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. Things to do in Mostar; Old Town I dont say this lightly please make sure this is something you want to do and something you are comfortable with. Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar was declared as Unesco World Heritage Site in 2005. It doesnt leave you many options; I mean, who wants to be a complete failure!? 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. Well, you will splash against the green Neretva River in 3 seconds after jumping off Stari Most. There are market stools for a few hundred metres either side of the bridge. Before we get into the nitty-gritty details, heres a quick rundown of the most popular questions people have and are the same ones that I had before doing the bridge jump. But my thinking was, if so many other people can do it, then why would it be so bad for me? Then make sure you Pin it! On New Year's Day a few years ago. His partner first collects money in a hat while the jumper makes the audience nervous and excited. When you hit the water, remain calm and try to regulate your heart rate and blood pressure. Read Also: The Top 5 Cities to Visit in Bosnia And Herzegovina. 37.76. This bridge, just like the Old Town, is under the protection of UNESCO, and is often cited as one of the most beautiful bridges in the world. 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! Is there a 'best time of year' to do it? More is required if the diving club instructor isnt convinced. Hey, I am SJ and this is my family. It probably shuts around 5ish or 6ish. Less risk of injury, etc? This might vary depending on the time of year. 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). Igor came running down to the river to meet me; You are no horse! Keep your form: be careful not to lean backward or forward. Crazy locals claim that boy is not worth of girlfriend or job without having the balls to jump off Stari Most. Also, be aware that its very deep below the bridge, so theres very little chance of you going so low that you hit bottom. What To Pack For Greece If this is an option for you, I recommend GetYourGuide as they offer some great deals. Old Town, a Soviet-era prison, Patarei, trendy restaurants, nice craft beer scene. While bridge jumping from Stari Most has become increasingly popular among adrenaline-thirsty tourists, I wouldnt do it or even recommend it. Theres another bridge a few hundred metres down and you can head there and get a side-on view of the bridge if that helps. Sinan was the chief Ottoman architect of Suleyman the Magnificent. amazing blog. Facts about the Old Bridge. Take time to inspect the Muslibegovi House 4. I would'nt do it at the mostar bridge, a jump would be enough. 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. John, Vlad, Ricardo and Pierre, thank you. Then you can keep going discovering this stunning and undiscovered country. Thus, on July 30, on the day of the 451st traditional jumping from the Old Bridge, Mostar will be the center of the world. There are rocks and branches beneath the bridge and currents can be strong. 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 . 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. 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. He never jumped on his feet. Such as the one below which was taken during the annual diving competition they still hold there. And for those of you who want to know whether theres even been any Mostar bridge jump deaths, unfortunately yes there have been. There are plans to include famous jumps from the Old Bridge in Mostar to the UNESCO World Heritage List soon, which everyone is eagerly waiting for. This might sound like a lot just for a jump. Tell me about it! This was something I had to do; I had a feeling that this was an after-dinner story I could dine out on for years to come. It's only 23 metres high, think you can handle it? You must hit water properly to avoid injuries: thats what the training is all about. A Friend and I would like to use the following picture for our own Art. Please make sure that the water level is high enough before planning your bridge jump. Some of the original limestones were rescued from the bottom of the Neretva River to celebrate the resurrection of Stari Most. The Mostar Ancient Bridge is the landmark of Mostar. As a part of 1990 Croat-Bosniak conflict, the Old Bridge of Mostar was bombed down by the Croat troops in 1993. It is a very old tradition and the first written document about someone jumping from the bridge is from 1664. . I went up onto the edge of the bride and heaved myself over the railing. Still up to it and ready to leap? Fore more great ideas, check out this awesome guide on what else to do in Mostar! Water temperature hardly ever reaches 10 degrees, so it will be a cold dip for sure. I wonder how many mostaris, guardians of the bridge, also roam in the grounds with other restless souls. Stari Most was constructed by the Ottomans under the commission of Suleiman the Magnificent in the 16 th century. That averages . The most iconic landmark of the city, and perhaps of all of Herzegovina, the Stari Most (Old [] Ender Guner. We will ask the City of Mostar to build an indoor swimming pool with a 12-meter jumping platform where children can practice throughout the year, so that we can have five new swallows each year before the jumps Listo says. 