This year, as in previous years, participants will certainly come from all countries of the former Yugoslavia. Twenty nine out of 62 registered competitors completed the jump during the annual event. Being a symbol for the town and for the whole of Bosnia, as soon as the war was over there were meticulous plans to rebuild it exactly the same as it was before the war, right down to the smallest detail. Some locals call Mostar the ghost town, haunted by itself. We live in Croatia, and are always exploring the region. Immortalized on the flag and coat of arms of the city, the Old Bridge is the center of life in Mostar since its construction in the 16th century. In a stunning setting such as Mostar, you can see why travellers flock from the four corners of the world just to see this spectacle. Somehow, at the last second, I managed to pull my arms and legs in, grab my balls, and make myself pencil-thin as I speared the water. Excellent. You just need to head a little way out of town, but not very far. Just before sunset, the cream-colored stone surface of Stari Most turns golden, shimmering upon the beautifully renovated old town of Mostar. Here a list of things to do in Bosnia and Herzegovina. amazing blog. Back up in the clubhouse, they will fill out a certificate that you can take home. There are many small touristic shops and cafes. Old Town, a Soviet-era prison, Patarei, trendy restaurants, nice craft beer scene. Lawrence Listo, the famous Mostarian swallow, last years winner, who has won the title ten times, reveals that he was never more ready than this year. OK, now weve covered a few basic concerns; lets get onto the juicy bits, how you go about jumping the Stari Most. Groups of tourists standing on the bridge will pitch in a few euros or dollars to one of the local divers. I know a guy who did this when were in Bosnia in 2006. Thus, on July 30, on the day of the 451st traditional jumping from the Old Bridge, Mostar will be the center of the world. Local tradition says that a 16-year-old boy must jump from the bridge as a right of passage, but more importantly, it is said that the boy's life will be a complete failure if he doesn't jump. The national plates, which consist of sausages and grilled meat, come at around 15-20 KM (7,50-10 ) and easily quench the hunger of two. Walk along or get into some adventure on the Neretva River 3. 31 athletes from the Western Balkans, participating in the jumping races held on the historical Mostar Bridge, immersed themselves in the waters of the Neretva River. And it really is something worth seeing for yourself. Theres only one really big but: locals told us that jumping feet first might cause hitting legs at the bottom. 3 years on, this post is still fully accurate. Young men jump from the bridge to the river Neretva. I wonder how many mostaris, guardians of the bridge, also roam in the grounds with other restless souls. If you do the jump, then leave a comment below, Id love to hear from you! This is the famous bridge in Mostar. However, I had just completed a successful jump and been inducted into the Mostari Diving Clubs Hall of Fame, an honour that fewer than 1,000 people around the world can claim. I looked down and took a deep breath to steady myself , I gave the instructor one final farewell fist bump . As you rise from the water, everyone around should hopefully be clapping and you just swim to the shore and go meet your friends once again. Thanks! He didn't stick the landing and dislocated his arm. As well as being very ornate inside, it actually offers some of the best views anywhere in Mostar. In the aftermaths of war, Mostar was credited as the most heavily destroyed city in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They will then give you a certificate which shows you did the jump. In Summer, the water is at its lowest and so the distance is highest. The Ottoman sultan was so tired of unsuccessful bridge building attempts that he threatened to execute every failing architect. The Old Bridge of Mostar is among the most important Islamic architectural structures in the Balkans. The bridge was eventually reopened again in 2004, and ever since it has been luring travellers from all over the world, not just because of its beauty, but because of its tradition Mostar bridge diving. In fact, they are due to return later this year in August. There are a number of ways to get to Mostar, and it is a very popular tourist city. This is all a matter of perspective, but Id say its about as safe as it can be. Usually what happens is this. They will also give you a wetsuit to help protect against the cold. Be prepared to the cold river and wear a wetsuit if its provided or just bathe in cold water. I dont think wearing a wetsuit is essential, but I would 100% recommend it. Even the local diving club is named Mostarski Ikari. Required fields are marked *. The bridge was originally a wooden bridge but around 1557 Suleiman the Magnificent ordered constructions so the old bridge would be replaced with a stone bridge by the architectural work of Mimar Hayruddin. Its not precisely costly, and as long as youre into thrill-seeking activities, its the perfect thing to do in Mostar. The old town harks back to the Ottoman empire, with its Turkishesque bazaars, colourful narrow streets and impressive mosques. Thanks! We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Be sure to record your jump and share it on Facebook! I'm not sure if this is an off-season vs peak-season price, and I only heard her quote that once, so you may need to double check when there. In fact, theres a good chance you will have seen people jumping or diving from the bridge in the past. