Bosnian Hiking

I am back in Germany processing the latest trip and preparing for the next one. Being in Bosnia-Herzegovina was truly a unique experience as it differs from Western Europe. I truly feel as if I got a good taste of it all, being able to just stroll the streets of the old town of Sarajevo, driving through the country side, visiting the local parks, and even a hike in the mountains. Hiking here must be done with caution as the countryside is still scattered with landmines. It is possible to join up with an organization Green Visions which provides trips through safe areas and is an active voice for the preservation of Bosnian and Herzegovinian ecology. Or you can travel with someone who has already made the trek and is certain that it is a clear zone. So off we headed into the mountains for a hike to the Skakavac waterfall.

View from the trailhead, looking back towards Sarajevo

Hiking through the forest- it was a beautiful day!

The hike didn't go exactly as we had planned. Upon arriving at a meadow we lost the trail and improvised. It was at this point, where the picture was taken that we got ourselves back on track. When driving through the countryside, and even in the city, it is not uncommon to come upon such houses that were clearly burned out and abandoned from the war.

Once we got back on the trail we weren't too far off from the waterfall. At 98 meters high it is the tallest waterfall in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

When we arrived we discovered the bridge was out. Since the weather was warm, much of the ice was melting which was evident with the occasional drop of a boulder of ice from somewhere up above. We decided not to cross and remain in safely protected and out of harms way.