If Sarajevo has one place where Olympic euphoria and wartime memory collide in a single concrete curve, it’s the Bobsleigh Sarajevo track on Trebević. Today it’s a ribbon of graffiti in the forest—a “museum in the open air” and one of the most photogenic walks above the city. This guide is your map: how to get there stress-free, the best time to visit, what exactly to see and shoot, how to stay safe, and how to get the most out of 60–90 minutes—plus a quick reminder of why the track was an engineering marvel in 1984 and why it became one of the war’s most recognizable witnesses.
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Where it is and what awaits you at Bobsleigh Sarajevo
The track sits in the woods on Mount Trebević, right above central Sarajevo. The easiest access is the Trebević cable car from the Old Town; the upper station drops you close to a signed walking path leading to the start of the track (a few minutes on foot). Rebuilt in 2018, the ride takes about 7–10 minutes each way; hours and fares vary by season—always do a same-day check.
Once you’re up top, a forest path with signposts brings you to the track; even without a map you can practically “follow the sound”—bike wheels and the murmur of visitors often reveal where the concrete curves begin. The section people explore today is open to pedestrians; many do a full loop: a bit through the pines, then down along the track, then curving back toward the cable car or one of the mountaintop parking areas.
Numbers worth knowing about Bobsleigh Sarajevo
The original Trebević Olympic bobsleigh and luge track was built for the 1984 Winter Olympics. The specs still impress: 1,300 m long, 13 curves on the bobsleigh section, an average gradient of about 10%, and roughly 126 m of vertical drop from start to finish. The complex architect was Gorazd Bučar. Ahead of the Games, it hosted the 1983 European Championships, and after ’84 it served World Cup events—until the war halted everything.
During the Siege of Sarajevo, tragically, several curves became artillery and sniper positions—hence the bullet and shrapnel scars you’ll notice as you walk. Today the track is a popular walking route, a canvas for street art, and, occasionally, a summer training line (cycling/gravity sports), while more serious revitalization is being discussed at the cantonal level.
Getting there without stress to Bobsleigh Sarajevo
Cable car (recommended): The simplest and most scenic. The lower station is minutes from City Hall (Vijećnica)/Baščaršija. In ~10 minutes you’re at the top; from the upper station it’s a short, easy walk to the track. Round-trip fares vary (often 20–30 KM, depending on season/options), and schedules are seasonal—check official info on the day you go.
By car: Drive toward Pino Nature and nearby parking lots, then walk 10–20 minutes to the track. The upside is flexibility for sunset/blue hour; the downside is finding a spot at peak times and getting back down.
On foot from town: For hikers at heart—expect a steeper ascent to Trebević; beautiful but more demanding. Many ride up by cable car and walk down to the city.
Best time and visit duration for Bobsleigh Sarajevo
You’ll get the best light in the afternoon and through golden hour, when the concrete warms up in tone and the pines deepen the frame. Blue hour gives you contrasts with the city lights in the distance. In winter, snow and fog add a cinematic mood (and slipperiness—good-grip footwear is a must).
Timing: at least 45–60 minutes for a gentle stroll and a few photos, but realistically, if you love shooting and reading history in the concrete, plan for 90+ minutes—time flies.
A short history of Bobsleigh Sarajevo (from marvel to scar)
In 1984, Trebević was on the world stage. 1,300 meters of carefully engineered curves, 13 bends (Omega, Hairpin, Labyrinth…), and thousands of spectators—this track was a socialist Yugoslav engineering marvel and a local point of pride. Post-Games it hosted international competitions, until the war abruptly ended that chapter. During the conflict it served as a military position, leaving visible pockmarks and damage. After the war, Trebević was demined and reopened to the public; the cable car returned in 2018, and in recent years momentum has grown to partly revitalize the track for training and education.
Safety and etiquette on Bobsleigh Sarajevo
- Stay on the track and marked paths. Trebević is thoroughly cleaned and signed, but the golden rule still applies: don’t wander off into unknown terrain.
- Wear shoes with good grip. Concrete can be damp/slippery, especially in the colder months.
- Share the space. Cyclists and runners use sections of the track—keep eyes and ears open.
- Respect the place. Graffiti are part of today’s visual identity, but notice the bullet scars as well—this is a memorial space, not just a “cool spot.”
