Maglic hike Bosnia: 2,386m peak & glacier lake overnight

Climb Bosnia's highest peak, camp by heart-shaped glacier lake, descend Europe's last jungle

You hike into Perucica jungle and climb to Trnovacko Lake on day one, camping overnight by the water at 1,520 meters. Day two is a three-hour push to Maglic's summit (2,386m), Bosnia's highest peak, with views across the entire country on clear days, then a descent and drive back to Mostar by afternoon. Transport, meals, and mountain shelter are included; you bring moderate fitness and a willingness to climb.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Perucica jungle and Trnovacko Lake

• Depart from Mostar
• Stop for grocery shopping
• Visit Tjentiste WWII monument
• Enter National Park Sutjeska
• Walk to Perućica jungle viewpoint
• See highest waterfall in Bosnia
• Hike 2 hours to Trnovačko Lake
• Camp by the lake
• Swim or visit local cattle breeders
• Relax by fire with dinner and local beer

Day 2 — Climb Maglic Mountain highest peak

• Have breakfast
• Climb 3 hours to Maglić peak
• Enjoy panoramic mountain views
• Rest and have a snack
• Return to lake campsite
• Swim or enjoy domestic meal
• Walk 2 hours back to vehicle
• Return to Mostar

The Experience

There's something that shifts when you leave Mostar heading toward the Sutjeska National Park — the air changes, the road narrows, and suddenly you're not in a tourist town anymore. Day one starts with a stop in Tjentiste, where a World War 2 monument rises above the village in quiet memory of the Battle for Sutjeska, and then you're walking into Perućica, one of Europe's last remaining primary jungles. The path is easy enough, just enough to warm your legs before the real climbing starts. Your guide takes you to a viewpoint where the jungle spreads out below and the highest waterfall in Bosnia drops somewhere in that green expanse, and then it's a two-hour hike up to Trnovacko Lake — a heart-shaped glacier lake sitting at 1,520 meters, ringed by forest, with almost no one else there. You camp beside it in a tent or mountain shelter, and if the weather holds, you swim in water that's cold enough to make you gasp.

The second day is why you came. After breakfast you climb for three hours toward the peak of Maglic Mountain, 2,386 meters high and the highest point in Bosnia and Herzegovina. On a clear day — and the guides know which days those are — you can see across almost the entire country's mountain range, deep into the continent. You rest at the top, take the photos, eat a snack, and then the descent begins: two hours back down to the lake, then another two-hour walk to the vehicle. By afternoon you're driving back toward Mostar, tired in the way that feels earned. The whole thing is built around small groups and a private vehicle, which means no waiting for a bus full of strangers and no rushing through the lake stop because the schedule says so.

This is not a casual walk. You need moderate fitness — the climbing is real, the altitude matters, and the second day's three-hour push to the summit is steep enough that you'll feel it in your quads and your lungs. Children under 12 to 15 need an adult with them, and if you have spinal issues, pregnancy, or a heart that's not up for sustained climbing, this isn't the tour. But if you can handle it, the lake alone — the one almost nobody knows exists — makes the drive from Mostar worth it.

What’s included

Transport by private vehicle from Mostar to the park and back, overnight accommodation in a mountain tent or shelter, tea or coffee on the first day, a sandwich and snack, a hiking guide for both days, and access to Sutjeska National Park. Additional meals can be arranged with local cattle breeders on the mountain (to be ordered in advance).

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Herzegovina Hiking Adventure

Is this one for you?Right for hikers with moderate fitness who want to reach Bosnia's highest peak and camp by a glacier lake few tourists know about. Expect two full days of hiking — day one is easier, day two is a sustained three-hour climb — and plan for cold nights and early starts.

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Top questions

How fit do I need to be for Maglic Mountain?

You need at least moderate fitness. Day one includes a two-hour hike to the lake; day two is a three-hour climb to the summit. The ascent is steep and the altitude (2,386m) matters.

What's included in the price?

Transport from Mostar, overnight accommodation (tent or mountain shelter), tea or coffee on day one, a sandwich and snack, and a hiking guide. Meals beyond the sandwich can be arranged with local cattle breeders on the mountain.

Can children go on this tour?

Children aged 12 to 15 can join if accompanied by an adult. Younger children are not recommended due to the hiking distance and altitude.

What is Trnovacko Lake?

A heart-shaped glacier lake at 1,520 meters, situated beneath Maglic Mountain. It's one of the most beautiful lakes in the region and rarely crowded with tourists.

What if the weather is bad?

Swimming at the lake depends on weather conditions. The hike to the summit is still possible in poor visibility, but views will be limited. The guide assesses conditions each morning.

Is this a guided tour or self-guided?

It's guided. You travel with a guide who leads the hikes, manages the camp, and arranges meals with local mountain cattle breeders.

What's Perucica jungle?

One of Europe's last remaining primary jungles, located within Sutjeska National Park. The walk there is easy and leads to a viewpoint overlooking the jungle and the highest waterfall in Bosnia.