Welcome to Istocno (East) Sarajevo
Jahorina, Romanija, Trebevic and Ozren are parts of the unspoiled nature in the land of legends with fascinating images of mountains, valleys, forests, springs and swift mountain streams. To be in the thick forest surrounding, feeling the healthy mountain air with your whole being, to be immersed in landscapes with rocky peaks and in the sound of mountain rivers, only an hour away from the city noise, is to be in Istocno Sarajevo.
The City of Istocno Sarajevo comprises of municipalities Istocna Ilidza, Istocni Stari Grad, Istocno Novo Sarajevo, Pale, Sokolac and Trnovo.
Rocks and steep cliffs of Romanija are a heaven for mountaineers, alpinists, paragliders and other adventure lovers.
Culture
Cultural-historical legacy of Istocno Sarajevo is abundant with its diversity.
The cave under linden tree is a unique Paleolithic locality in the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina with traces of Paleolithic art and material culture of the earliest modern men, which makes this one of the most complex multi layered sites in the region. Prehistoric evidence, tumulus and hillforts have been attracting archaeologists’ attention for more than a century, ever since the discovery of Glasinac wheels, a prehistoric art masterpiece.
We can find many medieval localities here, but primarily Stecak necropolis that are characteristic for this area. Stecak – medieval headstones are authentic historical evidence created in specific historical circumstances on the crossroads of East and West. They are a unique finding in European artistic and archaeological legacy due to their variety, artistic expression, inscriptions and the context of their existence.
The city of Istocno Sarajevo is a territory of the medieval noble family Pavlovic and as such, it was one of centers for the production of various forms of Stecak stones. This area has the largest number of discovered Stecak headstones, and what makes them special is their monumental form in some cases, with authentic and unusual ornaments. The remains of forts and court complexes of the Pavlovic family can be seen today in Praca and Miljacka river valleys.
The historical core of the medieval town at Miljacka spring in Pale is one of the most authentic cultural monuments of the Sarajevo-Romanija area. The fort has preserved its original appearance until today, with all usual parts of a medieval fortification.
Unlike the other medieval forts that were adjusted for moder needs, this one kept its original architectural characteristics and is considered one of the most preserved medieval objects.
Nature
Natural beauties of this area are very diverse. Mountain massifs, rivers and the abundance of cave jewelry provide a lot of possibilities for enjoyment and tourism development.
Mountains – mountain massifs are surely the greatest natural wealth of this area, very important for tourism development. Tourist programs on these mountains are some of the best in all Republic of Srpska.
Caves – Road signs pointing to excitement lead through forests with clearly marked paths towards the mountain peaks, mysterious karst formations and underground mountain spaces that the nature has been molding for thousands of years.
Jahorina
One of the most beautiful Olympic mountains, with Ogorjelica (1916m) as the highest peak. This is a very popular destination for all winter sports lovers, but also for those that simply enjoy the nature and clean mountain air. Johorina today is the most important tourist destination in the city area, but also in all Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is only 25km away from the Sarajevo International Airport. It makes up for over 85% of the total number of visits to Istocno Sarajevo, sometimes with more than 15 000 visitors a day. Jahorina has 24 ski runs that are 47km long in total and 16 installations of vertical transport, with a total capacity of 28 800 skiers per hour. Along with 47km of neatly arranged ski runs of highest standard, Jahorina also has 10km of Nordic skiing runs. Jahorina is a ski resort famous for great entertainment, concerts of the biggest music stars of the region, music festivals and shows. Unforgettable time, kind hosts and gastro and wellness offer are something you will experience every time you come here. You will leave full of impressions and eager to visit the mountain again.
Tourist center Jahorina offers various option for comfortable stay. There are fields and courts for football, futsal, basketball, volleyball and handball, suitable for both professional athletes and recreation.
For the lovers of extreme sports there are bikes, quads, paintball and paragliding.
