MTB route · Igman · Sarajevo

Igman MTB Marathon – 40 km Loop Route

A 39.8 km MTB loop from Hrasnica via Hrasnički stan and the War Mosque to Zoranjske vode. Guide, map, GPX and ITRS difficulty rating in one place.

MTB East Sarajevo
Igman MTB Marathon: Route of Courage and Wilderness | 40 km challenge

Distance

39.8 km

Descent

−1235 m

Average time

3 – 5 h

Climb

1236 m

ITRS score

400

Trail difficulty: blue circle

Difficulty (ITRS)

Blue route (L2)

Gravel and forest roads

Katera Trail – Katera trail, bike park, enduro, evocoin

Physical effort

Demanding (L3)

1236 m of climbing over 39.8 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 the other parameters.

400ITRS score · overall rating
  • L2
    TechniqueNot technically demanding, wide roads and gravel.
  • L3
    Fitness and logisticsSerious fitness challenge, water only at Hrasnički stan.
  • L4
    Wilderness and risksHigh risk from wild animals, limited signal.
  • L1
    ExposureNo cliffs or critical sections.
What is ITRSDifficulty calculator

ITRS 5.2 report: Igman MTB Marathon – 40 km Loop Route

ITRS Route Pie, Igman MTB Marathon – 40 km Loop Route

ITRS score 400, difficulty L4. The route is technically blue (L2) but physically demanding (L3) because of 1236 m of climbing. There is no water on the trail, and it passes through bear and wolf territory (L4).

Level scale

L1EasyEasy going, for everyone
L2ModerateSome experience needed
L3DemandingGood fitness and technique
L4ExpertExperienced riders only

Four rating axes

L2
Technique: Technically undemanding trail (blue, L2): you ride on wide forest roads and gravel, with no difficult singletrack.
L3
Fitness and logistics: Expect significant fatigue: 1236 m of climbing over 39.8 km. Water is only available at Hrasnički stan, so carry at least 2 l of fluids.
L4
Wilderness and risks: Signal is limited or absent, and the route passes through bear and wolf territory. Evacuation is difficult, so it is best not to ride alone.
L1
Exposure: Only scrapes are possible. There are no drop-offs.

Route parameters

Length39.8 km
Climb1236 m
Descent1235 m
Average time3 to 5 hours
Highest pointabout 1400 m a.s.l. (Hrasnički stan)
Maximum gradient44.9%
SurfaceAsphalt (4 km), gravel
Bike typeXC, gravel, e-bike
SignalLimited or nonexistent
WaterHrasnički stan only
Route typeLoop

About the route

Igman MTB marathon: a loop through the Igman wilderness

The Igman MTB marathon is a 39.8 km loop that starts in Hrasnica (Kovači) along the Ratni put (War Road). It runs via Osmice, Ajšnik and Kovački stan to Hrasnički stan (about 1,400 m a.s.l.), then on to the War Mosque and back through Zoranjske vode. The climb is 1236 m, the descent 1235 m, and the ITRS rating is 400 points (technique L2, fitness L3, wilderness L4). The route is part of the series Stazama olimpijskih planina.

Igman route at a glance

  • Distance 39.8 km, climb 1236 m, descent 1235 m, time 3 to 5 hours.
  • ITRS score 400: technique L2, fitness L3, wilderness L4, exposure L1.
  • Surface: 4 km of asphalt, then gravel and forest roads. Suitable for XC, gravel and e-bikes.
  • Water is available only at Hrasnički stan, so carry at least 2 l of fluids.
  • Phone signal is limited, and the route passes through bear and wolf habitat.

The start and finish are at Osmice above Hrasnica. For more rides, see the MTB routes in Bosnia page, and the ITRS classification explains the difficulty rating.

Key sections of the route

01

Hrasnica, Ratni put and Osmice

Start in Hrasnica (Kovači) along the Ratni put. The first four kilometres are an asphalt climb to Osmice, then the gravel begins along with the serious climbing.

02

Ajšnik, Kovački stan and Hrasnički stan

The climb leads via Ajšnik and Kovački stan to Hrasnički stan (about 1,400 m a.s.l.). It is the only reliable water point on the entire route.

03

War Mosque and Zoranjske vode

After the War Mosque, turn left at Lasički stan through Zoranjske vode, followed by a long descent via Kotorni Čairi back to Osmice.

Bears and wolves

The route lies in a fully wild zone, and bear and wolf tracks are not uncommon. It's best not to ride alone; make noise or use a bell.

Igman route characteristics

Primary activity

Cross-country, gravel

Route type

Loop route

E-bikes

Allowed, route is suitable

Signal

Limited or none

Water

Hrasnički stan only

Physical demand

Demanding (L3)

Surface

Asphalt (4 km), gravel

Igman MTB marathon route map and elevation profile

There is no mobile signal on most of the route, so a GPS device or offline map is essential. Do your Igman GPX download before you set off.

There is no signal on most of the route. Use the GPX or an offline map.

Gear and riding tips

Mandatory

A helmet is mandatory. Carry at least 2 l of fluids, a windbreaker and a tyre repair kit.

Recommended

XC, gravel or e-bike. The route follows wide forest roads and gravel.

Signal and safety

Signal is limited. Tell someone your ride plan and download an offline map or the GPX.

Pro tip

Check your brakes and tyres before the ride. We do bike servicing in our workshop by appointment: book a slot.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Igman MTB marathon technically difficult?

No, technique is L2 (blue). You ride wide forest roads and gravel with no tough singletrack, but it is very demanding on fitness (L3).

Is there water on the Igman route?

Reliable water is only at Hrasnički stan. Carry at least 2 l of fluids.

What is the phone signal like on Igman?

Signal is limited or absent on most of the route. Tell someone your ride plan and use the GPX.

How long does the Igman MTB marathon take?

The route is 39.8 km long, with 1236 m of climbing and 1235 m of descent. The average time is 3 to 5 hours.

Where does the Igman MTB marathon start?

The start is in Hrasnica (Kovači) along the Ratni put. The first four kilometres are an asphalt climb to Osmice, where the loop also closes.

Ready for the Igman wilderness?

Igman offers a peace that is rarely found, but breakdowns happen. Check your brakes, pack a windbreaker and browse all MTB routes in Bosnia.