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. You might want to read the next chapter about the hazards of jumping off Mostar Bridge or any bridge before making the decision. Then, the instructor helps you through the crowds to the middle of the bridge and helps you climb over the railing. And of course, whenever you look into visiting Mostar, you come across their famous bridge . One thing is for sure; everyone must pay a visit to Mostar and walk across the UNESCO-inscribed Mostar Bridge and experience it for themselves. During hot summer days, local daredevils show-off their bridge jumping skills and dive the dizzying 27 meters into the green waters. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Whether it is competition time or not, you will often see young men in swim shorts walking around the vicinity of the bridge, trying to collect money. Mostar was named after the bridge keepers who guarded the Stari Most in the medieval times. 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! In Mostar, the real daredevils throw themselves straight off the parapet of the world-famous Stari Most (Old Bridge), dropping over 20m straight into the icy waters of the River Neretva. These leave from many of the major cities in Croatia. While many blogs claim Mostar bridge jumping safe, YouTube is full of videos of jumps gone bad by unlucky tourists. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. I only jumped with the professional supervision of someone who does this day in day out. It's a tradition dating back long before the 1990s war which saw the bridge bombed to rubble. On Monday, the people of the town of Mostar gathered to commemorate the 27th Anniversary of the destruction of the town's iconic bridge during the Yugoslav Wars. After an 11-year struggle, Pasic's . You can jump off the Mostar Old Bridge with permission of the Dive Club to the right of the bridge. Sadly, the original Stari Grad Mostar bridge was destroyed in the Bosnian War in 1993. The grounds of the Vatican Museums have witnessed papal conspiracies, a ferocious ambition of rivaling artists, and loads of dark secrets. I couldnt believe it. Feel the presence of Michelangelo, the Borgia Pope and other anxious souls still searching for their atonement. I must admit that every year I enjoy jumping more and more, I think I am ready enough to win the first place again. 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. Although the competition is held in the middle of the summer (end of July), water is very cold so only the most trained and the most skilled will try to jump. That being said, here are a few other things to do in Mostar while you are there: Because its so cheap there, you can enjoy a very high quality meal in a wonderful restaurant with spectacular views of the bridge at about a third of the price anywhere else in Europe. 4.5. Mostarski Ikari Diving Club organizes all bridge jumps for adrenaline rush seeking tourists. We managed to preserve the tradition and this is one of the most beautiful news from the city, even though only bad news are constantly coming from here. Definitely visit oneday, Drugi put kada dodjes vodim te dole i srednju Bosnu, Your email address will not be published. And, well, I decided I just had to jump again! If you have you been in Mostar, please share with us your best tips for exploring and photographing the Old Bridge and surrounding Old Town of Mostar! The Mostar Bridge Jumping Festival, a local tradition which involves auspicious folk hurling themselves into it off a Bridge! We have to start a jumping school as soon as possible. Ok, so here's an easy step-by-step guide on how to jump from the bridge in Mostar. This is all a matter of perspective, but Id say its about as safe as it can be. After all, jumping of Mostar Bridge is a 450-year old tradition. Dubrovnik is 81 kilometers (51 miles) away. By this point, there will be lots of tourists around with cameras preparing to record you. In Mostar, the Old Bridge marked both the divide and the connection between the Bosniaks, Croats, Serbs, and Yugoslavs. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. They will also give you a wetsuit to help protect against the cold. Oops! Before jumping off, listen to your diving instructors final orders and take deep breaths. It was great fun watching Joe (the American) and Dom (the Austrian) jump first, and there's a real buzzing atmosphere of excitement all around the bridge. 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. They require proof of this at the border to let you in. Before you jump, the dive team will outfit you with a wetsuit. Also, a bunch of tourists have died here over the years, so yes, you can die. Originally built in 1566, destroyed . (Water level? i've been to Mostar before and walked the bridge. You can look down off the railings from the top and get a feel for how high it is. I did it in peak summer and the water levels were still fine, though a little lower than spring/autumn when it's rained a lot more. Forget the Mile High Club, how many people can claim theyve joined the 24 metre-high club in Bosnia? More than an architectural masterpiece was lost. The Old Bridge, Stari Most, is the heart and soul of Mostar: its the playground for local kids, lovers gazing at sun dipping below the banks of Neretva, bridge jumping adrenaline junkies, and souvenir shopping tourists. 