"GIRO DI ĆIRO" CYCLING TRAIL CONNECTS SARAJEVO AND PALE IN A UNIQUE WAY

A new chapter in sustainable tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina has officially begun with the opening of the “Giro di Ćiro Sarajevo–Pale” cycling trail, built along the route of the historic narrow-gauge Ćiro railway.

The 13-kilometre trail, developed with the support of the European Union, is considered one of the country’s most significant sustainable tourism projects in recent years. Stretching between Sarajevo and Pale, the route follows the former railway line through forests, tunnels and scenic landscapes on the slopes of Mount Trebević.

The project was financed with €2.3 million in EU grant funding and included the complete reconstruction of the route, the renovation of nine tunnels equipped with solar-powered lighting, two bridges, a bypass section, traffic signage and safety barriers.

The official opening ceremony brought together European Union Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina Luigi Soreca, representatives of the cities of Sarajevo and East Sarajevo, as well as local officials from the municipalities of Stari Grad, East Stari Grad and Pale. Adding a symbolic touch to the event, cyclists from Republika Srpska and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina started from opposite ends of the trail and met at the opening site.

“This trail is much more than a cycling route. It demonstrates how practical cooperation can connect communities, boost tourism development and create new opportunities for local economies,” Ambassador Soreca said during the ceremony.

Even before its official inauguration, the trail had already attracted numerous cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts. Photos and videos shared on social media helped promote the route and the surrounding region as an emerging destination for active tourism.

According to Soreca, public interest itself is the strongest proof of the project’s success.

“People immediately recognized the value of this investment. There was no need for a major marketing campaign. They simply got on their bicycles, explored the route and shared their experiences with others,” he noted.

The trail begins near Sarajevo’s City Hall, passes through the Dariva promenade, continues along the former railway corridor near the Vrelo života site and ends close to the old railway station in Pale.

The Sarajevo–Pale route forms part of the broader “Giro di Ćiro” initiative, which aims to transform former railway corridors across Bosnia and Herzegovina into modern cycling and recreational routes. The long-term vision is to create a network of trails capable of attracting visitors from across Europe while supporting local economic development.

With the opening of the Sarajevo–Pale section, Bosnia and Herzegovina has gained another attractive tourism product that combines the rich heritage of the historic Ćiro railway, the natural beauty of Trebević and the growing European trend of sustainable and active travel.