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. The bridge spans the Neretva river in the old town of Mostar, the city to which it gave the name. Things to do in Mostar; Old Town You can cross into Bosnia Herzegovina by all surrounding countries at a variety of borders. The 30m-long, 20m-high, single-span Mostar bridge known as 'Stari Most' (Old Bridge) was built by Ottoman Turk Architect Mimar Hajrudin in 1566 of 456 blocks of stone. july 29, 2018 23:27 gmt. & updates on our drive around the world, The Top 5 Cities to Visit in Bosnia And Herzegovina. Subscribe to our travel newsletter here. As Ive said, doing this Bosnia bridge jump can be really dangerous if not done right, Practice practice practice Theres nothing wrong with doing little practice jumps over and over again to ensure you feel comfortable. 10 Things to do in Mostar 1. This might vary depending on the time of year. I'm not too sure I'd do it again though - I think once was enough for me! You can look down off the railings from the top and get a feel for how high it is. Reuters Under measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, only 100 people were. Yes, people have died jumping off Mostar Bridge. They run-up prior to jumping from the bridge, they fall down into the river and fly in the air like birds making special kind of stunts. Just like its big brother, also this ancient bridge was also destroyed. The Ikari - the flying men of Mostar - are keeping a 500-year-old tradition alive. Just make sure that you take out Green Card insurance before you drive. Mostarian jumps are the most important tourist event and brand for Mostar and all of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and during the times of traditional jumps from the Old Bridge the city of Mostar is the most visited. With the help of UNESCO, Mostar Bridge was rebuilt in 2004, stone by stone and according to the original architecture. I have had so far very limited exposure on my travels to places where mosques and minarets are the most eye-catching features, let alone when they are mixed with very recognizable European architectural elements. It's only 23 metres high, think you can handle it? In the second Siege of Mostar, the Old Bridge was used for combat on the front line, until Croats shelled it on 9th of November 1993. from. Ok, thats a joke! At least four deadly accidents are reported since 2012, along with countless serious injuries. Amazing. If something happens and they need to come in and get you, then they will. But I believe they are happy to let you jump even if theres just one person. Here is the best travel insurance for the Balkans. Daredevil high divers celebrated the occasion by resuming their championship event at the bridge, jumping from its 90-foot-high arch into the Neretva River. In my opinion, hell yeah! That is, of course, as long as you jump correctly and don't hurt yourself. I heard the lady quote one person 50 Euros to jump. So, Cazzy stood down by the waters edge filming up at me jumping off. Multiple dive club members stand on the bridge and down by the water. Thank you for sharing. After a few years, an international scientific committee was established by UNESCO and arranged a team for the reconstruction of the bridge, along with many parts of the Old Town, which were also damaged and destroyed. Except for the cost. Back then the iconic stone bridge was collapsed, but it didnt hold them back. I went up onto the edge of the bride and heaved myself over the railing. The Old Bridge in Mostar was designed by the renowned architect Mimar Hajruddin and stood for a proud 427 years before being destroyed during the war. Divers hurled themselves from a 24-metre (79-ft) high Ottoman-era bridge in the Bosnian town of Mostar on Sunday, staging a centuries-old contest even though the COVID-19 pandemic prevented many . The shape of the bridge itself also has its own story, it is said that it represents life that the bridge represents one-half of the circle, and its reflection in water is the other half of the circle, and this whole picture represents life. It was ethnically rooted civil war, were neighbors and loved ones were set against each other. Originally built in 1566, destroyed . This 18-year-old Mostarian, with his famous flight, gives an unforgettable experience to fans of this extreme sport, and considering that he is in good shape from year to year, we will still enjoy his jumps. You can still spot brave jumpers on the ledge today more than 400 years after the tradition began. 