Maglić – The tallest Mountain in BiH

Route: Prijevor Trailhead – Trnovačko Lake – Veliki Maglić – Maglić

*Warning – final approach to Maglić might be considered difficult*

If you want to understand why Sutjeska National Park is often called the “Yosemite of the Balkans,” you have to stand on top of Maglić. At 2,386 meters, it is the highest peak in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

But this trip wasn’t just about the summit. It was about the journey. We crossed wild borders, shared our campsite with roaming horses, and hiked through some of the most dramatic landscapes in Europe.

Here is how we tackled the highest peak in the country, starting from the famous heart-shaped Trnovačko Lake.

Day 1: The Approach & The Wild Border

Hiking and Camping in BiH We started our adventure by driving to the Prijevor Trailhead. Good news for drivers: You don’t need a heavy-duty off-roader for this approach. We took a forest road with a regular SUV, and it handled the terrain just fine.

From the trailhead, the hike begins. The path to our basecamp is special because it crosses a “wild border.” One minute you are hiking in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the next, you are stepping into the Piva Nature Park in Montenegro. There are no fences, no guards—just nature.

Basecamp: Trnovačko Lake

We set up camp at the stunning Trnovačko Lake (Trnovačko Jezero). This glacial lake is famous for its perfect heart shape.

• The Vibe: It is incredibly peaceful. We weren’t alone, though—the campsite is run by locals who use horses to transport supplies. We also had some wild cows wandering through the tents, which added to the charm!
• Amenities: There is fresh running water available, so you don’t need to haul days’ worth of hydration.
• Costs (Cash Only!):
  • Parking: Approx. 5–10€ at the trailhead.
  • Camping: Approx. 2–4€ per tent.

Day 2: climbing Maglić

The next morning, we left our heavy gear at the lake and started the ascent with light packs.

The route took us first up to Veliki Maglić (2,388m), which is actually the Montenegrin peak. From there, we traversed the ridge to reach the main summit of Maglić (2,386m)—the official highest point of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Watch the full 2-day expedition here:

The Summit & History

Standing on the “Roof of Bosnia” offers views that are hard to describe. But it’s not just about the view; it’s about the history. At the top, you will find an old monument honoring Josip Broz Tito and the Partisans who fought in the Battle of Sutjeska during WWII. It is a powerful reminder of the history embedded in these mountains.

We made it back down to the lake the same day, exhausted but buzzing from the adrenaline. We spent one last night under the stars before hiking back to the car the next morning.

Trip Summary & Logistics

• Vehicle: Regular SUV is fine for the forest road to Prijevor trailhead.
• Difficulty: Strenuous. The climb to Maglić involves some scrambling and steep sections.
• Water: Available at Trnovačko Lake campsite.
• Documents: Bring your ID/Passport! Even though it is a “wild border,” you are technically crossing international lines.
• Pets: Not exactly dog-friendly, due to free-roaming horses and cows

Other useful resources: guided tours / Komoot (GPX etc)