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Cycling Through the Heart of the Balkans: Sarajevo – Mostar – Dubrovnik

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They wrote about us 📝

In 2017, the British media "The Guardian" published an article about the Ćiro trail from Mostar to Dubrovnik 👉 LINK.

In 2017, a New York Times magazine journalist cycled the Ćiro trail from Mostar to Dubrovnik and published an article after his cycle trip 👉 LINK.

Lonely Planet ranks Herzegovina and the Ciro trail among the top 4 world destinations 👉 LINK.

National Geographic published an article about 6 unforgettable tours in Herzegovina 👉 LINK.

Other articles:

Imagine a journey where every pedal stroke reveals a new world – where history intertwines with nature, and each climb leads to breathtaking views. The cycling route Sarajevo – Mostar – Dubrovnik takes you through the very heart of the Balkans, across mountain passes, forgotten villages, and winding valleys, all the way to the sun-drenched shores of the Adriatic Sea.

From Sarajevo – Where It All Begins

Your journey begins in the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajeva– a city that breathes history and blends the soul of the East and the West. The Old Town, Baščaršija, the call to prayer and church bells sounding at the same time... From this vibrant heart of the city, your adventure leads you into the quiet majesty of the surrounding mountains.

Mountain Heights and Forgotten Worlds

The route takes you to the mighty Bjelasnica, across the highland of Lukomir– the highest and most remote inhabited village in Bosnia and Herzegovina – where time seems to stand still and nature speaks. You continue toward Visočica – a breathtaking jewel of untouched nature, a mountain adorned with vast pastures, dense forests, and countless springs of crystal-clear drinking water. Here, silence reigns, occasionally broken only by birdsong or the whisper of wind through pine trees. Visočica is a mountain of peace and majestic views, and each pedal stroke reveals a new perspective of this mountain paradise.

From there, the route descends into the Glavatičevo valley, where the Neretva river dances alongside your path, guiding you to the emerald waters of Boračko Lake – a perfect spot for a short break and immersion in a pristine natural setting. Afterward, wide vistas open up toward the imposing the Prenj mountain rangewhich silently accompanies you all the way to Rujišta – a cool and refreshing oasis above Mostar, a hidden gem in Herzegovina’s mountainous landscape.

Mostar – The City of Light and Bridges

Descending into the Neretva valley, you enter Mostar– a city where East meets West, stone meets water, and past meets present. The UNESCO-listed Old Bridge, stands as a symbol of connection, courage, and beauty. Take time to rest, explore the old streets, breathe in the aroma of coffee, and wander the colorful bazaars.

From Mostar to Dubrovnik – The Ćiro Trail Awaits

From Mostar, a new chapter begins – you join the legendary Ciro Trail, a former narrow-gauge railway line that once connected inland Herzegovina to the coast. Today, it is one of the most beautiful cycling routes in the region. The trail leads you through stunning Herzegovinian landscapes, past old train stations, tunnels, and stone bridges – including those designed by Gustave Eiffel – through villages rich in history and local culture.

This part of the journey offers a true postcard of Herzegovina: rugged terrain, the scent of immortelle and lavender, stone houses, and warm-hearted locals. Along the way, you’ll discover authenticity, simplicity, and wild beauty.

Journey’s End – Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic

And finally – Dubrovnik. The city beneath the walls, where the stone glistens in the sun and the Adriatic Sea whispers stories that span millennia. Here your cycling journey reaches its grand finale – in a UNESCO World Heritage city that welcomes travelers from around the world.

Why Choose This Route?

Because it connects three worlds – the soul of Sarajevo, , the heart of Herzegovina and the beauty of the Adriatic.. Because it offers a unique combination of mountain challenges, cultural richness, and Mediterranean relaxation. And from Mostar, you ride along the famous Ciro Trail– a path that tells its own extraordinary story.

We invite you to experience this unforgettable cycling adventure. Pedal through history, nature, and beauty – from Sarajevo, through Mostar, and along the Ćiro Trail to Dubrovnik..

Route information
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Difficulty (1-5)

NAVIGATION PACK

PRICE: 30,00 €
Map

Notice:

Additional GPX Tracks Included in the Navigation Package

Route Sarajevo – Mostar – Dubrovnik is enriched with two additional GPX segments that offer an even deeper experience of the region’s natural and cultural heritage:

🔹 Lukomir (an extra 16 km one way)
This segment takes you to Lukomir, the highest permanently inhabited village in Bosnia and Herzegovina, located at over 1,400 meters above sea level. The route follows a gravel road and is suitable for gravel bikes. We recommend this detour to all those seeking to experience untouched nature and the authentic mountain lifestyle.