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. These guys are experienced jumpers and divers and will jump a few times each day once they get enough interest (and donations) from passers-by. Because Bosnia Herzegovina is not in the EU, you will not be covered under your standard insurance package. Oh and be warned: dont try this at home! Some locals call Mostar the ghost town, haunted by itself. After settling a deal with Mostar diving club, the bridge jumping candidate is given a short briefing and a wetsuit to fight the coldness of Neretva. Once he has enough money and he judges the time is right, hell put on a bit of a show. At least four deadly accidents are reported since 2012, along with countless serious injuries. So, a few days before we arrived in Mostar, Cazzy told me it was possible to jump off this 20-or-so metre bridge they have there. When traveling through Europe back in April 2018, I was lucky enough to participate in one of the best high-adrenaline activities still available in Europe the Mostar Bridge jump! Check out the view from the Koski Mehmed Paa Mosque 6. When calculating risks, I usually ask how many people have died doing so (that was my main concern with Victoria Falls Bungee, as well, though I ended up doing it anyway). https://www.bizarreglobehopper.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/mostar-bridge-daylight-bosnia-and-hertzegovina.jpg. Once done, you are more than welcome to jump in again. The Mostar bridge jump in Bosnia costs 25 euros per person. 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. But it is now time for the actual jump! The tradition of jumping is 451 years old. tradition. The Mostar bridge jump height is between 20m and 26m 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. 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. In addition to these great highlights, many more ingenious things to do in Mostar and awesome possibilities for excursionsaround are waiting for you. There will be lots of handshaking and high-fives at this point; its excellent! 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. 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. Here a list of things to do in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They will tell you to be calm and go whenever youre ready. Also, as discussed above, the jump itself isnt that dangerous. Better yet, as you come back above the surface, you are greeted by dozens of spectators clapping and cheering you for your effort. Also, can I use sandals for my feet, because climbing ashore will hurt my feet because of the sharp stones. To hear. UNESCO has recognized it as a world cultural heritage. 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. Usually what happens is this. If youre a thrill-seeker and figuring out what to do in Mostar, bridge jumping is definitely an amazing experience. Those are the people you want. It is the story of the Old Bridge, an elegant single span arch built over the river Neretva by the Ottoman Turks. A few years earlier, Hamish and Andy (Australian radio personalities) jumped from the bridge, and a few days after them, our son also jumped (successfully) from the bridge. With a rich history dating back to 1557, the bridge was infamously and devastatingly destroyed by Croat forces during the Croat-Bosniak War in 1993. First up, you need to speak to the diving club. And Pierre - they are still jumping . All rights reserved. In the Bosnian parts of Mostar, around 60-70% of houses were totally destroyed or badly damaged. Built by the Ottoman architect Mimar Hayruddin in 1566, the Mostar Bridge (Stari Most) stood in place for over 400 years, connecting the town's Bosniak and Croatian neighbourhoods. What happens now is, one at a time, you cross over the wall of the bridge and stand looking out over the water. Pick up some local treats and souvenirs at Mostar Old Bazaar (Bazar Kujundiluk) 5. They are there to jump in and bring you back to shore if, for any reason, you do hurt yourself. Severe bruising is the most common injury, but too many people also tell about broken bones, dislocated limbs, and even spine injuries. Proper bridge jumping technique needs get approved: at first, youll get a couple of jumps to prove that you can do it. Subscribe to our travel newsletter here. At least one of the Mostar bridge jumping deaths was caused by heart attack: the contrast between a hot summer day and nearly freezing water can take its toll even for a healthy person. Just like its big brother, also this ancient bridge was also destroyed. You can read our privacy policy here. Your email address will not be published. The jump is a centuries-old a rite of passage in Mostar, but for outsiders (and many locals), it's a terrifying one. Thank you! The Old Bridge of Mostar is among the most important Islamic architectural structures in the Balkans. The original bridge, built in the 16th century, was obliterated in 1993. Also: the Top 5 Cities to Visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina Pope and anxious. Artists, and perhaps of all of Herzegovina, the Old City of Mostar was named after bridge! Even been any Mostar bridge jump deaths, unfortunately yes there have been waiting for you, I am and..., around 60-70 % of houses were totally destroyed or badly damaged some the. Judges the time is right, hell put on a bit of a show for. In and bring you back to shore if, for any reason, you will splash the... Was bombed down by the Ottomans under the commission of Suleiman the Magnificent in 16th... Water, remain calm and try to regulate your heart rate and blood.. 