Bosnia and Herzegovina - Maglić

Option 1: Prijevor to Maglić direct.

Of the three routes described on this page, it is the only route that remains entirely within Bosnia. It is also the route with which I am least familiar, so will not go into any detail.

Suffice to say the route is almost in a direct line from Prijevor to the summit, and after some initial comfortable walking climbs the north face of Maglić. Here the route becomes steep and the rock loose. The waymarked path follows narrow ledges and in many places protected by sections of wire cable.

Option 2: Prijevor to Maglić via Trnovaćko jezero.

A long but rewarding route, often used as a descent as I did in 2011.

From Prijevor follow the broad track southwards, crossing into Montenegro after around 2Km. There is no physical sign of the border. Shortly after the track loops round to the left, whilst the waymarked path forks off to the right re-joining the track a little later. Stay on the path for around 250m before peeling off to the right once again, following the waymarked path down into the valley of the dry lake. Cross the meadow on the matrix of paths before entering the forest at the southern end. Climb steadily on the forest paths to Trnovaćko jezero (Trnovaćko lake). The lake is a beautiful place to rest, and perhaps camp. Follow the path around the lake's western and southern shore. Heading east, the path now enters woodland and begins to climb once again, weaving up between crags and then breaking out onto grass covered slopes. Follow the path up these slopes, heading roughly north east. Cross the steep scree covered slope (with great views down to Trnovaćko jezero) before passing between two rock pillars on to the high plateau above the sunken hollow of Carev do. Here one follows the ridge northwards, reaching the summit of Maglić after passing a few minor tops. VR Tour

Option 3: Dernicista to Maglić.

This is a short route for those wishing to take on Maglić without taking on the steep ground and risk of the direct ascent form Prijevor.

Follow the waymarkings southwards, following the forestry track, but looking out for where the path branches off to the right. After around 1.7Km, the path breaks out from the forest and weaves between meadows and dwarf pine. The dwarf pines thin out, and the walk along the grassy hillside is utterly beautiful (at least in the sunshine). As you progress the white cliffs of Maglić come into sight. But rather than heading straight for the summit, the path takes you further south, looking for a way to penetrate the formidable barrier. After a short gentle descent, the trail climbs first up a grassy gully, then continues south traversing the steep mountainside. There is a short steep climb guarded by iron rope, and another traverse into a narrow scree gully. Here the path climbs directly upwards and it is with some relief that you reach the grass covered slopes again. But there is no letting up on the gradient, the path continues to climb steeply, eventually topping out on the ridge south of Maglić's summit. Follow the path northwards before reaching the final scramble to the grass covered summit. VR Tour

Seek out Forgotten Beauty, A Hiker's Guide to Bosnia and Herzegovina's 2000 Metre Peaks - and Other Selected Adventures by Matias Gomez published by Buybook in March 2005, ISBN 9958630591. This book includes background information, route descriptions, and map.