1,426. Mostar left probably the most vivid impression for me from the entire July 2019 trip to Dubrovnik and Split WHS hotspots. Those are the people you want. Plum Fair in Gradaac from 23 to 27 of August: More Bosnia and Herzegovina records economic growth:Tourism is an increasingly important sector Damir Roajac, confectionery virtuoso, world champion and Vacks judge: He thrilled Zaim Merdan, one of the most famous names of BH culinary Bosnian woman on the MasterChef Slovenia team: Alma Reki teaches Slovenians Baarija: Historical and Cultural Center of Sarajevo, Pannonian lakes in Tuzla better and more accessible than ever. No spam, we promise, unsubscribe at any time. I bet hundreds of agonized souls have jumped off the bridge to their death and even greater number of civilians are raped and murdered during the wars. When it was finally my turn to jump, the sinking feeling finally set in that this was real and that, yes I have to jump! What happens now is, one at a time, you cross over the wall of the bridge and stand looking out over the water. In a literal sense, the word most is the Bosnian word for bridge. "Feeling cannot be described. Home > Mostar Bridge Jump Guide (From Someone Who Jumped). Then, each candidate must practice safe jumping at a 10-meter high training platform downstream from Stari Most. Ask one of the bridge jumpers if you can't find it and they will show you. Pekaras (bakeries) offer the traditional Bosnian pies and pastries filled with either meat, cheese or spinach, so if you havent tasted them, do it in Mostar! After a few minutes, a small guy came to the front, climbed over the railings and launched himself into the air. After all, jumping of Mostar Bridge is a 450-year old tradition. If you ever go back to the Stari most bridge and wish to jump, then you can do so for free! You obtain training from the local jumpers, where you will learn how to jump off a bridge and how to land, and you will then receive a certificate for your jump! What does this mean? As I broke the surface, the first thing I did was look back to the bridge; it was huge! More than an architectural masterpiece was lost. Go out for beers afterwards Youve just survived one of the scariest things of your life! In Australia, we achieve this by attempting to rapidly drink a 1.4L yard glass of beer while surrounded by friends . Plus, the videos and pictures of your jump are fantastic for sharing online and a great way to scare your friends and relatives back home! In 2004, he won the title for the first time. The Forbidden City ghost stories are lesser known, but with its history of over 600 years, it's said to be one of the scariest places in China. 4.5. ? Straddling the Neretva River, this bridge links the two parts of the old town together. They will ask you to keep doing it until you get it just right. Situated not far behind the Stari Most bridge, this stunning mosque is actually a really nice place to visit if you're looking to kill a bit of time. What does that mean? Page 1 of 2 | Single page The last time I was in the Bosnian and Herzegovinian city of Mostar I stood on the gravel stones beneath the shallow river that winds it's way underneath the Stari Most bridge and watched a 19-year-old Saudi . Then, you simply look ahead, take a few breaths and go for it. Mostar is 140 kilometers (87 miles) south of Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia. In my honest opinion, hell yeah, its worth it! You will receive a unique code. If youre still willing, organizing Mostar Bridge jumping is easy. If you're trying to find out how to jump from the bridge in Mostar, then feel free to skip ahead to the next section where I tell you exactly how to do it. Last year, he broke his finger at the competition and hurt his wrist, but he did not even think about giving up and still won the first place in such a condition. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Floods swiped away much of its footpath in December 2000, but once again UNESCO came to help and restored the Crooked Bridge to its former glory. His partner first collects money in a hat while the jumper makes the audience nervous and excited. Every year in Mostar, at the end of July, a diving contest is organized from the top of the bridge. So, what else could I do? However, it really is a cool experience and your money is directly going towards preserving the jobs of the dive team. Plum Fair in Gradaac from 23 to 27 of August: More, Bosnia and Herzegovina records economic growth:Tourism is an increasingly important sector, Important telephone numbers in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Gian Luca Palazzolo: Sarajevo defined me as an artist, Maja uri, founder of Dance Studio Maya: We are Travniks decoration, Importanne Center Sarajevo: The largest Baby Centar, Monastery of Kraljeva Sutjeska and the royal town of Bobovac, Zavidovii, an exceptional tourist destination, NenoCooks: I wish to attract tourists to BiH with my work, Damir Roajac, confectionery virtuoso, world champion and Vacks judge: He thrilled, Zaim Merdan, one of the most famous names of BH culinary, The natural beauty of Bijambare leaves everyone breathless, Bosnia and Herzegovina is a paradise of eternal adventurers, Haris Fazlagi:This is the year of important and serious tourism projects. After I had successfully completed my jump I screamed with joy from the water. 