Bjelasnica Mountain: The Hidden Gem of Bosnia and Herzegovina

• HelloZdravo
  [Zdrah-voh]
• GoodbyeDoviđenja
  [Doh-vee-jen-ya]
• YesDa
  [Dah]
• NoNe
  [Neh]
• Please/You're welcomeMolim
  [Moh-leem]
• Thank youHvala
  [Hvah-lah]
• Excuse me/SorryIzvinite
  [Iz-vee-nee-teh]
• How are you?Kako si?
  [Kah-koh see?]
• Fine. And you?Dobro. A ti?
  [Doh-bro. Ah tee?]
• Do you speak English?Govoriš li engleski?
  [Go-vor-eesh lee eng-les-kee?]
• I don't understandNe razumijem
  [Neh rah-zoo-me-yem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMolio bih jelovnik, molim
  [Moh-lee-oh bee yeh-lohv-neek, moh-leem]
• I don't eat meatJa ne jedem meso
  [Yah neh yeh-dem meh-so]
• Cheers!Živeli!
  [Zhee-veh-lee]
• I would like to pay, pleaseŽelim da platim, molim
  [Zheh-leem dah plah-teem, moh-leem]

• Help!Pomoć!
  [Poh-moh-ch!]
• Go away!Idi odavde!
  [Ee-dee oh-dahv-deh!]
• Call the Police!Pozovi policiju!
  [Poh-zoh-vee poh-lee-tsee-yoo!]
• Call a doctor!Pozovi doktora!
  [Poh-zoh-vee dohk-toh-rah!]
• I'm lostIzgubio sam se
  [Eez-goo-bee-oh sahm seh]
• I'm illBolestan sam
  [Boh-leh-stahn sahm]

• I'd like to buy...Htio bih kupiti...
  [Htee-oh bee koo-pee-tee]
• I'm just lookingSamo gledam
  [Sah-moh gleh-dahm]
• How much is it?Koliko košta?
  [Koh-lee-koh kohs-tah?]
• That's too expensiveTo je previše skupo
  [Toh yeh preh-vee-sheh skoo-poh]
• Can you lower the price?Možete li spustiti cijenu?
  [Moh-zheh-teh lee spoos-tee-tee tsee-yeh-noo?]

• What time is it?Koliko je sati?
  [Koh-lee-koh yeh sah-tee?]
• It's one o'clockJedan je sat
  [Yeh-dahn yeh saht]
• Half past (10)Pola (deset)
  [Poh-lah (deh-seht)]
• MorningJutro
  [Yoo-troh]
• AfternoonPopodne
  [Poh-pohd-neh]
• EveningVeče
  [Veh-cheh]
• YesterdayJuče
  [Yoo-cheh]
• TodayDanas
  [Dah-nahs]
• TomorrowSutra
  [Soo-trah]
• 1Jedan
  [Yeh-dahn]
• 2Dva
  [Dvah]
• 3Tri
  [Tree]
• 4Četiri
  [Cheh-tee-ree]
• 5Pet
  [Peh-t]
• 6Šest
  [Shehst]
• 7Sedam
  [Seh-dahm]
• 8Osam
  [Oh-sahm]
• 9Devet
  [Deh-vet]
• 10Deset
  [Deh-seht]

• Where's a/the...?Gdje je...?
  [Gdyeh yeh...?]
• What's the address?Koja je adresa?
  [Koh-yah yeh ah-dreh-sah?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Možete li mi pokazati (na karti)?
  [Moh-zheh-teh lee mee poh-kah-zah-tee (nah kahr-tee)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Kada je sljedeći (autobus)?
  [Kah-dah yeh sl-yeh-deh-chee (ow-toh-boos)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Jednu kartu (do ....)
  [Yeh-dnoo kahr-too (doh ....)]

During the medieval period, the region surrounding Bjelašnica Mountain was part of the Bosnian Kingdom. The mountain itself served as a natural fortress for the Bosnian nobility. Numerous medieval fortresses and stećci (medieval tombstones) can be found in the surrounding areas, providing a glimpse into the lives and traditions of the medieval Bosnian people.

In the 15th century, the Ottoman Empire took control over Bosnia, including the Bjelašnica Mountain region. The Ottomans influenced the local culture, architecture, and religion, introducing Islam to the area. The remnants of Ottoman architecture, such as mosques and bridges, can still be seen in nearby villages.

During World War II, the rugged terrain of Bjelašnica Mountain provided a strategic advantage to the Yugoslav Partisans, who used the area as a base for resistance against Axis forces. The mountain's dense forests and caves served as hideouts for the Partisans, who conducted guerrilla warfare in the region.

Bjelašnica Mountain gained international recognition when Sarajevo was selected to host the 1984 Winter Olympics. The mountain was one of the main venues, hosting the men's alpine skiing events. The infrastructure developed for the Olympics, including ski lifts and lodges, contributed to the growth of tourism in the area.

The Bosnian War had a significant impact on Bjelašnica Mountain and its surrounding areas. The mountain was a strategic location and saw heavy fighting between Bosnian and Serb forces. The war left many scars on the landscape and the local population. Post-war recovery efforts have been ongoing, and the area now serves as a symbol of resilience and peace.

Today, Bjelašnica Mountain is a popular destination for tourists seeking outdoor adventures, such as skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. The local communities have been working to preserve and promote their cultural heritage, organizing festivals and events that celebrate traditional Bosnian music, dance, and cuisine. The mountain continues to be a place where history and natural beauty converge, attracting visitors from around the world.

Bjelasnica Mountain is located about 30 kilometers southwest of Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The nearest airport is Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ). From the airport, you can take a taxi or a pre-arranged shuttle service to the mountain. The drive typically takes around 45 minutes. Public buses also operate from Sarajevo to the surrounding areas, but direct routes to Bjelasnica may require transfers.

Traveling within Bjelasnica Mountain and its surrounding areas can be done via several methods. Taxis are readily available and can be hired for both short and long trips. During the winter season, shuttle buses operate between popular ski resorts and accommodation areas. Renting a car is also a viable option for those who prefer to explore at their own pace. Be aware that road conditions can vary, especially in winter, so ensure your vehicle is equipped for snowy and icy roads.

The official currency of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Convertible Mark (BAM). Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops in the Bjelasnica area. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller establishments and mountain huts. ATMs are available in the larger towns surrounding Bjelasnica, but may not be as accessible in remote areas.

Bjelasnica Mountain is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it's important to remain vigilant and take standard safety precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep your belongings secure in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it's always best to stay aware of your surroundings. In the winter, be cautious of avalanches and ensure you are properly equipped for mountain activities.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to emergency services including police, fire, and medical help. The nearest hospital is in Sarajevo, with smaller medical clinics available in neighboring towns. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and mountain rescue. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the larger towns where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress in layers and wear appropriate clothing for mountain conditions, especially in winter. Avoid overly casual attire when dining in finer restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, including removing your shoes when entering a mosque. Public Transport: Do be polite and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Avoid loud conversations and eating on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Dobar dan' (Good day). A handshake is common among men, while women may exchange cheek kisses. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality as it is considered impolite.

To experience Bjelasnica Mountain like a local, visit the mountain huts known as 'planinarski domovi' where you can enjoy traditional Bosnian cuisine and hospitality. Engage with locals, especially during festivals and events, as they are often eager to share stories about their culture and history. Don’t miss skiing or hiking the marked trails, which offer stunning views and a chance to see diverse wildlife. For a unique experience, try traditional activities like 'ražanj' (spit-roasting meat) or 'sijelo' (a social gathering with music and dance).