Maglic Mountain Hike: Trnovacko Lake & Bosnia’s Highest Peak

Summary

Hike Maglic summit camp by Trnovacko Lake and cross Perućica jungle

You’ll hike through Perućica jungle with a local guide, pause at Tjentiste’s WWII monument, reach heart-shaped Trnovacko Lake for swimming or camping under stars, then summit Maglic—the highest peak in Bosnia & Herzegovina—for wild views before heading back to Mostar. There’s time for coffee by the fire and stories from locals along the way.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, we almost missed our turnoff from Mostar because someone (me) got distracted by a flock of sheep blocking the road. Our guide, Emir, just grinned and said it was “Bosnian traffic”—I guess that set the tone. After a quick grocery stop (the bread here smells so nutty), we headed for Tjentiste. There’s this huge WWII monument there—kind of stark and strange against all that green. Emir told us about the battle, but I was mostly staring at how the clouds hung low over the hills. Felt heavy but beautiful.

Driving into Perućica jungle, the air changed—damp and earthy, like wet moss and pine needles. We hiked to a viewpoint where you could hear water rushing somewhere far below before you saw it: Skakavac waterfall, just a white streak through all that green. The silence out there is weirdly loud if that makes sense. Then came the real work—a two-hour hike to Trnovacko Lake. It’s heart-shaped (really), tucked under Maglic Mountain, and when we arrived I just wanted to lie down in the grass forever. Some of us swam even though it was freezing. That night we camped by the lake; Emir made coffee over a tiny stove while someone tried (and failed) to start a fire with damp wood. The stars were ridiculous.

The climb up Maglic started early—cold fingers on rocky trails, boots scraping loose stones. I didn’t expect my legs to feel like jelly halfway up, but Emir kept us moving with stories about old border crossings and mountain shepherds who still live up here in summer. At the top (2,386 meters!), wind whipping my jacket around, you could see so far it felt unreal—Bosnia rolling away in every direction, Montenegro somewhere beyond those peaks. We took photos but honestly none of them do it justice.

Going back down was quieter—maybe everyone was tired or maybe we were just thinking about what we’d done. We stopped again at the lake for one last swim (still freezing), then hiked out past some cattle breeders’ huts where you could smell wood smoke and hear cowbells clanking somewhere close by. On the drive back to Mostar I kept replaying that first glimpse of Trnovacko Lake in my head—you know when something just sticks with you? Still does.

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 highest peak Maglic Mountain

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

Top questions

How difficult is hiking Maglic Mountain?

The hike requires moderate fitness; expect steep climbs and rocky paths on day two when ascending to 2,386 meters.

Is camping equipment provided for Trnovacko Lake?

Yes, tents or shelter are included as overnight accommodation by the lake.

Are meals included during this Maglic Mountain hike?

You get tea or coffee on day one plus sandwiches and snacks; local meals can be arranged with mountain cattle breeders if preordered.

Can you swim in Trnovacko Lake?

Yes, swimming is possible if weather allows—it can be very cold even in summer.

What’s special about Perućica jungle?

It’s one of Europe’s last primeval forests with unique biodiversity and Bosnia’s tallest waterfall.

Is transport from Mostar included?

Yes, private vehicle transport from Mostar is part of this tour package.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Children aged 12-15 can join if accompanied by an adult; not recommended for younger kids due to difficulty.

What should I pack for this trip?

Packing sturdy hiking boots, warm layers, swimwear (if brave), rain gear, and snacks is recommended.

What’s included

Your days include pickup from Mostar by private vehicle with a local guide leading hikes through Perućica jungle to Trnovacko Lake and up Maglic Mountain; tea or coffee on arrival; overnight camping or shelter at the lake; sandwiches and snacks; plus return transport after your adventure ends.