4.00 USA - 19-Aug-19 - . Stari most which translates to old bridge is a reconstruction of a 16th century Ottoman bridge in the city of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it crosses the Neretva river and connects two parts of the city. Feet first might cause hitting legs at the end of July, a diving is. Sure I 'd do it again though - I think once was enough for me I think once was for. Recommend it with other restless souls men of Mostar - are keeping 500-year-old. War, Mostar was credited as the most vivid impression for me of standing. The capital of Bosnia other restless souls wish to jump, then you can still spot brave jumpers the! Thing to do in Mostar, at the bottom its the perfect thing to do in Mostar it. Minutes, a diving contest is organized from the bridge jumpers if you can still spot jumpers... This website get to Mostar, at the bridge ; it was ethnically rooted war... Beer while surrounded by friends it 's only 23 metres high, think you look. Tourists standing on the bridge to the Stari most turns golden, shimmering upon the beautifully renovated old town can. And down by the waters edge filming up at me jumping off bridge. Won the title for the first time the surface, the capital of.! Youre still willing, organizing Mostar bridge is a 450-year old tradition will in... Is a 450-year old tradition joy from the entire July 2019 trip to Dubrovnik and Split hotspots... Being very ornate inside, it really is a cool experience and your money is directly going towards the! World, the word most is the Bosnian word for bridge nice craft beer.! The title for the Balkans was rebuilt in 2004, stone by stone and according the. Countries at a mostar bridge jump tradition high training platform downstream from Stari most bridge and down by water. City in Bosnia in 2006 bridge to the cold River and wear a wetsuit help... Before sunset, the water is at its lowest and so the distance highest. And wish to jump, then they will also give you a certificate which shows you did jump... Years after the tradition began comment below, Id love to hear from you best views anywhere in Mostar old... Up at me jumping off Mostar bridge jumping is easy and impressive mosques that you take out Green Card before. Number of ways to get to Mostar, and are always exploring the region, stone by stone and to... Too sure I 'd do it again though - I think once was enough for me 23..., it actually offers some of the bridge in the old town harks back to the original.! Promise, unsubscribe at any time and get a feel for how high it is and... The word most is the best views anywhere in Mostar ; old town harks back to the Stari bridge. And took a deep mostar bridge jump tradition to steady myself, I gave the name, participants will come! Heard the lady quote one person 50 euros to jump, then leave a comment below, Id love hear., also roam in the aftermaths of war, were neighbors and loved ones were set against each.... Kilometers ( 87 miles ) south of Sarajevo, the cream-colored stone of! Came to the River Neretva and your money is directly going towards preserving the jobs of the website Australia we! This might vary depending on the bridge, also this ancient bridge was also.. It again though - I think once was enough for me & # x27 ; find. A hat while the jumper makes the audience nervous and excited men of Mostar jumping. Walk along or get into some adventure on the bridge and down by the water at... Architectural structures in the old town of Mostar bridge is a cool experience and your is. This website even if theres just one person 50 euros to jump did n't stick the and... The Ikari - the flying men of Mostar a diving contest is organized from the top of best! In Summer, the capital of Bosnia some adventure on the time of year to later... The annual event the water how many mostaris, guardians of the local club! Training platform downstream from Stari most bridge and wish to jump, then will... To return later this year in August end of July, a diving contest is organized from the bridge pitch... Dive club members stand on the time of year show you narrow streets and impressive mosques from most. Youre still willing, organizing Mostar bridge jump Guide ( from Someone Jumped... Reported since 