based SITW guides who ride with the group, typically with one near the front and one toward the back. Our guides are certified in first aid, experienced in remote travel, and trained bike mechanics. While they can help troubleshoot any mechanical or health issues, riders are expected to have their own navigation devices and should not rely solely on the guides for directions.
Before the trip, we’ll share a curated collection of route files and detailed descriptions via Komoot, including information on terrain, elevation, safety, highlights, and resupply options. Each day will have suggested regroup points so you can ride solo or in smaller pods at your own pace. In more remote or technical sections, we may ask the group to stay behind the lead guide for safety.
Support
In addition to our bike-based team, we’ll be joined by a local male driver in a 4x4 support vehicle. This vehicle is there to assist in case of mechanical issues, injury, or emergencies — it is not a daily shuttle service. The driver will meet us at key points along the route to check in, offer support, and transport riders or bikes if necessary.
Bikes & Bike Hire
Bike hire is not included as standard. You're welcome to bring your own bike or rent one locally. Our starting hostel has space to build bikes on arrival, and we’ll arrange secure storage for bike boxes during the week, with delivery to the end of the trip.
Recommended Bike
We strongly recommend a hardtail mountain bike for this trip, or a wide-tyre gravel bike (minimum 45mm tyres) only if you have extensive experience riding rough off-road terrain and technical descents. Your bike should have a wide gear range suitable for steep climbs and be well-suited to bikepacking in mountainous terrain. Road bikes and gravel bikes with narrow tyres are not suitable.
Bike Hire
Our local partners, Green Visions, offer hardtail MTBs for the full trip. These are simple entry level hardtail mountain bikes, that may not be the quality or spec that you are used to in the UK (Bike: 2018 Rockhopper Comp or Sport depending on availability in that moment. Wheel size is 29”). We highly recommend bringing your own bike for this trip. But if you want to rent, you can add bike hire to your booking and we’ll take care of delivery and collection at the start and end points.
Read our Complete Guide To Bikes On Sisters in the Wild Adventures for tips on travelling with your bike, recommended spares, and more.
FAQs
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Please do not book your travel until we have confirmed the minimum trip number has been met.
Our cycling trip starts and ends in Sarajevo, which has the country’s main airport.
Sarajevo is served by direct flights from London (British Airways, Wizzair) and most other European capital cities.
Lufthansa fly from Manchester and Edinburgh, with a transfer in Frankfurt, and allow bikes to be carried as part of the standard luggage allowance.
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Sarajevo isn’t currently served by international train lines but is served by Flixbus buses.
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We’ll have a max group size of 16, minimum group size of 8 to run.
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While we will pass on any dietary requirements to places that we eat, it may not always be possible for them to accommodate serious allergies due to their limited kitchen space and menus. We’ll try to work with you to find solutions. You can let us know any dietary requirements at the time of booking. If you have serious allergies, please email us before booking on hello@sistersinthewild.com.
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In order to make the most of the riding on offer, we’d suggest that you are comfortable riding 45+ miles in a day in hilly off-road terrain, for a few days on the run. Riding a loaded bike takes a little more effort, so we’d recommend trying some practice rides of 50 miles + with some weight/luggage on your bike. You should be comfortable with off-road climbing and descending.
Feel free to drop us an email hello@sistersinthewild.com if you have any questions on this.
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Yes, you can book directly with our starting/ending hotel if you wish to stay earlier/later. We’ll share our hotel info once the trip is confirmed.
If you need to arrive late, that’s also fine, and the shakedown ride can be skipped. Ideally we’d have you join in time for the rider briefing on the evening of Day 1, but we can fill you in.
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Bosnia is a mountainous country, with hot summers, and warm shoulder seasons.
We will cover a range of elevations on the trip, getting close to 200m, with colder temperatures and more chance of rain/thunderstorms at higher elevations. Climbs can be hot and exposed if the days are hot, whilst descents can get cold quickly in rain.
Riders should be prepared for everything! Hot weather, cold, rain.
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We’’ll share a detailed packing list as part of the Trip Joining Info.
This is a bikepacking trip, which means you'll need to carry all your stuff or the week - so packing light is a good shout! Though you'll need to balance this with making sure you're equipped for changeable weather and supporting yourself out on the rides.
No camping gear is required for this trip, and we can lend you bikepacking bags and navigation device if you need them. These can be booked as Add Ons to your trip.
Bike Stuff
The basics
Off-road bike and Helmet
Navigation device (available to loan from us)
Bike lights (just in case!) and headtorch (optional)
A secure bike lock for overnight (can be stored in support van)
Lightweight lock for the rides
Capacity to carry at least 1.5 litres of water.
Bikepacking bags (available to loan from us)
If you plan to borrow bags, please bring a small rucksack (10-1 litres) to supplement if needed.
A small collapsable rucksack/bumbag or tote bag can be useful for carrying stuff off the bike
Basic first aid kit for your rides
Cup/spork/bowl
Bike tools/spares to carry
Spare tube and patches
Small pump
Tubeless plugs/spare sealant if running tubeless tyres
Multitool with what you need for your bike e.g. allen keys, chain breaker
Chain quick link (these are specific for your bike)
Spare derailleur hanger (specific to your bike.) This website can help you
find the one you need for your bike
Brake pads (specific for your bike)
Small amount of chain oil
A few zip ties/bits of duct tape & electrical tape wrapped around your
pump are always useful!
Personal Stuff
Travel insurance that covers off-road cycle touring/theft
Passport
Any personal medication needed
Mini toiletries (travel toothpaste, toothbrush etc)
Battery pack/cables to keep phone and nav device charged
Cash/card
Earplugs....just in case!
Lightweight towel for swims
Sun cream/SPF lipbalm
Electrolytes (optional but recommended)
Clothing
Clothing is a great place to slim down your packing list and get ruthless! However, this should be balanced with keeping safe and warm and dry if we have poor weather. Generally we could expect some very hot and sunny days, with the possibility of rain/thunderstorms.
Consider how you can double up uses of clothes for day/evening/sleeping, and embrace a bit of dirtbag spirit!
There's a chance to do laundry on day 5, and sinks available on every other night. Showers are available everyday.
Cycling clothes
We recommend 2 sets that you can wash/swap through the week, plus a warm layer set.
Comfy shorts and quick dry t-shirts or cycling top
Shoes. We recommend only using clip-in shoes/pedals if you’re already confident in off-road riding.
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof trousers (optional)
Extra layers in case of poor weather, especially on downhills e.g. leggings, long gloves, mid layer, windbreaker
Cycling gloves (optional)
Glasses (optional but recommended - downhill bugs and gravel dust)
Socks
Cycling cap/hat to keep the sun off your face
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We have a library of navigation devices and bikepacking bags we can loan you for a small fee. These can be added to your booking through WeTravel.
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We recommend checking out the country-specific information.
Dogs can be encountered in some parts of the routes, protecting houses or with farmers and herds.
Whilst we’ve only ever had barking, as per the advice on the above page, riders may wish to consider a rabies vaccination.
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Most travellers do not require a visa for travel to Bosnia.
Please check before travel:
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Bike boxes/bags can be left at the start of the trip and we will meet them again at the end.