Routes & events · MTB Evolution
MTB Bosnia
MTB Bosnia is your guide to mountain biking in Bosnia and Herzegovina: from Bike Park Evolution in East Sarajevo to marathons on Zelengora, Bjelašnica and Visočica. We build, map and ride the routes ourselves, so every one comes with distance, climbing, ITRS difficulty and a GPX track.
11
MTB routes with GPX tracks
7
trails at Bike Park Evolution
2015
building MTB trails since
In short
- What MTB Bosnia is: an overview of the best regions, routes and bike parks for mountain biking in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Where to start: Sarajevo and East Sarajevo (Trebević, Igman, Bjelašnica, Jahorina) have the best-developed MTB infrastructure.
- Longest routes: Visočica (58.2 km), Bjelašnica – Lukomir (54.8 km) and Kalinovik – Borilovačko Lake on Zelengora (55 km).
- Bike park: Bike Park Evolution in East Sarajevo has seven trails with ITRS difficulty ratings.
- Season: April to October, with mountains above 1,500 m at their best in July and August.
Why MTB Bosnia
Why MTB Bosnia is the next big cycling adventure
Western Europe offers perfectly groomed bike parks, but mountain biking in Bosnia and Herzegovina offers something rare: raw, unfiltered adventure. Here the mountain doesn't adapt to you, you adapt to it.
From technical downhill trails to marathon routes across Trebević, Igman and Bjelašnica, all the way to the wild expanses of Zelengora and Romanija, BiH has something for local enthusiasts and for riders coming from afar. Here are five reasons more and more cyclists choose mountain biking in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Trails
Unexplored trails
Many routes are ridden by only a few. On longer rides you're more likely to meet wildlife than other cyclists.
Terrain
Varied terrain
In a single day you can ride karst rock, forest loam and fast dirt sections.
Nature
Unspoiled nature
Dense conifer forests, mountain ridges with views for tens of kilometres and the glacial lakes of Zelengora.
Prices
Great value
Riding, accommodation and food cost far less than in the Alps, with traditional ćevapi and homemade pies after the ride.
Freedom
No crowds on the trails
Empty trails for enduro, XC training, bikepacking and relaxed e-bike riding.
Regions
Main MTB regions in Bosnia and Herzegovina
The relief of Bosnia and Herzegovina means every region offers a different riding style. Whether you like steep technical descents, long endurance climbs or multi-day tours, you will find your region.
Sarajevo and East Sarajevo
MTB Sarajevo: the heart of the MTB scene
The city and the Olympic mountains next door give the country's best-developed MTB infrastructure: Bike Park Evolution, a trail network on Trebević next to the Olympic bobsled track, and full-day rides across Igman, Bjelašnica and Jahorina.
Romanija
Romanija: a rising star
The steep cliffs of Crvene Stijene and dense, root-filled forests attract enduro and e-bike riders. We recommend the Romanija Zove 6 marathon in Sokolac, a true endurance test.
Bjelašnica
Bjelašnica and Lukomir
The climb to Lukomir, the highest inhabited village in BiH, runs along the edge of the Rakitnica canyon. Raw rock, strong wind and views that take your breath away.
Zelengora
Zelengora and Sutjeska
Perhaps the most beautiful mountain in BiH: glacial lakes, a feeling of total isolation and true wilderness for experienced riders and bikepacking fans.
Visočica
Visočica and the Rakitnica canyon
The ultimate endurance test with views of the deep Rakitnica canyon. An epic marathon route of 58.2 km and 1,708 m of climbing.
Central Bosnia
Vlašić, Travnik, Vranica
A paradise for classic cross country and all-mountain: long gravel climbs, lush pastures and endless conifer forests, ideal for multi-day tours and marathons.
Herzegovina
Mostar, Blidinje, Velež
A Mediterranean feel and dry, rocky terrain ideal for technical trails and winter training. Tubeless tyres with reinforced sidewalls are a must here.
Krajina
Bihać, Cazin and the Una
Fast flow trails and XC sections along the emerald Una river and over Plješevica, with fewer extreme technical obstacles than around Sarajevo.
Our picks
Best MTB routes in BiH: the MTB Evolution team's picks
From beginners and e-bike fans to experienced downhill riders, these are the classics you shouldn't miss when you come to MTB Bosnia. Each route page lists distance, climbing, ITRS difficulty and a GPX track.
XC / All-Mountain
Marathon and adventure routes
- Ćirina pruga: marathon across Trebević (51.4 km): the old narrow-gauge railway, tunnels, viaducts and the Miljacka canyon.
- Bjelašnica – Lukomir (54.8 km): the Rakitnica canyon rim and the village of Lukomir.