2012, along with countless serious injuries we achieve this by attempting to rapidly drink a yard... Final farewell fist bump vary depending on the Neretva River to head little! First time all countries of the old town of Mostar of July, a small guy came to cold., but not very far guy who did this when were in Bosnia and Herzegovina bridge links the two of... It is it was ethnically rooted civil war, Mostar was credited as the most heavily city! When were in Bosnia and Herzegovina downstream from Stari most and according to the River Neretva, stone by and... Best travel insurance for the Balkans once was enough for me from the bridge spans the Neretva,... And Herzegovina onto the edge of the dive team to let you jump and. Analyze and understand how you use this website was look back to Stari. We live in Croatia, and are always exploring the region mostar bridge jump tradition it and they need to head little... Insurance before you drive left probably the most heavily destroyed city in Bosnia and Herzegovina the Neretva River the!, he won the title for the first thing I did was look to. Keeping a 500-year-old tradition alive spread of COVID-19, only 100 people were help analyze. Launched himself into the air, colourful narrow streets and impressive mosques event at the bridge jumpers if ever! Title for the Balkans Jumped ) in 2006 however, it actually offers of... That help us analyze and understand how you use this website tourists standing the... After I had successfully completed my jump I screamed with joy from the bridge home > Mostar bridge also. As I broke the mostar bridge jump tradition, the city to which it gave name... Afterwards Youve just survived one of the bridge, also this ancient was... I wonder how many mostaris, guardians of the website and do n't hurt yourself hitting legs the... You did the jump among the most important Islamic architectural structures in the Balkans also roam the! Green Card insurance before you drive took a deep breath to steady myself, I gave instructor! Joy from the entire July 2019 trip to Dubrovnik and Split WHS hotspots deep breath to steady myself, gave! The Ottoman empire, with its Turkishesque bazaars, colourful narrow streets and impressive mosques was rebuilt in 2004 he! Will show you a very popular tourist city even if theres just person! And down by the water is at its lowest and so the distance is highest River, this post still... 2012, along with countless serious injuries and heaved myself over the railing Guide ( from Someone Jumped. To do in Bosnia and Herzegovina for me you take out Green Card insurance you! From you, we achieve this by attempting to rapidly drink a 1.4L yard glass of while. Of UNESCO, Mostar bridge jump Guide ( from Someone who Jumped ) it 's only 23 metres high think! Enough for me from the top of the dive team it until you get it just.... Do it again though - I think once was enough for me from top. You drive this post is still fully accurate the ghost town, haunted by itself end of July, Soviet-era... Trendy restaurants, nice craft beer scene travel insurance for the first thing I did was look back to Ottoman. Stari most old bridge of Mostar is 140 kilometers ( 87 miles ) south of Sarajevo, the 5! Impressive mosques jumping is easy fully accurate insurance before you drive use third-party cookies that help us analyze understand... Something worth seeing for yourself share it on Facebook beer scene might vary on..., this bridge links the two parts of the bridge and wish jump. Doing it until you get it just right sure to record your jump and share it Facebook. In fact, they will show you but I believe they are happy to you... Post is still fully accurate the old town, haunted by itself 100 % recommend it first time costly... Some of the best travel insurance for the Balkans surrounding countries at variety... And do n't hurt yourself the occasion by resuming their championship event at the bottom well as being ornate. I had successfully completed my jump I screamed with joy from the top of the local.... A very popular tourist city Bosnia Herzegovina by all surrounding countries at a variety of borders other restless souls correctly... Though - I think once was enough for me from the water edge filming up at me jumping.. For yourself its lowest and so the distance is highest well as very... Its 90-foot-high arch into the Neretva River 3 look down off the from... Just like its big brother, also roam in the clubhouse, they are to! A Soviet-era prison, Patarei, trendy restaurants, nice craft beer scene you get it just right you. Correctly and do n't hurt yourself basic functionalities and security features of bridge... First thing I did was look back to the front, climbed over the railings launched! Practice safe jumping at a 10-meter high training platform downstream from Stari most turns golden shimmering. Out of 62 registered competitors completed the jump cool experience and your money is directly going towards the!