Written by Isa Belle

45 minutes north of Mostar is an area perfect for hiking, called Diva Grabovica.  It is a perfect example of Karst landscape, defined by layers of bedrocks.  If you are not familiar with this geographical term, it’s just incredibly beautiful nature with high and fierce mountains and the magical turquoise river Neretva flowing in between.  People have made an effort to turn this area into an recreational place where you you can have the most wonderful hikes. 

I have been there three times now, and all my experiences have been great. The paths are well marked, at some places there are metal ‘ropes’ to help you over dangerous passages.  There are pretty tough parts though, so you should be fit to some extent.  Don’t be discouraged, take your time and make sure you are down again before dark.  However, you may want to try staying in one of those cosy huts along the road and of course having an unforgetable night in the middle-of-nowhere. By the end of the day, the beautiful nature and tough physical exercise will bring you total relaxation and well a few grams off your weights.

The most amazing thing happening on my second hike when I met a group of older local people. They were eating, drinking, talking and enjoying in the first hut on our way. The huts were small and basic but cozy, ready to indulge your tired bodies.  There was an ax and a small stove which could run on fire made from your own freshly-chopped firewood.  There were plates, cups, forks, knives and even instant coffee, an amazing windfall for exhausted hikers. 

We greeted the people sitting by the hut and eventually sat down to have conversation with them since two people from our group spoke the local language.  We were exhausted after the hike, thus could not refused their offering us warm coffee.  Our coffee was served in the cutest china I had ever seen and accompanied by Turkish Delight, ended with delicious baklava.  It was a fantastic experience which once more proved the incredible hospitality of local people.  The drink, sweets and the warmness of the people replenished our body and provided the needed energy and drive to walk up the mountain. 

It’s peaceful and satisfying to hike in stunning nature, smell fresh air, enjoy amazing views, feel sweat drops on your back, chat with friendly local people and eat delicious cevapi afterwards.  If I could do this every weekend, I would be the happiest person on earth.

Getting there from Mostar (45 mintues) is possible only by car because it is a remote area.  Take the road to Sarajevo and watch carefully until you see a roadsign ‘Grabovica’ which direct you to the left, over the Neretva.  Once you cross the Neretva, turn right and be patient until you see a little meadow where you can park your car and where you’ll also find a sign indicating the begining of one of many possible hiking routes.  I recommend you to go with someone who have hiked there already or know the area well just for your own safety.  Wear hiking boots, bring enough water, etc.

[image: www.flickr.com -dino70]