Especially popular are the hiking tours and picking forest fruit and medicinal herbs. All visitors can use the visit to Jahorina to go and see other cities in the vicinity: Sarajevo, Mostar, Visegrad and Travnik.
After a day full of activities, you can rest in wellness centers with pools, saunas, steam baths and massage parlors.
Business people can use conference halls for seminars, congresses or team buildings.
Ravna Planina
Ski center Ravna Planina is around 2km away from Pale and is considered one of the most modern ski resorts in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as an oasis of peace during summer, Today, Ravna Planina has 12,5km of ski runs in total which fulfill the highest world standards, while the main run can host FIS races. Skiers and boarders can enjoy both day and night skiing at very reasonable prices. During the day they can use the 12,5km run, which is also suitable for beginners, while at night the main run with lights on is used.
Apart from good recreation in winter and summer, ski center Ravna Planina also offers a wide variety of dishes from both domestic and international cuisine, and food lovers can enjoy both savory meals and desserts.
Romanija
Mountain massif of great tourist value, its biggest attraction is definitely the Via Ferrata “Sokolov Put”. It is a secured mountain path with steel support, suitable for everyone, especially those with no mountaineering experience.
Its length is 350m, and with two suspension bridges it is a unique attraction in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This adrenaline ride will provide top excitement with maximum security to all adventure lovers.
Trebevic
On the 10th kilometer from the city noise in the foothill of a thick conifer forest we will find a true peace oasis, with lots of fun. Leaving Sarajevo, we get to the “Sunny Land”. This theme park is located on Zlatiste, one of Trebevic’s slopes, with a beautiful view on Sarajevo valley.
Ony 15 minutes away from the city noise you will enter the “Alpine Coaster” and forget your worries very quickly. You will climb an asphalt road and after a few kilometers you will arrive at Brus – amazing scenery. Together with a reputable hospitality establishment and a couple of bungalows with luxurious accommodation, we also have “polygon”, children’s town – playroom, arranged barbecue spots, small adventure sports grounds (mountain bikes, quads, paintball), walking paths that are during winter transformed into skiing paths, and parking space with a couple of hundred spots. Trebevic Express is also an attraction! This a tourist train which can take you to a one-hour ride to see all Trebevic has to offer.
Cave Orlovaca
One of the most beautiful nature gems that has been crafted by God’s hands for millions of years. Its cave jewelry is one of a kind. This breathtaking beauty with stalactites and stalagmites interlap with coral ornaments on unique cave pillars that resemble those of the Antique and Renaissance courts. The cave is decorated with drapery lines of the most diverse shapes and forms. The relief is fulfilled with beautiful deposits similar to waterfalls in stone, giving the cave walls an ambient design. Orlovaca is an exquisite speleological object and it used to be the home of the cave bear (Ursus Speleus) more than 16 000 years ago. This cave is also the habitat of the largest group of mammals in Europe (bat – Micrchiroptera). For more info about cave Orlovaca, visit https://www.orlovaca.com/.
Novak’s cave
Placed on the steep slopes of Romanija, the cave as named after national hero Starina Novak (Old Novak). Its altitude is 1515m. Beneath the cave there is Careve Vode, the most famous spring in the vicinity. Next to the spring there used to be the Constantinople Road which was considered one of the most important Turkish roads in Bosnia. There is also a marked mountain path to the cave, leading to Novak’s spring first. Water from that spring is said to make everyone 5 years younger. Walking through a thick conifer forest takes to Novak’s field which is suitable for rest and camping. The path itself is marked and supported with cables as it is pretty steep and difficult. It is recommended to take this path accompanied by professionals and use maximum caution.
Rivers
You can experience the clarity of rivers Paljanska and Mokranjska Miljacka, Bistrica, Praca, Zeljeznica, Biostica and Kaljina and their prancing waterfalls, immerse in strength of stream waters in the Kazani gorge, forget about time in Kadino Spring, get inspired on the Spring of Miljacka, test your fishing luck in Nikolici. All this is possible because of the gifts these mountain waters offer.