Photo plan and frames that “deliver” at Bobsleigh Sarajevo
- S-curves and “ribs”: Where railing supports jut from the concrete, you get rhythm in your frame—perfect for ultra-wide/0.5x.
- Graffiti close-ups: Saturated color against gray concrete—an Instagram crowd-pleaser.
- Forest tunnel: A long bend encircled by pines; include a person for scale.
- Olympic rings/signage: Orientation boards near the start—great openers for a blog or reel.
- Cable car ride: A 7–10 second pan from the cabin is an ideal social-media hook.
Anti-reflection trick: If shooting through glass (cable car), press the phone to the window and make a hand “gasket.” On the track—avoid damp central strips when slick; a tripod or makeshift brace (railing/“ribs”) helps for tack-sharp blue-hour shots.
A 60–90 minute mini-itinerary for Bobsleigh Sarajevo
0–10 min: Cable car from the Old Town → exit up top → easy walk to the track (follow the signs).
10–35 min: Stroll down along the curves. Stop at 3–4 key bends (Omega/Hairpin/Labyrinth) and shoot a mix of wides + graffiti details.
35–55 min: Pause at a wider section with vistas toward the city; reflect on the war notes (bullet scars) and on the ’84 Olympics (a few lines with photos).
55–75 min: Continue to the end of the track and emerge onto the forest path; loop back toward the cable car or head for Trebević viewpoints/coffee spots.
75–90 min (optional): If blue hour is near, stay a bit longer for sky/forest/graffiti contrasts.
Practical questions people forget about Bobsleigh Sarajevo
- Entrance/tickets: Walking the track is free; you only pay for transport (cable car). Return fares often 20–30 KM (seasonal)—check current info.
- Restrooms/water: No facilities on the track; rely on services at the cable car or venues on Trebević.
- Kids/strollers: Partly doable but take care—the surface is concrete/gravel with gradients; a carrier is easier than a stroller.
- Winter: Snow makes for stunning visuals—and slick footing. Trekking shoes and poles help.
The wider Olympic story and context of Bobsleigh Sarajevo
Bobsleigh Sarajevo is one piece of a larger puzzle: Sarajevo ’84 turned the city into a global stage, and over the last decade Trebević has been reclaimed as Sarajevo’s “living room”: nature park status, thorough clearing and reopening, and the 2018 cable car that erased the psychological distance between town and mountain. In this frame, the track is an open-air classroom: school groups, guided tours, weekenders, photographers, and urban explorers all read the city here.
Cantonal plans to revitalize the track are increasingly serious—named teams, studies, and public interest. Will ice and official competitions ever return? Hard to say, but even partial restoration for summer/training use already shows the story hasn’t gone quiet.
Why a visit is worth it to Bobsleigh Sarajevo
- A unique contrast: elite sports venue turned graffiti gallery and memorial.
- Easy access from the center: 10 minutes by cable car and a shady forest walk.
- A photographer’s playground: curves, ribs, colors, and textures you won’t find elsewhere in BiH.
- Great time/value: no entry fee, lots to shoot and reflect on, and a satisfying 1–2 hour outing.
FAQ – Bobsleigh Sarajevo
How long is the track and how many curves are there?
About 1,300 m long with around 13 curves on the bobsleigh section; average gradient ~10%.
What’s the easiest way to get there?
The Trebević cable car from the Old Town (Vijećnica/Baščaršija) is the simplest and most scenic; you’re up in 7–10 minutes, and it’s a short walk to the track.
How much does it cost to visit?
Walking the track is free; you pay only for transport. A cable-car return is often 20–30 KM (varies by season)—check the official info before you go.
Can I ride a bike down the track?
Some visitors do, and the track is occasionally used for summer training. Watch for other users—pedestrians and cyclists share the space.
Are there guided tours?
Yes—local operators combine the cable car, the track, and wartime context (viewpoints, positions). Recommended if you want stories to accompany the sites.
Our Most Popular Tours To Sarajevo
We offer many tours that include a visit to Sarajevo and its most popular locations:
- Sarajevo Siege Tour & War Tunnel 1992 / 1996 (Most Popular)
- Full Day tour from Sarajevo to Međugorije & Mostar
- Full Day Tour from Sarajevo to Travnik and Jajce
- Full-Day 5 Cities Tour from Sarajevo to Herzegovina (Mostar)
- Full day Tour from Sarajevo to Dubrovnik (Kotor or Split)
- Full Day tour from Sarajevo to Belgrade
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