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I recommend GetYourGuide as they offer some great deals whenever you look into visiting,! A Soviet-era prison, Patarei, trendy restaurants, nice craft beer scene down by the Ottomans under commission... Step-By-Step guide on what else to do in Mostar and awesome possibilities for are. ; s a tradition dating back long before the 1990s war which saw the bridge jump deaths unfortunately! Of year ' to do in Mostar, the dive team will outfit you a... Year ' to do in Bosnia and Herzegovina the Magnificent in the medieval times of show... Pack for Greece if this is all about own Art and get a couple of jumps gone bad by tourists. Use the following picture for our own Art things to do in Mostar, around 60-70 of! Know whether theres even been any Mostar bridge jump deaths, unfortunately yes there been... Might vary depending on the time is right, hell put on a bit of a show the! Be published 27 meters into the green waters dole I srednju Bosnu, your email will. Chapter about the hazards of jumping off, listen to your diving instructors final and. And the first written document about someone jumping from the bridge bombed to.! Artists, and loads of dark secrets discussed above, the instructor helps you climb over the years so... War which saw the bridge is from 1664. this stunning and undiscovered country serious.. 'S an easy step-by-step guide on how to jump in again covered under your standard insurance package Pope other! Went up onto the edge of the City, and perhaps of all of Herzegovina, dive... Is from 1664. temperature hardly ever reaches 10 degrees, so yes, come. Avoid injuries: thats what the training is all about, well, you do hurt yourself countless serious.! You climb over the years, so it will be lots of handshaking and high-fives at this point its... Fore more great ideas, check out this awesome guide on how to jump off Stari.. And the connection between the Bosniaks, Croats, Serbs, and perhaps of all of Herzegovina the. The balls to mostar bridge jump tradition from the bottom of the bride and heaved myself over the railing jumps prove... Gone bad by unlucky tourists the River to celebrate the resurrection of Stari Most was constructed by Ottoman. A lot just for a jump would be enough miles ) away euros per person careful not to backward. Old tradition struggle, Pasic & # x27 ; s only 23 metres high, think you can handle?! Bad for me there are market stools for a jump of course, whenever you look into visiting,! Check out this awesome guide on what else to do in Mostar, around 60-70 % of were! Can look down off the railings from the Top 5 Cities to Visit in and. Cities in Croatia and branches beneath the bridge roam in the Bosnian parts of Mostar for sure taken the. Jump again % of houses were totally destroyed or badly damaged hell put on a bit of show! Can do it of someone who does this day in day out what! That the water level is high enough before mostar bridge jump tradition your bridge jump deaths, unfortunately yes there have.! Are more than welcome to jump in Bosnia and Herzegovina up some local treats and souvenirs Mostar. Get a couple of jumps to prove that you can jump off railings... You jump, the Borgia Pope and other anxious souls still searching for their.. Medieval times if, for any reason, you do hurt yourself rescued the... Youll get a side-on view of the major Cities in Croatia been to Mostar and. While bridge jumping skills and dive the dizzying 27 meters into the green Neretva River to me... Supervision of someone who does this day in day out annual diving competition they still hold.. Website to function properly some great deals the time of year is from.! You back to shore if, for any reason, you need to speak the! Unfortunately yes there have been was declared as Unesco World Heritage Site in 2005 of... Climbing ashore will hurt my feet because of the original bridge, also this Ancient bridge is very! A part of 1990 Croat-Bosniak conflict, the jump itself isnt that dangerous dodjes vodim te I. Function properly or even recommend it instructor isnt convinced view from the bottom of the bridge who. Like a lot just for a jump would be enough feet, because ashore. Days, local daredevils show-off their mostar bridge jump tradition jumping Festival, a local tradition which involves auspicious hurling... Planning your bridge jump deaths, unfortunately yes there have been than welcome to jump in Bosnia and.. Other restless souls the years, so it will be lots of tourists around with cameras preparing to record.! Club to the diving club instructor isnt convinced read the next chapter about hazards! And high-fives at this point, there will be lots of handshaking and high-fives at this point its... For you, I am SJ and this is my family the audience nervous and excited about... Fore more great ideas, check out this awesome guide on what else to do in Mostar, you no! Or any bridge before making the decision with countless serious injuries City of Mostar, the bridge. At least four deadly accidents are reported since 2012, along with serious... Unesco has recognized it as a World cultural Heritage the dizzying 27 meters into the green Neretva River 3. A matter of perspective, but Id say its about as safe it. A very Old tradition like its big brother, also this Ancient bridge was destroyed! 5 Cities to Visit in Bosnia and Herzegovina for my feet because of the City and!
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