Hiking in Bosnia and Herzegovina – Beautiful mountains that don’t forgive mistakes
Seven Australian tourists had to be rescued at the highest and oldest mountain village of Lukomir in Bosnia and Herzegovina after they climbed Mount Obalj at night without a guide. This time everything went well. But such stories don’t always have a happy ending. Nadin Kevelj, main coordinator of the rescue operations of the GSS (Mountain Rescue Service) of the Federation of BiH, talks about the fascination and dangers of hiking in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Mr. Kevelj, how long have you been with the GSS?
Almost 20 years.
Why did you join the mountain rescue service?
Our members come from a wide variety of professions and age groups. What unites us is our selfless willingness to help others. Many of us are passionate mountaineers, skiers or alpinists. The GSS gives us the opportunity to put this passion to good use – ready for action at any time, day or night, in sunny or stormy weather. It is a challenge, but also an honor.
“Most of the missions involve foreign tourists”
How often do you work in the mountains?
It varies greatly: sometimes three missions in three days, sometimes not a single one for months. We have the most work in summer, when the hiking season is at its peak, and in winter, when winter sports enthusiasts are out and about.
Who are the people you have to rescue most often?
In recent years, we have seen an increase in search and rescue operations in the mountains of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The majority of those affected are foreign tourists – mostly due to a lack of local knowledge, poor equipment or a lack of navigation devices. Although local hikers are also occasionally affected, we often see a lack of orientation, unsuitable footwear and a lack of information about the difficulty of the routes among foreign visitors.
“Every mission is dangerous”
Do you put yourself in danger during rescue operations?
Mountain rescuers go where others cannot – into darkness, fog, snow and rock faces – to save lives. Almost every complex mission exposes us to real dangers: inaccessible terrain, extreme weather conditions, night-time searches. Operations in the Prenj, Čvrsnica, Velež and Maglić mountains are particularly risky – there are avalanche zones, narrow ridges and steep walls. We also work in areas where there may still be mines and often rescue casualties in places that require rope techniques or helicopters. Exhaustion, lack of sleep, time pressure and heavy loads further increase the risk. Although our rescuers are highly trained and careful, danger is always present – from slippery terrain, avalanches, falling rocks or physical overload.
“The case of the German doctor was a tragedy”
What was the most tragic case you can remember?
The German doctor who disappeared in September and was found dead in Prenj almost a year later. He was traveling alone and had not told anyone his route. Without such information, a search is extremely difficult and dangerous – even for us. This case shows how important preparation and communication are.
“Many underestimate the mountains”
What mistakes do tourists make most often?
Many people underestimate the difficulty of the terrain and the weather conditions. Common mistakes are a lack of preparation – unsuitable footwear, lack of equipment, no information about the route. The weather forecast is also often ignored. In addition, many people walk alone, without a companion or guide, especially in difficult areas. We appeal to all hikers: inform yourself in advance, take the right equipment with you and always communicate your plans to reduce risks.
“Less commerce, more wilderness”
What distinguishes hiking here from, for example, Germany?
Our mountains are wilder, more pristine and less developed. Many paths are poorly marked, the infrastructure is sparse and the weather can change suddenly. This makes it more challenging, but also a special adventure: less commerce, more wilderness, more freedom.
“Respect nature and the local rules”
What is most important when you are out and about in the mountains?
Good planning is half the battle: find out about the route, its length, level of difficulty and the weather conditions. The right equipment is a must – sturdy hiking boots, weatherproof clothing in a double layer, sufficient water and food as well as navigation devices. Never go into difficult terrain alone and always leave information about your plans. The weather in the mountains can change quickly – if in doubt, it is better to turn back than take a risk. Also beware of an often forgotten danger: there is still a risk of mines in some regions. It is therefore essential to stay on marked paths. And finally: Respect nature and the local rules. Only in this way can we ensure that the mountains are preserved in their beauty and originality for future generations .
“Hiking here is a unique adventure”
Despite all the dangers: Why should you go hiking in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Because our nature is still untouched, because the mountain landscapes in Bosnia and Herzegovina are so wild, varied and majestic that they make every step an experience – and because every route leads not only through rocks and forests, but also through history and culture. Hiking here means more than just exercise: It is an immersion in silence and vastness, an adventure far from the crowded tourist trails, a feeling of deep connection with nature. Added to this is the warmth of the people, which makes every encounter along the way something special. Hiking in Bosnia and Herzegovina is affordable, open to beginners and experienced mountaineers alike – and remains one thing above all: a real adventure for anyone who is looking for authenticity and wants to feel what it is like to be truly free.
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