Trek and Raft the Via Dinarica Trail Through Bosnia and Montenegro

Need To Know

Got a question not covered here? Contact the host.

Location

View map

You’ll explore some of Europe’s wildest corners; Bosnia’s highest peak, the untameable Tara River and other UNESCO heritage sites. Meanwhile, for a slice of civilisation you’ll have Sarajevo, Bosnia’s capital, which has a fascinating, if sometimes saddening, history that assimilates both European and Near Eastern culture and customs.

The best thing about this hiking trail is that it is still relatively unknown. Hikers will be able to explore a litany of limestone peaks, glacier lakes and ancient villages that rival any others found in Europe. Only you won’t have the crowds to grapple with. Not to mention, the area is known for its untouched natural beauty and bounty of wildlife.

Start point

You’ll be met in Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ) in Bosnia and Herzegovina by your guides. Please check in by 13.00.

Finish point

The trip ends with a transfer to Podgorica (TGD) after breakfast. The transfer itself takes around 2.5 hrs to Podgorica Airport (TGD). You will arrive there around noon.

What to Expect

Day 1: Arrive in Sarajevo

Fly into Sarajevo Airport in Bosnia, where you’ll be met by your guides and taken to the Pansion Kandilj Hotel in the city’s old oriental trading quarter. Settle in before heading off on a historical tour of Sarajevo.

Day 2: Sutjeska National Park and Hike to Donje Bare Lake and Uglješin peak

Wake up early and transfer to Sutjeska National Park, where you’ll then hike to the beautiful Donje Bare Lake for a spot of lunch. Then wander through a beech forest and rugged mountain terrain towards Uglješin Peak (1,858m). Once you reach the summit, you’ll be treated to panoramic views across the Zelengora peaks and the rocky cliff wall of Volujak.

Hike back to Gornje Bare lake via the Tovarnica ridge (1.5 hours), before hopping back on the bus to the hotel in Tjentište valley, Hotel Mladost.

4-5 hours walking

Day 3: Ascend Maglić Mountain

Today you’ll take on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s highest peak, Maglić Mountain (2,386m). The trek will take around four hours and at the top, you’ll have some lunch while gazing across the valleys and into Montenegro. Then take a dip in Trnovačko Lake before descending into Prijevor, where you’ll be transferred to the hotel in Tjentište.

9 hours walking

Day 4: Whitewater Rafting in Europe’s Deepest Canyon

Take on Europe’s deepest canyon, Tara. Whitewater raft along the river’s classes II – IV rapids against a backdrop of untouched forests and absolute wilderness. The river marks the border between Bosnia and Montenegro and you’ll spend the day traversing it, before spending the night in a wooden bungalow on its banks.

3-4 hours of rafting

Day 5: Hike to Crkvičko Polje and Sokolina Plateau

Transfer across to Montenegro and Mratinje dam, which at 220 metres high is one of Europe’s highest. Hike for around 2 hours uphill before Durmitor National Park and end the day on the edge of Tara Canyon at Sokolina Guesthouse.

5-6 hours walking

Day 6: Trek from Nedajno Village to Sušicko And Škrčko Lakes

Explore Montenegro’s medieval past as the hike continues through the village of Nedajno. Then discover Škrka Mountain, where you can swim in Sušićko Lake and Skakala waterfall. You’ll hike a total of 19km before reaching Mountain Hut Škrka, where you’ll spend the night.

4-5 hours walking

Day 7: Travel from Škrčko Lake to Botun Pass

Today is another tough one. Depart after breakfast to start the 16.5km hike through the Botun pass, before descending into Žabljak, a quaint town hidden in the heart of Durmitor National Park. Please note that you will have to carry a backpack with overnight gear, a sleeping bag and packed lunch as well as a small share of the food. You’ll spend the night in Javorovaca Lodge.

8 hours walking

Day 8: Home Time and Transfer to Podgorica

Time to say goodbye – you’ll be dropped off at the airport by your guides where you’ll then make the next phase of your journey alone.

Note: This itinerary and the duration of the activities are subject to change due to group abilities and preferences, and weather conditions and forecasts.

Accommodation

You’ll stay in a range of places. In Sarajevo, you’ll stay at a newly built, traditionally Bosnian family-run guesthouse called Pansion Kandilj. All rooms come with air-conditioner, a TV, direct phone line, broadband internet, bathroom and toilet.

In Sutjeska National Park, you’ll stay in a mountain hut at Prijevor pass and in Hotel Mladost. The huts are simple, and facilities will be shared, but it’s located in a beautiful spot at the foot of Maglić Mountain. The huts you’ll stay in after rafting the Tara are a similar story. Sutjeska National Park Hotel, meanwhile, was recently renovated. It’s basic but comfy with private rooms and en-suite bathrooms and Wi-Fi.

On the first night in Montenegro, you’ll stay in a rustic guest house called Sokolina that’s based in a converted old barn. Expect homecooked meals and stories told around a campfire with your charismatic host Dragan.

After the day-long hike, you’ll stay in another mountain hut. For the final night, you’ll sleep in Zabljak’s Hotel Zlatni Bor. It includes comfortable double, triple and quadruple rooms with en-suite bathrooms and has its own traditional restaurant.

Optional Extras

Make your life easy. Once you have reserved your space, your host can help you arrange the extras you’ll need. Here are some guide prices which can be confirmed with you during booking.