MTB and gravel trail · Sarajevo – Pale
Ćirina pruga Sarajevo – Pale: MTB and Gravel Trail
An easy 10.2 km ride along the old railway line through the Miljacka canyon: gravel surface, tunnels, bridges and viewpoints, with no motor traffic. Suitable for gravel, MTB and e-bike, for beginners and families.
Length
10.2 km
Climb
193 m
Difficulty
Green · easy
Duration
1–2 h
Surface
Gravel
Trail difficulty
Green · easy
Ideal for beginners, families and a first ride on gravel.
Exposure
Low risk
Wide gravel track, no motor traffic and no steep sections.
About the trail
Ćirina pruga trail: an easy ride through the Miljacka canyon
The Ćirina pruga trail between Sarajevo and Pale is a 10.2 km bike route that follows the old railway line through the Miljacka canyon. The ride is steady and flowing, with no steep or technically demanding sections, which is rare for a mountain trail. Total climb is 193 m, and the surface is gravel and hardpack.
TL;DR
- What it is: a 10.2 km MTB and gravel trail from Sarajevo to Pale along the old railway line.
- Difficulty: green (easy), low exposure risk.
- Numbers: 193 m of climb, highest point 846 m, lowest 642 m, 1–2 hours of riding.
- Who it's for: beginners, families, gravel, MTB and e-bike riders.
- Bring: water and a light for the tunnels.
The trail is point-to-point: it starts at Kozija ćuprija in Sarajevo and leads towards Pale, and the ride from Sarajevo to Pale takes about 1.5–2 hours with breaks. The canyon scenery keeps changing, and along the way you'll find old tunnels, bridges and open viewpoints.
Trail highlights
01
Kozija ćuprija
The historic start of the route and a symbol of Sarajevo. From here a gentle climb leads towards the tunnels.
02
Old tunnels
Riding through the authentic tunnels of the former railway makes the ride special. Some sections are dark, so bring a flashlight or a bike light.
03
Viewpoints
Several open sections offer views of the canyon and the surrounding mountains.
Current trail conditions
Photos from the trail taken in May 2025 show a detour around a collapsed bridge and renovation work on another bridge. Check the trail conditions before you set off and follow the signs on site.
Trail specs
Start
Kozija ćuprija, Sarajevo
Length and type
10.2 km · point-to-point
Total climb
193 m
Highest / lowest point
846 m / 642 m
Difficulty
Green · easy, low risk
Surface
Gravel and hardpack
Duration
1–2 h (Sarajevo – Pale about 1.5–2 h)
Bike
MTB, gravel, e-bike
Trail map and GPX
The route on the Trailforks map with an elevation profile. You can download the GPX file and open it in a navigation app or on a GPS device.
Trail data comes from the Trailforks database. Check current trail conditions before you ride.
Trail photos
Gear and preparation
Bike and tires
An MTB or gravel bike is the best choice, and e-bikes are allowed and work great thanks to the steady, gentle climb. We don't recommend a road bike because of the gravel. On gravel, run lower tire pressure than on asphalt; the exact value depends on rider weight and tire width: bike tire pressure.
Light for the tunnels
The trail has several old railway tunnels, and some are dark. Bring a flashlight or a bike light.
Water and a tune-up before the ride
There are no maintained water sources along the canyon section, so carry enough water. Before you head out, have your shifting and brakes checked at our bike workshop, and if you need help out on the trail, there's also our mobile bike service.
Tip for riding with kids
The trail is green difficulty, with a wide gravel surface and no motor traffic, making it one of the safest choices for families. Keep children together in a group through the tunnels and around bridges.
Plan your ride
Adjust your shifting and brakes before the ride
Help when you need it on the trail
A guide for gravel and asphalt
A longer 51 km ride
A linked route to Pale
Bike Park Evolution and other trails
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the Ćirina pruga trail
Where does the Ćirina pruga trail start in Sarajevo?
The trail starts at Kozija ćuprija in Sarajevo and leads towards Pale. You can open the starting point in Google Maps using the button in the Trail map and GPX section.
How long is the Ćirina pruga trail and how long does the ride take?
The trail is 10.2 km long, and the ride takes roughly 1–2 hours, depending on your pace and breaks. From Sarajevo to Pale, the ride takes about 1.5–2 hours.
How difficult is the Ćirina pruga trail?
Green (easy). The climb is steady and gentle, 193 m in total, with no steep or technically demanding sections.
Is the Ćirina pruga trail suitable for beginners and kids?
Yes. The trail is green difficulty, with a wide gravel surface and no motor traffic, making it one of the safest choices for families. Bring water and a light for the tunnels.
Which bike is best for the Ćirina pruga trail?
An MTB or gravel bike. The surface is gravel and hardpack, so we don't recommend a road bike.
What tire pressure is best for the Ćirina pruga trail?
For gravel, we recommend slightly lower pressure than on asphalt. The exact value depends on rider weight and tire width, and you'll find a guide in our article on bike tire pressure.
Are there tunnels on the Ćirina pruga trail, and do I need a light?
Yes, the trail has several old railway tunnels, and some are dark. Bring a flashlight or a bike light.
Can I ride the Ćirina pruga trail on an e-bike?
Yes, e-bikes are allowed, and thanks to the steady, gentle climb the trail is excellent for e-bike riding.
Is there water on the trail?
There are no maintained water sources along the canyon section, so carry enough water.
Is the route passable, and what about the bridges?
Photos from the trail taken in May 2025 show a detour around a collapsed bridge and renovation work on another bridge. Check current trail conditions before you set off and follow the signs on site.
How does this trail differ from the MTB marathon over Trebević?
This trail is an easy 10.2 km ride along the old railway line. The Ćirina pruga MTB marathon is a longer 51 km ride over Trebević.
About the guide author
Marko Ristivojević, MTB Evolution
Marko Ristivojević runs MTB Evolution in Eastern Sarajevo. He has been building MTB trails and servicing bikes since 2015, and since 2019 he has been the Trailforks administrator for Bosnia and Herzegovina. He runs Bike Park Evolution and coaches new generations of riders.
Get your bike ready for the Ćirina pruga trail
Book a service before your ride or browse other MTB trails in Bosnia and Herzegovina.