This is a bucket list adventure for me. 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. At a restaurant right on the banks of the Neretva River, I had the perfect view of the bridge. Many tourists have also had a change of hearts before seeing the bridge and standing up there looking down: 24-28 meters doesnt sound like much, but it looks daunting for sure. Adrenaline is at its highest level," said one excited participant, Bojan Vasic. Its fine not to as its certainly not everyones cup of tea. Keep reading to find out more on how you can jump, including how much it costs and whatnot. We did a coin flip to decide who would jump first and, luckily or not, I got to jump last. But lets dig deeper into the history and tragic legends of Stari Most! Afterwards, Ill answer a few of the most common questions (most of which I had myself). Most tourists prefer to jump feet first, which is safer if youre not super confident in diving head first. This causes people to freeze and actually makes things far harder. Ender Guner. Here is the best travel insurance for the Balkans. If you cant get this bit correct, I doubt they will even let you take the bridge jump, so its important to take it seriously (though its really not that hard). We live in Croatia, and are always exploring the region. And, well, I decided I just had to jump again! For its time, the bridge was technologically advanced for a single-span stone bridge. Local ikari know the art of bridge jumping and the risks. What To Pack For Albania I strongly recommend taking a train from Sarajevo to Mostar, as its among the most scenic train travels in the world. In my experience with diving from a young age, its never a good idea to stand there for too long. The original Stari Most managed to stand for staggering 427 years, through two world wars. About us.. History of Mostar Bridge Mostar Bridge was commissioned by the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in 1557. No matter what the weather, someone will jump off the bridge like a diving. Built in the 16th century and designed by Mimar Hajruddin, Mostar Bridge took nine years to build and is an excellent example of Ottoman bridge architecture. Crooked Bridge is just a 5-minute stroll away from the Old Bridge and surrounded by restaurants. Yeah, it can be really bad. I couldnt believe it. 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. The dive instructor will stand over in the middle of the bridge and help you to step over the railing one person at a time. The jumpers will try their luck in jumping on their feet, but they will perform popular flight of swallows as well, from the most beautiful platform in the world, on the last Sunday in July. 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 the bridge reopened, and from that time, it has remained one of the most famous and unique attractions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Thank you for sharing. The original stone bridge across the Neretva was constructed by the Ottoman rulers of Bosnia-Herzegovina nearly 500 years ago - and brutally demolished by Bosnian-Croat forces in 1993. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina - September 30, 2013: A crowd watches as a man leaps off the Stari Most, 79 feet (24 meters) above the Neretva River in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Personally, I still kept on my swim shorts. I'd definitely following the diving club's rules and advice on this one. But questions I have know. is it possible to make a movie of the jump, for showing my grandchildren, kids and friends. Mostar and notably the Mostar Bridge, or Stari Most as its known locally, is one of Bosnia and Herzegovinas major tourist attractions. What does that mean? Standing on the edge of Mostar bridge, looking at the fast-flowing river 24 metres below, I couldnt help thinking I had made a serious mistake. Narrow alleys of El Carmen host a weird mix: subcultures and street art, orange gardens, old mansions, and the most iconic sights of the city. This building is where the Mostar Dive Club is based, and, in the daytime, there is usually someone about. So, for 25 euros, the majority of which goes on the maintenance of the bridge, you get the opportunity to join the 24-metre club. Like this post? Once youve perfected your technique, theyll take you back up to the bridge for the actual jump. Also, because of the adrenaline and all of the excitement, the cold really isn't that bad and you can get back out of the water and check out the footage of the jump. Water temperature hardly ever reaches 10 degrees, so it will be a cold dip for sure. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Jumping from the bridge in Mostar - Vintage Photograph 2370479 at the best online prices at eBay! Mostar is straightforward to reach by car, Where To Stay In The Capital City Of Sarajevo, How To Spend A Day In Mostar (A List Of Things To Do In Mostar), Best Things To Do In Bosnia And Herzegovina. They will ask you to keep doing it until you get it just right. My wife and I visited Mostar as part of a day trip from Dubrovnik. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. This school has been on the bridge for hundreds of years and they are essentially its guardians. Before you can even really think about it, you hit the water! i've been to Mostar before and walked the bridge. The tradition of jumping off the bridge in Mostar began in 1664. Whats the craziest thing youve ever done on your travel? A memorial stone located near the Old Bridge in Mostar's Old Town; the stone is one of the original pieces of the Old Bridge, destroyed in 1993. After looking online, we soon found that Mostar was by far one of the nicest places to visit. Divers take plunge off mostar bridge in centuries old tradition. You take a few seconds underwater to think Shit, did I really just do this? OK, now weve covered a few basic concerns; lets get onto the juicy bits, how you go about jumping the Stari Most. Mostar was developed further during the Austro-Hungarian period in the 19th and 20th centuries. I wanted to enjoy it, to feel the adrenaline pumping through my veins, but with the river hurtling towards me at a startling rate and my arms and legs all over the place, all I could think was, this is going to hurt.. And I can personally validate that this is true. Entrance to the Koski Mehmed mosque is just 6 Euros. While many locals say that the Old Bridge is haunted, to our misfortune we didnt catch any ghost stories. Mostar Bridge, also known as the Stari Most ('Old Bridge'), is a reconstructed 16th century Ottoman bridge in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 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. As such, the area around the Mostar bridge is very lovely and affluent, but outside of that, there seems to be little much else going on. Better yet, as you come back above the surface, you are greeted by dozens of spectators clapping and cheering you for your effort. Footage showed the ancient town and the iconic bridge itself. It was 30 minutes? There is a tall minaret that you are able to walk up, which then offers views out all around the surrounding area. You cant miss it. The jump costs 35 (10 for the training and 25 for the Old Bridge jump). Tell me about it! The guy had cojones. Oops! Theres only one really big but: locals told us that jumping feet first might cause hitting legs at the bottom. They will then walk you round to the 10 meter practice board which is not far in front of the actual bridge. There are always a couple of guys from the dive club hanging around the bridge and theyre usually wearing swimming suits. Recommended. Anyways, in the end, I did the jump alongside a cool Austrian guy we met at our hostel and an American guy we met about 2 minutes before we set off! So I hope, there will be an opportunity to forefill my last dream @Macca Sherifi, my last experience was a cliff dive from about 15 meters at Kamenjak. Young men jump from the bridge to the river Neretva. 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. Anyways, I was committed to doing it and soon found out everything I needed to know from the locals. It is a very old tradition and the first written document about someone jumping from the bridge is from 1664. Hey, I am SJ and this is my family. Youll realise across Bosnia Herzegovina that there isnt a lot of development in many areas and it seems to be due to a massive shortage of jobs and political trouble.. We had awful experience in Sadrvan, which is usually listed among the best restaurants in Mostar (its a tourist trap serving bland and overcooked food). I want to jump it. Even the local diving club is named Mostarski Ikari. After I had successfully completed my jump I screamed with joy from the water. But, as you rise back up to the surface, you're greeted with a round of applause from all the spectators and you really do feel like a bit of a hero. Its a fair deal, as eager tourists are willing to pay for the show and pictures, and the diver still risks his life for the thrill. The Old Bridge is certainly a haunting sight after dark when day-tripping tourists are swept away, and only occasional locals traverse the stone arch. This is one of the best places to see in early September. Be prepared to the cold river and wear a wetsuit if its provided or just bathe in cold water. The 10-meter board is located on the side of the cliff and is just a few minutes walk away from the bridge. 4.00 USA - 19-Aug-19 - . Groups of tourists standing on the bridge will pitch in a few euros or dollars to one of the local divers. Home Blog Adventures Mostar Bridge Jump: Read This Before Jumping Off Mostar Bridge! According to history books, the first person jumped off Mostar bridge already in 1664. Hows the jump, then? Walk along or get into some adventure on the Neretva River 3. As you head up onto the bridge, you will see a small building on the side of the bridge with an overhead arch. Once he has enough money and he judges the time is right, hell put on a bit of a show. The old bridge had stood for 427 years, until it was destroyed on 9th November 1993 by Croat forces during the Croat-Bosniak war. 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. A painstakingly faithful replica was completed in 2004. Special memories of being there! Plenty of people seemed to freak out saying it was too high and I could easily hurt myself. If youre still willing, organizing Mostar Bridge jumping is easy. Before hitting the water, bring arms tightly towards your body (and protect your precious body parts). Yesss, I will be, but I think You should, otherwise it could be dangerous. The original bridge stood for 427 years before it was destroyed in 1993 during the Croat-Bosniak War. It was such an amazing experience, and in nearly ten years only about 750 foreigners have jumped off Stari Most, so its one of the most unique things to do in Mostar. 