MTB route · Trebević · Pale – Sarajevo
Giro di Ćiro Sarajevo – Pale
The Giro di Ćiro route is a 13 km family MTB trail along the old Ćiro railway, from Pale to the Goat Bridge (Kozija ćuprija) and Dariva. Guide, map, GPX and ITRS difficulty rating in one place.
Length
13 km
Descent
−300 m
Average time
1 – 1.5 h
Climb
146 m
ITRS score
45
Difficulty (ITRS)
Green route (L1)
Family-friendly, for all ages
Physical effort
Easy
Mostly downhill, 13 km
ITRS Route Pie: route difficulty at a glance
The Route Pie shows the ITRS rating of the route across four axes: technique, fitness and logistics, wilderness and risks, and exposure. Click the chart to open an explanation of difficulty, demands and other parameters.
- L1TechniqueTechnically undemanding route, riding without obstacles.
- L1Fitness and logisticsEasy ride, short, with no need for extra supplies.
- L1Wilderness and risksStable signal, calm surroundings, evacuation in under 10 minutes.
- L1ExposureNo dangerous drop-offs or critical sections.
About the route
Giro di Ćiro route Sarajevo Pale: a family MTB trail along the old railway
The Giro di Ćiro route is a 13 km family MTB trail, mostly downhill. It follows the line of the old narrow-gauge Ćiro railway from the old railway station in Pale, past the Dorcedole turn-off and the Goat Bridge, to the Dariva promenade in Sarajevo. The climb is 146 m, the descent 300 m, and the ITRS score is 45 points (green, L1).
Giro di Ćiro route at a glance
- Length 13 km, climb 146 m, descent 300 m, time 1 to 1.5 hours.
- ITRS score 45, difficulty L1, technically undemanding route.
- Surface: gravel, packed earth and asphalt. Suitable for XC, gravel, trekking and e-bikes.
- The route can be ridden in both directions, and the short steep asphalt descent needs the most attention.
- There is no drinking water on the route; a 0.5 to 1 l bottle is enough.
The start is at the old railway station in Pale and the finish is at the City Hall (Vijećnica) in Sarajevo. You can combine the ride with the Ćirina pruga marathon or with the Trebević: bobsled track and Ćiro railway route. Read the railway's history in our article on the history of the Ćiro railway, and the difficulty is explained by the ITRS classification.
Key sections of the route
01
Ćiro railway from Pale
A gentle grade through cuttings and past old stone retaining walls. Spin effortlessly and feel the rhythm of the old railway.
02
Steep descent to the Goat Bridge
After the Dorcedole turn-off comes a steep asphalt descent to the Goat Bridge. Keep your brakes under control.
03
Dariva to the City Hall
A flat paved path along the Miljacka leads to the heart of old Sarajevo.
Careful on the descent
The steep asphalt descent from Dorcedole toward the Goat Bridge requires speed control, especially when riding with children.
Giro di Ćiro route characteristics
Primary activity
Mountain bike, gravel
Route type
Point-to-point, both directions
E-bikes
Allowed
Signal
Excellent (100% 4G)
Water
None on the route
Physical demand
Easy
Surface
Gravel, packed earth, asphalt
Trailforks
Giro di Ćiro route map and elevation profile
The interactive map shows the exact GPS track of the route and its elevation profile. Use it to plan your ride, and download the GPX for on-the-go navigation.
For GPS navigation, use the Trailforks app or the GPX file. For other routes for Trebević mountain biking, see the MTB Trebević page.
Gear and riding tips
Required
A helmet is mandatory. Bring a 0.5 to 1 l bottle, as there are no water sources on the route.
Recommended
XC, gravel, trekking or e-bike. A bike with wider tyres is more comfortable on gravel.
If you ride with kids
Agree on the pace and plan a stop before the steep asphalt descent. Dariva is a promenade, so ride carefully among pedestrians.
Pro tip
Check your brakes before the ride because of the steep descent. If you need an inspection, we do bike service in our workshop by appointment: book a slot.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Giro di Ćiro route suitable for kids and families?
Yes, it is one of the most suitable routes for families. The trail runs mostly gently downhill along the old railway, and the ITRS rating is L1. Only the short steep asphalt descent toward the Goat Bridge needs attention.
Is there drinking water on the Giro di Ćiro Sarajevo Pale route?
There are no drinking water sources on the route. Since it is 13 km long, a 0.5 to 1 l bottle on your bike is plenty.
Do I need a professional mountain bike for this route?
No. XC, gravel and trekking bikes with wider tyres handle the route without problems, and it is also great for e-bike riders.
How long does the Giro di Ćiro ride take?
The route is 13 km long, with a climb of 146 m and a descent of 300 m. The average time is 1 to 1.5 hours.
Can the route be ridden in the opposite direction?
Yes, the route is rideable in both directions. If you start from Sarajevo (from Dariva), you face a constant but very gentle climb toward Pale.
Ready to ride the old railway?
Browse all MTB routes in BiH or contact us for advice on gear and booking a service slot.