🔹 Ćiro Trail: Dračevo – Brštanica – Hutovo (an extra 19 km)
This gravel/MTB segment leads you along the authentic route of the former narrow-gauge railway known as Ćiro, from Dračevo to Hutovo. It includes passage through 10 tunnels and across historic bridges – including one designed by Gustave Eiffel. Due to the technical nature and surface of the trail, we recommend riding this section with a mountain bike.

Navigation Pack for Unforgettable Cycling Adventures

Discover the magic of Bosnia and Herzegovina with the HerzegovinaBike Navigation Pack! Each route comes with detailed navigation materials, GPX files, QR codes for the Ride with GPS app, and personalized support. Enjoy a safe and well-planned journey with access to local attractions, accommodation, and restaurants. Support sustainable tourism and enjoy a cycling trip through the beautiful landscapes of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

For more information on benefits, features, and how to purchase, visit the Navigation Pack.

Do you want to create a turiatic arrangement on this route? Contact our partners: ERO Travel Tour agency

  • Rent A Bike Mostar (link)
  • Bicycle rental: Regular MTB Bike – €15; MTB E-Bike – €30; Trekking E-Bike - €40Complementaries: Helmet, Bike lock, Tire repair kit and bike pump
  • Contact us+387 63 400 260 (Viber & WhatsApp available)
  • Mail:visit@herzegovinabike.ba
Route details

The journey begins in Sarajeva, specifically from Ilidže, from where you face a 25 km ride with around 1200 m elevation gain up to Bjelašnice and the well-known picnic area of Babin do. The route continues with another 5 km of climbing before descending toward the village of Šabići.

At kilometer 36 , you have the option to turn right and visit the village of LukomirThis detour adds 16 km one way on a gravel road, suitable for gravel bikes. After visiting Lukomir, you return to the main route and continue toward Šabići.

From Šabići, at kilometer 39 from Sarajevo, a more serious climb begins — 10 kmof ascent toward Mount Visočica. Once you reach the top, you're rewarded with a 21 km descent down to Glavatičevo and the emerald Boračko Lake, ideal for rest, swimming, and relaxing by the shore.

After Boračko Lake, at kilometer 87, the next climb begins 20 km — a 20 km ascent that takes you toward Rujištu. At kilometer 92 , you leave the main road and turn left onto the gravel section to Rujište. The first 1,5 km is more challenging due to loose rocks, but after that, the gravel becomes compact and easy to ride all the way to the Rujište mountain lodge.

At Gornje Zijemlje, around kilometer 110, you’re back on asphalt, and from this point on, there are no more gravel sections on the main route (unless you opt for optional gravel segments). A 4 km 4 km climb leads to the Rujište Pass, followed by a 13 km 13 km descent into Bijelo Polje. From there, you continue toward MostarMostar, where you join the famous Ciro Trail a cycling route that leads all the way to Dubrovnika.

The road from Mostar heading south takes you through the city of Čapljina and further toward HutovuHutovo, and it is entirely paved and mostly flat. In the village of Dračevo, at kilometer 183, you can turn right onto the gravel section of the Ćiro railway, which takes you through 10 tunnels toward Hutovo. This 19 kmsegment is recommended for MTB bikers and is included in the navigation GPX package.

If you skip the gravel section, continue on the paved roadwhich stays flat alongside Hutovo Lake until kilometer 191, where a 7 km climb begins toward Cerovica. This climb can be steep and challenging in some parts, so we recommend caution and a pace suited to your fitness level.

At kilometer 198, the route crosses the main Stolac–Neum road, — twice — so pay extra attention and cross with maximum caution, especially during the summer season when traffic can be heavy.

From Cerovica, the route descends toward Hutovo, where you can take a break at a local café. Nearby, you'll find a Bike Service Station in case you need repairs or to top off your tire pressure.

Nakon Hutova, slijedi ravna i asfaltirana dionica prema Ravnom, s prekrasnim pogledom na Popovo polje. U Ravnom imate mogućnost okrjepe, noćenja i dodatnog servisa za bicikle.

The final climb of the route comes at kilometer 231, just after the village of Ravno, lasting 2 km2 km. After this point, the road flattens out completely and takes you all the way to Dubrovnika.

U mjestu Hum, na 263. kilometru, imate odvajanje lijevo za grad Trebinje, no vi nastavljate desno prema Dubrovniku.

At kilometer 274 , you arrive in IvanicaIvanica, where the border crossing is located — here you exit Bosnia and Herzegovina and enter the Republic of Croatia. From there, a descent leads you into the city of Dubrovnik.

The route ends in the Gruž district of Dubrovnik, right in front of Bike Shopa DBAS, where you can service your bike. Nearby, a local brewery offers the perfect place to relax and celebrate the end of one of the most beautiful cycling journeys in the Balkans.

Photos