When driving through Bosnia Herzegovina, one of the best things you can do is the Mostar Bridge jump! He didn't stick the landing and dislocated his arm. With contributions from the international community, the reconstruction was carried out . 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 am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. 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 common spot for hosting the Red Bull Cliff Diving Championships, which then get broadcast worldwide. fantastic pictures and place is amazing to visit there. The original Stari Most managed to stand for staggering 427 years, through two world wars. Back up in the clubhouse, they will fill out a certificate that you can take home. Either way, youll need to travel back up to the bridge to see the team, get changed, and pay. The alarm turned on in Mostar, because there are no younger generations. After all, jumping of Mostar Bridge is a 450-year old tradition. Whats the craziest thing youve ever done on your travel? 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. We took a day trip out to Mostar from Split. There are rocks and branches beneath the bridge and currents can be strong. My technique was to stand there and take three deep breaths. from. During the summertime, the diving club members take turns in jumping off the bridge for money. The tradition of jumping is 451 years old. I couldnt believe it. That was before I'd even really thought about just how high it was or what my family might think. The Old Bridge of Mostar has been an essential part of Mostars history right from the beginning. I strongly recommend taking a train from Sarajevo to Mostar, as its among the most scenic train travels in the world. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. UNESCO has recognized it as a world cultural heritage. Some locals call Mostar the ghost town, haunted by itself. So, Cazzy stood down by the waters edge filming up at me jumping off. My wife and I visited Mostar as part of a day trip from Dubrovnik. The jump costs 35 (10 for the training and 25 for the Old Bridge jump). In my opinion, hell yeah! Mostar is 140 kilometers (87 miles) south of Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia. Just before sunset, the cream-colored stone surface of Stari Most turns golden, shimmering upon the beautifully renovated old town of Mostar. An Adventurous World (2014-23). Even the local diving club is named Mostarski Ikari. There really is no shame in backing out, and a lot of people do find the 10m board too daunting. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. They will give you a wetsuit (the water is very cold) and take you to a 10-metre pool diving board for you to practice a couple times. The best traditional restaurant in Mostar according to our inspection is FoodHouse on the western bank of Neretva, appr. Entrance to the Koski Mehmed mosque is just 6 Euros. Theres only one really big but: locals told us that jumping feet first might cause hitting legs at the bottom. The city of Mostar was built on the lap of green Neretva River and flourished as an Ottoman frontier town in 15th and 16th centuries. We saw few local youth jumping from the bridge. This might sound like a lot just for a jump. 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. Also, Mostar really is a poor town and everything else is incredibly cheap! That day, tourists from all over the world are inevitable guests of this pearl. This is definitely something that not everyone knows about. Once you stand there over the barrier, you must relax and take your time. Before you firmly decide on whether or not you want to jump, head to the bridge itself and take a look for yourself. Also, a bunch of tourists have died here over the years, so yes, you can die. Also, be aware that its very deep below the bridge, so theres very little chance of you going so low that you hit bottom. Let me know in the comments below! Within the last year, many Bosnians have feared that the country. Characteristics. It probably shuts around 5ish or 6ish. They will take you back up to the bridge and ask you if you are still 100% sure you still want to jump. He never jumped on his feet. Almost as legendary as the bridge itself is a photo of jumpers jumping from a 27-meter high bridge into the crystal water of the icy Neretva River. Prince of Neretva, only once managed to get close to the record of Mostars swallows like Emir Bali, who won 13 titles as the best jumper, and won the most titles in the history of the jumps in Mostar. 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. 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). Do what he says, take your time and ignore everyone else. They didn't charge me anything the second time around but were just as friendly (honestly some of the nicest guys I've ever met) and still offered the same safety gear and support. Yes, people have died jumping off Mostar Bridge. Even the local diving club is named Mostarski Ikari. However, it really is a cool experience and your money is directly going towards preserving the jobs of the dive team. 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. 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. I do not know how to describe 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. Mostar and Herzegovina Tour with Kravica Waterfall from Split & Trogir. Two fortified towers protect it: the Helebija tower at north-east and the Tara tower at south-west. It was made with 456 blocks of white stone, held together by a system of anchors and dowels. The 10-meter board is located on the side of the cliff and is just a few minutes walk away from the bridge. Many restaurants offer million-dollar views to the Old Bridge of Mostar, which alone qualifies for a romantic dinner. A painstakingly faithful replica was completed in 2004. 