In any case, Trebević is much more to Sarajevans than simply an excursion destination, since entire city neighborhoods – Jarčedoli, Hrid, Bistrik, Širokača, Soukbunar, Vraca and others – occupy the mountain's northern slopes. Sarajevo and Trebević's “embrace” is a unique example of how the urban fabric of one city is woven into its natural surroundings.
While traces of a pre-historic Illyrian settlement have been found on a part of the mountain called Debelo Brdo, and many of Sarajevo’s mahalas were laid out on the mountain’s slopes during the Ottoman period, it was only with the arrival of the Austro-Hungarians that more serious development of Trebević began.
It was during this period that several military fortifications were built, the most famous of which was Bistrička Kula on Čolina Kapa (966 m), where an observatory was built in 1969. There was also more intensive forest harvesting up on the slopes and many mountain paths and rest areas were made.
In order to improve the connection between Sarajevo and Trebević, a cable car was installed in 1959. The base station was in Bistrik and it ran up to Vidikovac (1,164 m), which had a restaurant with the most beautiful view of Sarajevo.
A cable car is renovated during 2018, and restaurant Vidikovac should be rebuildt again very soon.
During the 1980s, as part of the preparations for the XIV Winter Olympic Games, a bobsled track was installed on Trebević, which is where this event and the luge competitions were held.
During the war (1992-1995), lines were established along almost the entire length of the mountain. Most of the infrastructure and other objects were destroyed and a good portion of Trebević was mined, causing Sarajevans to abandon excursions for a long time even after the war had come to an end.
The connection between Sarajevo and its beloved mountain is slowly being reestablished. The deep and shady forests attracts visitors during the summer and, in winter, it allows one to escape the city, with its layer of fog and smog, for some fresh mountain air that is all of ten minutes away from the center of town.
Laced with numerous mountain streams, Trebević is home to several hundred different plant species, many of which are endemic, not to mention the many kinds of animal species.
On a sunny day, a gorgeous view of Sarajevo, as well as the surrounding mountains, can be enjoyed from one of Trebević’s peaks, the highest of which is 1,629 meters.
There are many marked mountain trails for those who love mountaineering, and Trebević is gaining in popularity as a destination for mountain bike enthusiasts. The partially renovated bobsled course attracts not only sledders, but also adrenaline addicts.
The tourist complex, Brus, has a restaurant, bungalows, man-made pond, walking trails and bike paths…. Another popular spot is Level Up hotel, ex Napredak Mountain Lodge, plus Pino Nature Hotel, where the Prvi Šumar lodge used to be. Nearby, hosts of the Trebevićki Raj restaurant, will welcome you with special dishes of national cuisine.
There are many reasons why Trebević will soon be more attractive than ever: there’s the new road that has been laid to connect Trebević with East Sarajevo and Jahorina and a whole host of touristic and sporting-recreational events are lined up.
If you’re coming from the city, you can reach the mountain by passing through the mahalas on the left side of the Miljacka River or by going via Vraca. It’s also possible to visit Trebević with renewed cable car which drives from Bistrik (Hrvatin street) every day.
