Discover Ljubovčići

Ljubovčići combines a rich local history with clearly identified hiking destinations. When planning your trip, you can focus on the historic links to Pazarić or on hikes to Hranisava and the mountain huts. The walking times given refer to different starting points and destinations.

Stream and historical development

The Ljubovača, also known as Ljubovački potok, forms just below Ljubovčići where two smaller streams meet. The area's history dates back to 1468, when the village was first mentioned in the Nahija of Gradčac under the names Lepugčić and Lubogovčić.

An entry from 1565 describes Ljubovčići as a kasaba and mentions a mosque built by Spahi Mehmed. The 1604 census records a mosque mahalle with 15 households. The area around the mosque developed into an important marketplace and took the name Pazarić. The number of households refers to this mahalle.

Pazarić has long been a ferry crossing on a trade route. Historically, a route also ran from Ljubovčići over Bjelašnica to the Neretva Valley. An ancient inscribed stone was found in September 1892 on the bank of the small Ljubovčića stream near Pazarić, close to a mosque. Today, it is located near the National Museum in Sarajevo.

Hikes to Hranisava and the mountain huts

Ljubovčići is a starting point for the ascent to Hranisava. The trail climbs along wooded slopes and is well marked; the summit is at 1,964 metres. Markings and trail conditions may change. Check them before your hike. To access the Hranisava route, follow the Sarajevo–Mostar road to Pazarić and turn towards Ljubovčići there.

The shortest and easiest route from Ljubovčići to the Stanari mountain hut goes via Bor; the hike is about 10 kilometres long and has around 800 metres of elevation gain. The trail runs entirely through the forest. It is well marked except for the first section, and there is a signpost at every junction. Markings and conditions on forest trails may also change.

To hike from Ljubovčići to the nearby Podgradina mountain hut, take the trail via Bor; allow about 1.5 hours. As the route comes from an older guidebook, check the trail and access before setting out.

Mountain huts and walking times

The Podgradina mountain hut is at an elevation of 1,350 metres, below Gradinska stijena and surrounded by dense forest. It has 20 beds, a large common room, a kitchen and an indoor toilet. Access depends on the weather. As facilities may change, confirm the details before planning an overnight stay.

You can reach the Šavnici mountain hut by car as far as Ljubovčići, then continue on foot for about 20 minutes. From Šavnici, the hiking times provide a guide: it is about 1.5 hours to the Podgradina mountain hut, about 2.5 to Stanari, about 3 to Sitnik and about 3.5 to Hranisava. The observatory takes approximately 6 hours to reach, while Mehina Luka is about 2 to 3 hours away. These times are estimates; check current walking times and access conditions before planning your hike.

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

Return to the main travel overview: Sarajevo Canton.