Sarajevo is one of the few capital cities in the world from which you can land at the airport and, in less than 45 minutes of driving, find yourself in the heart of world-class Olympic mountains, surrounded by untouched nature and clean air. The mountains of Bjelašnica, Jahorina, and Igman, which hosted the 1984 Winter Olympic Games, are today the epicentre of tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina, both during the winter ski season and throughout the hot summer months when everyone is looking to escape the bustle of the city.
Mountain driving in BiH, however, has its own specific rules, with steep climbs, sudden changes in weather conditions, and bends that demand a vehicle in perfect condition and full attention at the wheel. In this detailed guide we will explain how to reach the Olympic beauties from Sarajevo Airport in a rental car as easily as possible, what kind of roads await you, and how to choose the ideal vehicle for this adventure.
The logistics of departure: From Sarajevo Airport to the mountain climbs
The biggest advantage of collecting a rental car from our partner network right after you land at Sarajevo Airport is the fact that you are in an ideal strategic position. You do not have to enter the rush-hour traffic in the city centre, nor navigate through narrow city streets in order to set off towards the mountains.
To head to Bjelašnica and Igman, from the airport car park you immediately join the regional road that leads through the Vojkovići settlement towards Krupac, where the main climb begins. The road to Babin Do on Bjelašnica is about 30 kilometres long, and in normal conditions the drive takes roughly 35 to 40 minutes.
If your destination is Jahorina, the route takes you via Lukavica and Trebević, or alternatively via Pale. The route over Trebević offers fantastic viewpoints over the city, is fully paved, and the drive to the ski resort on Jahorina is about 28 kilometres, which guarantees that you will be at your hotel reception in less than 45 minutes.
What kind of roads await you: The specifics of mountain driving in BiH
The main and regional routes that lead to the Olympic mountains are fully paved, regularly maintained, and have clear traffic signage. Even so, driving at altitudes above 1,200 metres requires a completely different approach compared to driving on a motorway or in urban areas.
During the summer season, the main challenge for drivers and cars is the long, sustained climbs on which engines work under greater load. When descending the mountain, prolonged and continuous braking can lead to overheating of the brake discs and a reduction in braking efficiency. When delivering the vehicle, the partner agency's staff always advise clients to use engine braking, that is, to shift into a lower gear, in order to relieve the braking system and ensure maximum safety. Not sure which engine to choose, see also our guide to choosing fuel: diesel or petrol.
In the winter months, from November to April, the situation becomes considerably more demanding. Fog, ice on the shaded sections of the road, and sudden snowdrifts are everyday occurrences on Bjelašnica and Jahorina. The legal obligation in BiH during this period is to carry complete winter equipment, and through our partner network you are provided with top-quality winter tyres with a deep tread and snow chains that come in the boot of every car at no additional charge.
Choosing a car: Who are the rulers of the mountain climbs?
For your mountain outing to go completely smoothly, choosing the right class of car from our range plays a key role. Although even smaller city cars will manage the climbs, for an optimal experience we recommend more powerful and more spacious models.
For couples and shorter trips, compact-class models such as a VW Golf or a Škoda Octavia offer an excellent balance between power and fuel consumption. These cars have enough torque to handle steep climbs with ease, while their spacious boots allow you to stow hiking gear or winter jackets.
For families, groups of skiers, and lovers of top-tier performance, SUVs are the absolute number 1 for mountain routes. Models such as a Seat Tarraco or an MG ZS provide a raised seating position, a spacious interior, and high ground clearance, which is a lifesaver if you come across uncleared snow in a car park or want to turn onto a gravel track towards one of the hidden viewpoints.
For those who want to combine luxury, spaciousness, and top sporting enjoyment on the winding mountain roads, premium 4x4 models in our range are the perfect choice. The Cupra Ateca VZ with the 4Motion system, the Toyota Land Cruiser, and the Mercedes C-Class All Terrain with 4Matic drive combine a luxurious interior with maximum traction on all four wheels. The power and advanced stability systems of these vehicles allow you to conquer the mountain climbs with incredible ease and the highest level of safety for everyone in the cabin.
Safety in car parks and local tips
When you arrive at your mountain destination, the logistics shift to the question of parking, which during the tourist peak can be a challenge. If you are driving into central Sarajevo yourself, see also our guide to parking, zones and garages.
We remind you that in the event of any unforeseen situation, breakdown, or skid, you should contact us immediately so that we can activate the partner agencies' assistance network, which is operational at all Olympic locations around Sarajevo 24 hours a day. For more details on no-deposit options, read our no-deposit car rental guide.
