Pale – Sarajevo Bicycle Trail: A New Route Reviving the Old Railway
Where the legendary Ćiro train once passed, a brand-new story is now being written. The old railway line that once connected Sarajevo with towns in eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina is being transformed into a modern path for cyclists, walkers, and nature lovers — a place where history, nature, and community meet.
This bicycle and pedestrian trail, stretching over 15 kilometers, connects Pale and Sarajevo, creating a unique recreational and tourist route in the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Developed through the cooperation of the two cities, with the support of the European Union Delegation to BiH, this project is more than just infrastructure — it sends a powerful message: together we can build healthier, more connected, and more beautiful communities.
Following Ćiro’s Tracks: Where History Inspires
Once a symbol of progress and unity, the famous Ćiro train traveled this very route. In addition to its functional value, the railway holds deep emotional and cultural meaning. Parts of the iconic film and TV series “Walter Defends Sarajevo” were filmed along the line, adding a cinematic and symbolic dimension to its legacy.
Today, this old railway line is being reimagined — not with steel tracks and steam engines, but with people on bicycles, families enjoying leisurely walks, and nature enthusiasts — all with a common goal: quality time outdoors in a peaceful, meaningful setting.
Nature at Your Fingertips: The Miljacka Canyon Experience
The trail winds through stunning natural landscapes, offering breathtaking views of the Miljacka River canyon, tunnels carved into rock, historic bridges, and untouched scenery that leaves a lasting impression. With its gentle gradients, the route is perfect for all — from recreational cyclists and families with children, to seniors and seasoned bikers.
Currently, 5 kilometers of the trail are already paved and in use, while an additional 10.2 kilometers are being reconstructed. The tunnels will be lit using solar panels, and safety fences will be installed along the path to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all users.
A Project for the People, Not for Profit
What makes this initiative truly special is that it is entirely non-commercial. Access to the trail will be free for everyone — citizens, visitors, and tourists alike. The goal is not profit, but rather to create a public space that belongs to the community.
Funding is planned through a combination of municipal, city, and entity budgets, with additional support sought from international development funds and sustainability programs. Although complex, this is an incredibly valuable project with long-term benefits for the entire region.
A New Opportunity for Tourism and Cooperation
This trail is much more than a physical connection between two cities — it has the potential to become the backbone of a new regional tourism offer. Bicycle tourism is booming across Europe, and this kind of route has great potential to attract visitors who are looking for a combination of active holidays and authentic cultural experiences.
In a symbolic and practical way, the trail also connects municipalities, communities, and cultures that share this space. It opens doors for collaboration, cultural exchange, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles.
Our Trail – Our Responsibility
Investing in projects like this means investing in a better future. For the trail to fulfill its purpose, it’s essential that all citizens recognize its value and treat it with respect and care.
This trail is more than a project – it’s a place of meeting, recreation, and peace, where city and nature walk side by side, and where people find inspiration to become part of something greater.
Eastern Railway: A Legacy That Lives On
At the dawn of the 20th century, through the mountainous terrain and dense forests of eastern Bosnia, one of the most important railway lines of the era was built — the Eastern Railway, a narrow-gauge railway constructed in 1906. It connected Sarajevo with Uvac, then part of the Ottoman borderlands, with an important branch line extending to Vardište, on the former border with Serbia.
This was no ordinary railway. It was a strategic military project, built primarily for defense purposes. The military operated the railway, and it was heavily used during World War I to transport troops, ammunition, and supplies to the eastern front. Several significant wartime events occurred along the route, including an incident in 1914, when Austro-Hungarian troops took civilian hostages near the railway.
An Engineering Marvel of Its Time
The railway ran through extremely challenging terrain, requiring numerous bridges, tunnels, and architectural feats. Many of the stations along the route are still known today: Bistrik, Dovlići, Pale, Koran, Prača, Ustiprača-Goražde, Rudo, Višegrad, Dobrun, Vardište, and others. Some still stand, preserving the memory of the past, and several stations and structures have been declared cultural heritage landmarks.
Despite the difficult conditions, the railway served for decades, connecting people, towns, and cultures, even during times of great unrest.
From Abandonment to Tourism: Ćiro Rides Again
Though officially decommissioned in 1978, many remnants of the Eastern Railway still exist today — stone bridges, tunnels, and historic station buildings continue to bear witness to its rich history.
Since 2003, a section of the railway between Višegrad and Vardište has been revived as part of a tourist train experience known as “Ćiro”, extending toward Serbia’s famous Šargan Eight.
Once a tool of war, Ćiro has found a new purpose — delighting tourists, history buffs, and curious travelers who want to experience the charm of a bygone era by riding through dramatic landscapes and mountain curves.
A Future Built on Historic Tracks
Today, as we speak of the Pale–Sarajevo bicycle trail, it’s clear that it closely follows the path of the historic Eastern Railway. This gives the modern project more than just a practical role — it adds historical and emotional depth.
This is not just a trail. It is a path through time, through nature and memory, and toward a future where recreation, peace, and culture take the front seat – Bistik – Pale – Vardiste