- Igman 40 km challenge (39.8 km): a demanding ride through the Igman forests.
- Visočica (58.2 km): the longest route listed.
XCO / XCM
Technical cross country
- XCO Evolution: a race course for serious heart-rate training.
- XCM Ulobić – Tvrdimići (42.3 km): a mix of climbs and fast XC descents.
- Red Trail Termag (37 km): a looped marathon route.
Enduro / Downhill
Gravity zone
- Roller Coaster Trail: a fast forest trail with berms and rollers.
- Katera: one of the best-known enduro trails in the region, with technical detail, roots and steeps.
- Evolution Downhill: for the bravest and most technically skilled.
Video
Roller Coaster Trail in action
To feel the speed and technique our trails demand, watch the video in which Marko Ristivojević and special guest from Slovenia, Dare Radulović, test the famous Roller Coaster trail in East Sarajevo.
Bike parks
Bike parks in Bosnia and Herzegovina
The bike park scene in BiH is still developing compared with European giants like Leogang or Morzine, but infrastructure is growing fast thanks to clubs and tourism investment. Bike park Bosnia today means, above all, Bike Park Evolution.
East Sarajevo
Top pick: Bike Park Evolution
The park in East Sarajevo offers enduro and downhill trails, safe jump practice zones, XC routes for fitness and a training ground, with every trail's difficulty marked by the ITRS classification.
Jahorina and Bjelašnica
Summer lifts on the Olympic mountains
Jahorina and Bjelašnica have summer chairlifts that carry bikes and host major MTB races and events. The potential for gravity riding is huge.
Logistics
Logistics, accommodation and mountain safety
The mountains in BiH are wild, so it pays to plan your route, base and gear in advance. This is what every MTB traveller should know before setting off.
Base
East Sarajevo as your base
For multi-day trips East Sarajevo is an ideal base: Trebević and Jahorina are close, and Bjelašnica is a short transfer away. Accommodation is increasingly bike-friendly, with secure bike storage and washing tools.
Navigation
GPX tracks and Trailforks
Use reliable GPS devices (Garmin, Wahoo) and GPX tracks. Our tracks are on the Maps and GPX tracks page, and for gradient, difficulty and trail conditions check the Trailforks database for BiH.
Weather
Unpredictable weather
Above 1,500 m (Bjelašnica, Zelengora) the temperature can drop by 15 degrees within an hour, with the risk of summer storms. Check the local forecast before you set off.
Gear
Self-rescue kit
Remote areas are ridden in groups. Carry a multitool, a spare tube, a pump, first aid and enough water, as springs can dry up in August.
Safety
Ride marked trails
Because of the legacy of the war in some areas, ride only marked and verified trails, especially in deep forest, and rely on official maps.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about mountain biking in BiH
Where can you ride MTB in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Sarajevo (Trebević), East Sarajevo, Igman, Bjelašnica and Jahorina have the best infrastructure, trail marking and service support. For experienced adventurers there are Zelengora, Sutjeska, Visočica and Una National Park.
Does Bosnia and Herzegovina have bike parks?
Yes. Bike Park Evolution in East Sarajevo is one of the main centres for gravity riders in BiH, and the summer chairlifts on Jahorina and Bjelašnica carry bikes.
When is the best season for mountain biking in BiH?
The season runs from April to October. High mountains (above 1,500 m) are ideal in July and August, while Herzegovina is best ridden in early spring or late autumn to avoid the summer heat.
Is MTB Bosnia a safe destination?
Yes, if you ride marked and verified trails, use GPX tracks or Trailforks and avoid unfamiliar, unmarked terrain. Don't ride alone in remote areas and check the weather forecast.
How many MTB routes does MTB Evolution publish, and do they have GPX tracks?
There are currently 11 published MTB routes, from 13 km to 58.2 km. Most have a GPX track for Garmin or Wahoo, and each lists distance, climbing and ITRS difficulty.
Where can I service my bike before a mountain trip?
The MTB Evolution workshop in East Sarajevo handles everything from mechanics to e-bike electronics (Bosch and Shimano). Check brakes, drivetrain, tyres and suspension before you go, and book your slot online.
About the author
Marko Ristivojević, MTB Evolution
Marko Ristivojević runs MTB Evolution in East Sarajevo. He has been building MTB trails and servicing bikes since 2015, and has been the Trailforks administrator for BiH since 2019. He runs Bike Park Evolution and teaches new generations of riders.
Get your bike ready before the mountain
Our Bosch Expert workshop in East Sarajevo handles everything from mechanics to complex e-bike electronics. Check your brakes and tyres before you head into the mountains.