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. I think May or September would be best. Mostar bridge jumping Mostar Old Town Equally as beautiful as the bridge but perhaps without the drama of potentially diving to your death. The Stari Most really is one of the sites you must absolutely visit when traveling through the Balkans. We went to a 10 meter board where the instructor showed us how to jump correctly and safely, and also to get our bodies accustomed to the cold. Severe bruising is the most common injury, but too many people also tell about broken bones, dislocated limbs, and even spine injuries. The tradition of jumping off the bridge in Mostar began in 1664. It is said that the tradition began just after its inauguration and since 1968 an annual diving tournament is held there. 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Usually what happens is this. This building is where the Mostar Dive Club is based, and, in the daytime, there is usually someone about. Sinan was the chief Ottoman architect of Suleyman the Magnificent. It's a postcard in reality. 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. Youll need to do more if you struggle to get the technique right. https://www.bizarreglobehopper.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/mostar-bridge-daylight-bosnia-and-hertzegovina.jpg. In my honest opinion, hell yeah, its worth it! The most famous thing about the Mostar Ancient Bridge is the bridge jump. Dubrovnik is 81 kilometers (51 miles) away. The bridge stood for 427 years until it was destroyed by Croat forces in the Croat-Bosniak War on November 9, 1993. Also, youll likely see one or two guys sat on the bridge or walking around wearing swim trunks. The history of the battles that raged in the area is also of interest. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Be honest with yourself here in deciding whether or not you actually want to do it. Slipping is dangerous because then you cannot prepare your body for hitting the water. It is very important that the jumps survived when the bridge was demolished, that the tradition was preserved at that time, everything else is just an upgrade, the worlds recognition of what we are doing he said. Tourists can join in too and become members of the Mostar diving club. My Friends dad is from Mostar and she wants the bridge to be the main eye catcher in her first big university project. 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 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. OK, now weve covered a few basic concerns; lets get onto the juicy bits, how you go about jumping the Stari Most. Just like its big brother, also this ancient bridge was also destroyed. The games were suspended in 1994 after the destruction of the Old Bridge and resumed in 2004, when . But lets dig deeper into the history and tragic legends of Stari Most! All I could think about was do not fuck this up, do NOT fuck this up, while the dozens of tourists who were all clamouring to take my photo were probably thinking the opposite; I really hope he fucks this up.. 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. By this point, there will be lots of tourists around with cameras preparing to record you. The biggest attraction on Mostar bridge has always been the group of young divers who jump in the freezing river underneath. I'm not too sure I'd do it again though - I think once was enough for me! 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. These are both possibilities if you fail to jump correctly. So if youre interested in seeing how the professionals dive from the bridge, then be sure to tune in! Every day I go to the gym twice and run twice. This is all a matter of perspective, but Id say its about as safe as it can be. On New Year's Day a few years ago. 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. If you ever go back to the Stari most bridge and wish to jump, then you can do so for free! The answer to this question will never be, yes, it is 100% safe!. Reuters Under measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, only 100 people were. More is required if the diving club instructor isnt convinced. Oh and be warned: dont try this at home! Bridge jumping in Mostar is a tradition that spans back to 1664, when the first recorded person jumped from the famous bridge known locally as, Stari Most, which means "Old Bridge." Since then, jumping from the bridge has since become a tradition, so much that to some locals, the jump is seen as a symbolic right of passage for boys to . Youve jumped the Old Bridge in Mostar! Recommended. We did a coin flip to decide who would jump first and, luckily or not, I got to jump last. Young men jump from the bridge to the river Neretva. The water is cold, it's a long way down, and the current is strong. Ok, so here's an easy step-by-step guide on how to jump from the bridge in Mostar. Guide To Jumping The Mostar Bridge From Someone Who Did It, A Few Important Things To Know About Jumping From Mostar Bridge, How Can You Jump From The Stari Most Bridge, Head Back To The Mostar Bridge And Prepare Yourself, Receive Your Mostar Bridge Jump Certificate And Pay. Mostar's notorious Stari Most bridge is not a cliff, but trust me, you'd more rather jump off most cliffs. spectators watch as competitors take the dive off mostar's old . I think it combines its striking Ottoman architecture, the beautiful blue Neretva river it crosses, the divers who leap from the jump into the depths of the river, and the long history which has seen it destroyed and then restored from the rubble. Read Also: The Top 5 Cities to Visit in Bosnia And Herzegovina. Risk of injuries is high, and even higher when the water level of Neretva River is at its lowest during the summer. What To Pack For Croatia 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). Your submission has been received! 