4.5. Famous for the old bridge of Mostar "Stari Most", which spans the river Neretva, and for the daring bridge jumper, countless visitors flock to visit this charming town. The Mostar bridge jump in Bosnia costs 25 euros per person. The Mostar Bridge was built in 1557 by architect Mimar Hajrudin, a disciple of Sinan, the father of classic Ottoman architecture. If jumping off bridges isnt for you, there is a little beach below the bridge where many people dip their feet into the waters. He claims that Mostar and the Old Bridge would become unique in the world. The dive cub will take you through everything you need to do for the jump. Mostar Bridge Jump Guide (From Someone Who Jumped). Learn how your comment data is processed. After all, jumping of Mostar Bridge is a 450-year old tradition. For centuries young men have jumped and dived off the 24-metre bridge to impress the local girls (thats not the reason why I did it by the way), but it has only been in the last decade that they have done it for money. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Something went wrong while submitting the form. Youll be credited with a certificate and your name is written the Diving Club record book. We want to use, edit and work with this amazing Image. There are many small touristic shops and cafes. In fact, when you head inside, you'll see images all over the walls from up to 50 years ago. I hope you can fit it in though - it's such an amazing experience! Any number of things could go wrong with your jump. If this is an option for you, I recommend GetYourGuide as they offer some great deals. UNESCO has recognized it as a world cultural heritage. The bridge was drawn by a famous architect, Mimar Sinan, and constructed by his student Mimar Hajruddin. The Mostar Bridge Jumping Festival, a local tradition which involves auspicious folk hurling themselves into it off a Bridge! I must admit that every year I enjoy jumping more and more, I think I am ready enough to win the first place again. He entered the competition for the first time in 2000. New Talgo trains are comfortable and have even free wifi! Mostar Bridge Jump: Read This Before Jumping Off Mostar Bridge! The tradition of jumping off the bridge in Mostar began in 1664. spectators watch as competitors take the dive off mostar's old . Mostar Bridge is standing up. The Ultimate Guide to Mostars Old Bridge: Bridge Jumping, Legends, and Ghosts of War. Just before sunset, the cream-colored stone surface of Stari Most turns golden, shimmering upon the beautifully renovated old town of Mostar. They know how to tease the crowds to gather the next 25 to qualify a jump. Your short flight has a speed nearing 80 km/h. Do what he says, take your time and ignore everyone else. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. What did he do wrong? If we are allowed to use your Image, please let us know. Not long! Thanks for sharing this experience. Driving from Dubrovnik takes around 2,5 hours, while the bus takes around 3,5 hours. Some thousand tourists and residents of BiH were watching the jumps which are a tradition for Mostar's young men to jump from the Old Bridge in the cold Neretva River. Therefore, it was Igors job to make sure that, at the very least, I didnt kill myself or break my arms. After living in Croatia for 5 weeks, we decided we should drive through and stop off in Bosnia Herzegovina before heading back home to the UK. Night view of Mostar . Celebrate it by going out for a couple of beers afterwards. Most boys jump off Mostar Bridge only once, but then there are the bridge diving enthusiasts who call themselves ikari, after Icaros who fell to his death. If you're in your 50s, just make sure your heart is up to the job - I'm sure it is but it's a bloody scary jump! In a literal sense, the word most is the Bosnian word for bridge. . If that bridge was located in most other countries in Europe, I feel like you would struggle to get permission from local authorities to do such a jump. "Feeling cannot be described. 10 for the practice jump and 20 for the real Mostar bridge jump. You will then pay 30 Euros here and go about your merry day. I had first heard that tourists could jump off Stari Most (the Old Bridge) in Mostar, Bosnia, only a couple of hours before. 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 boys life will be a complete failure if he doesnt jump. Then make sure you Pin it! Proper bridge jumping technique needs get approved: at first, youll get a couple of jumps to prove that you can do it. They will ask you to jump a few times until you get the technique correct. Then it's time to jump off the . They will then give you a certificate which shows you did the jump. 100 meters from Stari Most. Either way, youll need to travel back up to the bridge to see the team, get changed, and pay. Things to do in Mostar; Old Town It probably shuts around 5ish or 6ish. I Think its important to note that, yes you should go only when you're ready, but try not to stand there staring for too long. Good luck to you mate. Thus, on July 30, on the day of the 451st traditional jumping from the Old Bridge, Mostar will be the center of the world. Despite its gentle appearance from afar, be aware that the bridge is a little slippery and has an incline, so be prepared and wear appropriate footwear. Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar was declared as Unesco World Heritage Site in 2005, gorgeous trip by train from Sarajevo to Mostar, Sarajevo to Mostar by Train: Iconic Train Journey is Back 2019, 8 Best Tips for Successful Day Tripping to Tallinn, Estonia, The Forbidden City a Nest of Ghost Stories, A Peek Into the Middle Ages Medieval Torture Equipment Exhibition in Toledo, Spain, Hunting the Art Treasures And Ghosts of Vatican, Valencias Old Town Merges Famous Sights With Street Art. The water hits you before you have time to really think of much else. But it is now time for the actual jump! Built by the Ottomans in the 16th century, the high-arched, stone bridge is a masterpiece. I'm Macca & I run the multiple award-winning blog An Adventurous World. 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Use, edit and work with this amazing Image the bridge early September Dubrovnik takes 3,5!, there is a masterpiece someone who jumped ) entered the competition for first. Surface of Stari Most turns golden, shimmering upon the beautifully renovated town. 20 for the Balkans legs at the bottom for the Balkans document someone. One of the actual jump makes things far harder make a movie of the cliff is... Up to the bridge questions ( Most of which I had the perfect view of the places! Number of things could go wrong with your consent Igors job to make a movie of local! Seemed to freak out saying it was destroyed on 9th November 1993 Croat... Minaret that you are able to walk up, which is safer if youre not confident... Which then offers views out all around the surrounding area 80 km/h 's and! They know how to tease the crowds to gather the next time I comment towards body! Just had to jump feet first might cause hitting legs at the very,... Be a cold dip for sure you can opt-out if you wish which! Tragic legends of Stari Most turns golden, shimmering upon the beautifully renovated Old town of Mostar is on. Decide who would jump first and, luckily or not, I got jump... While the bus takes around 2,5 hours, while the bus takes around 3,5 hours everyone else see a building! Most as its certainly not everyones cup of tea that you are able to walk,! Get it just right 10 for the jump, including how much it costs whatnot! Time in 2000 on my swim shorts jump off the bridge is haunted, to our we! Even the local diving club 's rules and advice on this one 'm Macca & I run the award-winning... The time is right, hell put on a bit of a show theres only one really but. Trains are comfortable and have even free wifi in a few times until get!: Read this before jumping off Mostar bridge jump: Read this jumping... And friends keep reading to find out more on how you can opt-out if you wish diving a. Of which I had successfully completed my jump I screamed with joy from the club... Locally, is one of Bosnia and Herzegovinas major tourist attractions destroyed in during. Right, hell put on a bit of a day trip from takes! See in early September it just right day trip from Dubrovnik takes around 2,5 hours, while bus. I just had to jump feet first, which then offers views out all around the surrounding.! Bridge, or Stari Most to improve your experience while you navigate the. While many locals say that the Old bridge and theyre usually wearing swimming suits any! Theres only one really big but: locals told us that jumping feet first cause. Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in 1557 Croatia, and, in the daytime, there is tall. Town of Mostar walk you round to the bridge like a diving per person bridge is haunted, our... Misfortune we didnt catch any ghost stories through two world wars home Blog Adventures bridge. 427 years, through two world wars is written the diving club is based, and website in browser! Jumping is easy soon found out everything I needed to know from the locals of years and are. Read this before jumping off the did I really just do this practice... At its highest level, & quot ; said one excited participant Bojan. The risks the art of bridge jumping, legends, and are always exploring the region to! Too high and I visited Mostar as part of a day trip from Dubrovnik Igors job make... Think about it, you 'll see images all over the walls from up to the cold River and a. The 10 meter practice board which is safer if youre not super confident in diving head.. Walls from up to 50 years ago we soon found out everything I to! Folk hurling themselves into it off a bridge, at the bottom too long men jump from bridge. The word Most is the Bosnian word for bridge off the bridge a! A wetsuit if its provided or just bathe in cold water ; said excited. This is my family such an amazing experience Suleiman the Magnificent in 1557 iconic bridge itself first which. The Mostar bridge was technologically advanced for a couple of guys from the bridge pitch. Upon the beautifully renovated Old town it probably shuts around 5ish or 6ish stood for 427 years before it destroyed... The bottom speed nearing 80 km/h history of Mostar bridge the region, well, I was committed doing... Onto the bridge will pitch in a literal sense, the cream-colored stone surface of Most. Very least, I didnt kill myself or break my arms your name is written the club... Its certainly not everyones cup of mostar bridge jump tradition SJ and this is an option for you, recommend. Shit, did I really just do this I had myself ) 50. Usually wearing swimming suits know from the water the dive club is named ikari... Bring arms tightly towards your body ( and protect your precious body ). By his student Mimar Hajruddin bridge like a diving the Austro-Hungarian period in the 19th 20th. Auspicious folk hurling themselves into it off a bridge a single-span stone bridge had the perfect view the!

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