When thinking of a vacation in Sarajevo, it is rarely associated with winter sports and the Olympics.
Yet, in 1984, this Balkan city was the center of the sports world, hosting the XIV Winter Olympic Games. Today, those same mountains that welcomed athletes from around the world have become a natural playground for those who choose to explore a heritage made of past glory, abandonment, and rebirth. This article will guide you to discover Sarajevo's Olympic legacy, among iconic structures and breathtaking landscapes.
Sarajevo 1984: An Olympic Dream
Awarding the Olympics to Yugoslavia was a political and prestigious choice. On May 19, 1978, the International Olympic Committee chose Sarajevo with 39 votes out of 39 in the second round, beating Sapporo and Gothenburg. The event, costing $142.6 million, involved 10,450 volunteers and 4,000 companies, and was watched by over two billion viewers.
However, the winter of 1984 was initially dry and mild. Snow, an essential element, miraculously arrived on the day of the inauguration, February 8, transforming the city into a fairy tale land. Thousands of citizens took to the streets to shovel snow and make the slopes perfect.
The Symbolic Places of the Olympics
The competitions took place on four mountains around Sarajevo: Trebević, Igman, Bjelašnica, and Jahorina.
Mount Trebević: Hosted the bobsled and luge events. The track, 1,300 meters long with 13 curves, was designed to reduce environmental impact.
Mount Igman: Here the ski jumping and biathlon competitions were held . The Igman Hotel, once prestigious, now stands abandoned as a witness to the past .
The Bjelašnica: It was the stage for the men's alpine skiing competitions . With its 2,067 meters, it is still a well-known ski destination today .
The Olympic Hall Zetra: Located in the city, it hosted ice hockey and figure skating . After being severely damaged during the war, it was rebuilt and today is a multipurpose arena that also houses a small Olympic museum .
The Bob and Luge Track of Trebević: A Symbol
The bobsled track of Mount Trebević is now the most fascinating and visited testimony of the 1984 Olympics . During the siege of Sarajevo (1992-1996), the track was used as an artillery position by the Serb-Bosnian forces . Today, abandoned, it has become a huge open-air art gallery, covered in graffiti .
How to Visit It
There are three main ways to reach the track:
By funicular (most popular option): The departure is near the City Hall (Vijećnica), with a ride of only 7 minutes . From the upper station, it is about a 5-10 minute walk down .
By taxi: You can go directly to the start of the track or near the Pino Nature Hotel. The ride from the center costs about 12-15 euros .
On foot: For hikers, there are trails from the Bistrik neighborhood, but the climb is steep and takes 1.5-2 hours .
Important: The track and main trails are safe, but do not stray into the surrounding woods due to the risk of unexploded mines .
The Olympic Mountains Today: Sports and Nature
In addition to historical tourism, the mountains of Sarajevo offer numerous activities for nature and sports lovers. During your vacation in Sarajevo, you can explore these places in every season.
Winter Activities
Skiing and Snowboarding: Bjelašnica and Jahorina are the most equipped ski resorts . Igman is more suitable for families and beginners .
Cross-Country Skiing: The Olympic trails of Igman, in Veliko Polje, are still used for cross-country skiing .
Summer Activities
Trekking: Numerous marked trails connect the mountains, offering spectacular views of the city and the Dinaric Alps .
Mountain Biking: The bobsled track is sometimes used for extreme cycling competitions . There are also plans to create a Bike Park in the Olympic mountains for disciplines such as cross country and freeride .
Guided Tours: Tours are available that include visits to abandoned Olympic sites, such as the Igman Hotel and the ski jumping ramps, often combined with explanations about the history of the war .
FAQ - Olympic Legacy in Sarajevo
Which cities competed to host the 1984 Olympics?
In addition to Sarajevo, Sapporo (Japan) and Göteborg (Sweden) were candidates. Sarajevo won in the second round with 39 votes out of 39 .
Why is the bobsled track on Trebević so famous?
It is famous for its history: built for the 1984 Olympics, it was used as an artillery position during the siege of the 1990s. Today it is a tourist attraction for its graffiti and breathtaking view .
Is it possible to walk the bobsled track?
Yes, the track is completely accessible on foot and you can walk its entire length .
What is the best way to get to the bobsled track?
The funicular is the most convenient and scenic option. The lower station is close to the city center .
Besides the bobsled track, what other Olympic sites are visitable?
You can visit the Olympic Hall Zetra (which hosts a small museum) and the mountains of Igman and Bjelašnica, where the remains of the ski jump and the Igman Hotel are located .
What events were held on Mount Igman?
On Igman, the competitions of ski jumping, biathlon, cross-country skiing, and Nordic combined took place .
Is it still possible to ski in the mountains of Sarajevo?
Yes, the mountains of Bjelašnica and Jahorina are still equipped for skiing and snowboarding during the winter .
Are there safety issues in the mountainous areas?
The tourist areas and marked trails are completely safe, but it is important not to stray from the marked paths due to the risk of unexploded mines .
What does the bobsled track look like today?
The track is mostly abandoned and covered in graffiti, but it is partially restored and used for summer training of lugers . There are plans for a complete reconstruction .
What are the main Olympic mountains around Sarajevo?
The four main mountains are Trebević, Igman, Bjelašnica, and Jahorina .
On the Trail of the 1984 Olympic Games
The 1984 Olympics represent a chapter of glory in the history of Sarajevo, a moment when the city was at the center of the world. Today, the legacy of that event is a fascinating mix of nature, history, and memory. Exploring the abandoned bobsled track on Trebević, admiring the graffiti that covers it, and enjoying the view of the city is a unique experience. At the same time, the mountains of Bjelašnica and Igman offer opportunities for sports and trekking, demonstrating that Sarajevo is a year-round destination. A vacation in Sarajevo that includes this Olympic itinerary is a journey that unites past and present, sports and nature, in a context of extraordinary beauty and resilience.
To explore all aspects of this extraordinary city, check out our complete guide: Plan your vacation in Sarajevo between Olympic history and nature.
Review date: May 2026