Below Ljubovčići, the Ljubovača—also known as Ljubovački potok—is formed where two smaller streams meet. The area also has historic traces and hiking routes towards Hranisava and mountain huts. When planning your visit, you can consider local history and mountain hikes as separate interests. For hikes, walking times, distances and elevation gains each provide different points of reference.

Local History Between the Mosque and the Market Square

Ljubovčići was first mentioned in 1468 as a village in the Nahije of Gradčac, under the names Lepugčić and Lubogovčić at the time. A mosque built in the first half of the 16th century during Ottoman rule in Bosnia and Herzegovina played a special role in the development of the settlement. An entry from 1565 describes Ljubovčići as a kasaba and names Spahi Mehmed as the mosque’s builder.

The 1604 census recorded a mosque mahala with 15 households in Ljubovčići. The area around the mosque developed into an important marketplace known as Pazarić. Pazarić also served as a ferry crossing for a long time: a trade route passed through it. Historically, a route also ran from Ljubovčići over Bjelašnica into the Neretva Valley. This route is part of the area’s history; today’s hikes should be considered separately.

Another historical detail takes us to the bank of the small Ljubovčića stream near Pazarić: an ancient inscription stone was found there in September 1892, near a mosque. It is now located near the National Museum in Sarajevo. Together with the older place names and the history of the marketplace, this discovery offers different perspectives on the area across time.

Hikes from Ljubovčići

The hiking route from Ljubovčići goes via Bor to the Podgradina hut and takes about one and a half hours on foot. The hut is at an elevation of 1,350 metres, below Gradinska stijena, and is surrounded by dense forest. It has 20 sleeping places, a large common room, a kitchen and an indoor toilet. As details about the facilities may change, confirm them before planning an overnight stay. Access to the hut depends on the weather.

The route to Stanari hut, described as the shortest and easiest, also goes via Bor. It is about 10 kilometres long and involves around 800 metres of elevation gain. The route runs entirely through the forest; it is well marked except for the first section, and there is a signpost at every junction. Trail conditions and markings may change, so check the route and access before setting out.

Ljubovčići is also a starting point for the ascent to Hranisava. The trail climbs along forested slopes and is described as well marked; the ascent reaches a summit elevation of 1,964 metres. To reach the route, take the Sarajevo–Mostar road to Pazarić and then head towards Ljubovčići. Road and access conditions may change.

Šavnici Hut as a Separate Starting Point

To reach Šavnici hut, drive to Ljubovčići; the walk from there takes about 20 minutes. From Šavnici, hikes lead to Podgradina hut in about one and a half hours, Stanari in about two and a half hours, and Sitnik in around three hours. Hranisava is about three and a half hours away; the observatory is around six hours away, and Mehina Luka about two to three hours away. These times refer to hikes starting from Šavnici, not routes from Ljubovčići. Walking times and visitor arrangements may change; check them before your hike.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Vrančići, Hadžići, Ilijaš, Trnovo, Umoljani, Vogošća, Garež, Ilidža.

For the regional travel overview: Sarajevo Canton.