The Sarajevo-Romanija area has various hydro potentials. These are mountain streams that don’t accumulate large amounts of water, but flow through canyons with numerous shifts, waterfalls and springs of drinking water. Some of these springs found their way into legends from the old times.
Rivers with rich tourist potential in the City of Istocno Sarajevo area are Paljanska and Mokranjska Miljacka, Miljacka, Praca and Zeljeznica.
Adventure
There are many adventure options for visitors of Istocno Sarajevo. Besides enjoying in standard winter disciplines on snowy Jahorina and Ravna Planina, we also need to take other adrenaline programs into consideration.
Primarily, mountaineering here is most commonly associated with Romanija, then we have mountain biking on the exciting locations on Jahorina, Trebevic and Romanija. Quad rides that can be rented on Jahorina are also an attraction. For the lovers of in-air adventure, we have paragliding and instructors from aero club “Trebevic” offer training with the possibility of learning to take off from Jahorina or Trebevic slopes in only a couple of hours. Tens of kilometers of marked mountain paths are a true experience for all hiking lovers, and additional adrenaline is provided by visiting one of the local caves. There is also paintball, tactical team game that will release you from stress and improve your physical and mental condition. Nature surrounding in Trebevic forest with an arranged polygon for this discipline will provide you with an unforgettable experience, not far away from civilization.
Gastro
A homemade, natural, and healthy approach to food preparation, as well as the origin of the ingredients, is what characterizes the cuisine of the Sarajevo-Romanija region. Huts and hearths are increasingly popular types of hospitality establishments where dishes are offered based on traditional and somewhat forgotten recipes of our ancestors. There are numerous specialties in this region that tickle the imagination of true gourmands. Here are just a few of the specialties you absolutely must try if you find yourself in this region: veal or lamb cooked under bell; lamb cooked in milk; spit roast lamb; skewers (fresh meat, smoked bacon, onions, mushrooms); cicvara (gruel); kalja (cabbage with meat); Romanija potatoes; wild animal specialties and mushroom delicacies…
Tourist organization of East Sarajevo
Via Ferrata “Sokolov Put”
The Via Ferrata “Sokolov Put” on Romanija is a secured climbing route across the rocky terrain supported with steel aids, suitable for everyone, especially those without mountaineering experience. This Via Ferrata is 350m long and has two suspension bridges, making it a unique attraction in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This adrenaline-filled experience provides all adventure and extreme sports lovers with great excitement and maximum safety.
Center for rest and recreation Brus
The center is located in a natural setting surrounded by pine forests. Not far from it there is the exit station of the Trebevic Cable Car. The area’s natural and cultural abundance has shaped the restaurant at Brus into an essential mountain location where visitors can relax, socialize, and enjoy a pleasant and cozy atmosphere. Trebevic is a popular getaway, accessible by foot or bicycle.
The center provides opportunities for bikes and quad bikes rent, while its offer includes basketball, volleyball and futsal courts. Additionally, there is a children’s playground and an inflatable castle for younger visitors. For those seeking an adrenaline boost, paintball is available, and a special attraction is the tourist train – the “Trebevic Express.” This one-hour train ride offers a tour of all the notable landmarks on Trebevic.
Sunny Land
Just 10km away from the city noise, at the foothill of a thick conifer forest lies a true oasis of peace and entertainment. Heading out from Sarajevo, you will arrive at Sunny Land. This theme park is located on Zlatiste, one of the slopes of Trebevic, offering a stunning view of the Sarajevo valley. The main attraction of the park is the Alpine Roller Coaster, which operates on the principle of gravity and can reach speeds of up to 40 km/h—an adrenaline-filled ride and an unforgettable experience! In addition to the main attraction, Sunny Land also has the Oxygen restaurant, Nova café, the Magical Forest playroom, souvenir shop, outdoor playground, walking path, natural climbing rock and many other interesting things to do.