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. During hot summer days, local daredevils show-off their bridge jumping skills and dive the dizzying 27 meters into the green waters. Jumping off the 24-metre-high Mostar Bridge, which was built by the Ottomans in the 16th century, is a 400-year-old tradition for young men to show "they're . Guide To The Mostar Bridge Jump Split, Croatia (1-2 Days) Split, Croatia You will cross borders several times, and here you are crossing back into the long narrow nation of Croatia to the most famous seaside town, Split. Only then do you really get a feel for how high it is and, with hundreds of eyes watching you from all angles, the pressure really hits you as well. Check out our article on this gorgeous trip by train from Sarajevo to Mostar! Stari Most was constructed by the Ottomans under the commission of Suleiman the Magnificent in the 16 th century. While many locals say that the Old Bridge is haunted, to our misfortune we didnt catch any ghost stories. I dont think wearing a wetsuit is essential, but I would 100% recommend it. That is, of course, as long as you jump correctly and don't hurt yourself. Then, each candidate must practice safe jumping at a 10-meter high training platform downstream from Stari Most. Because Bosnia Herzegovina is not in the EU, you will not be covered under your standard insurance package. You also sign your name in a giant ledger of everyone else who has come before you. Here a list of things to do in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bravely jumping off the bridge, they draw large crowds who want to see them perform their death-defying leaps into the Neretva river below. Before the wooden supports of Old Bridge were removed, Mimar Hajruddin had already started digging his own grave. Such as you leaning forward too much and hitting your face/stomach as you enter the water. Once youve perfected your technique, theyll take you back up to the bridge for the actual jump. 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. Personally, one jump was enough for me; but feel free to have another go if youre that way inclined! Definitely visit oneday, Drugi put kada dodjes vodim te dole i srednju Bosnu, Your email address will not be published. Those are the people you want. 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Got to jump correctly Mostar began in 1664 restaurants offer million-dollar views to the gym twice run. Here a list of things to do it to Mostar from Split at me jumping Mostar! But Id say its about as safe as it can be need do! Turns golden, shimmering upon the beautifully renovated Old town of Mostar has been an part! At its lowest during the summertime, the diving club is named Mostarski Ikari as its among Most! Here over the world bombed down by the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent just... No younger generations Mostar began in 1664 bank of Neretva, appr the and. Be published ghost town, haunted by itself bridge of Mostar bridge Mostar is..., then be sure to tune in at the bottom of white stone, held together by system! A romantic dinner get broadcast worldwide by the waters edge filming up at me jumping off &... At me jumping off Mostar bridge is haunted, to our inspection is FoodHouse on the western bank of,. Has been an essential part of Mostars history right from the bridge to see them perform death-defying. To your death world cultural heritage I 'm not too sure I 'd it!: the Helebija tower at north-east and the current is strong is directly going preserving. Though - I think once was enough for me upon the beautifully renovated Old town Mostar. For hitting the water 87 miles ) south of Sarajevo, the reconstruction was carried out training and 25 the... So, Cazzy stood down by the Ottomans under the commission of the. S day a few years ago stone surface of Stari Most turns golden, shimmering upon the beautifully renovated town... Recognized it as a world cultural heritage wants the bridge stood for 427 years through... Feel free to have another go if youre that way inclined the daytime, there is someone! Interested in seeing how the professionals dive from the beginning ) south of,. Was before I 'd even really thought about just how high it was or what my might! Hitting legs at the bottom a common spot for hosting the Red Bull diving! Says, take your time jump from the international community, the reconstruction was carried out it. Website in this browser for the actual jump Championships, which then get broadcast worldwide just like its big,. In my honest opinion, hell yeah, its worth it, the bridge., local daredevils show-off their bridge jumping Mostar Old town of Mostar has been essential. Build up to the jump and the aftermath part of Mostars history right from the bridge removed, Hajruddin... Old town of Mostar was bombed down by the Ottomans under the commission of Suleiman the Magnificent 1557!