Sarajevo is famous for its old town and lively cafe culture but you're never far away from the mountains and Barice offers one of the most rewarding weekend morning excursions. Located just a few miles outside of the city, the pastures provide a fantastic view through the valley and over the capital. On arriving in Barice, after a steep, coiled ascent, you'll find a hikers' hut with benches outside. Fare is simple but the welcome is roaring. Try a Bosnian coffee, some slivovica (local brandy) or the 'ustipci sa kajmakom', savoury donuts with local goats' cheese. And, if you're feeling ambitious after all this, there are hiking trails from Čavljak up to Bukovik and Crepoljsko.
The best way to get to Barice is by car or taxi. While hiking is possible in the area, the very real danger of landmines means that you should only be off road with an experienced local guide and on the marked hiking paths.
From Sarajevo, start in 'Hrastovi' area of town and look for the street 'Osmana Nakasa'. This road leads into a street called 'Put za Barice' (which means 'Way to Barice') and this will bring you to the hikers' hut.
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Take a public bus from Sutjeska street to the village of Nahorevo. At the bus stop in the village ask some one to put you in the right direction. Continue on and past a steep s-curve. This is where the asphalt road ends. You will at some point start seeing small open huts made out of wood with a map of the area on the outside. Now you will know where you are. Just follow the dirt road you are on until you come to Skakavac Waterfalls on your left.
It will take you about two hours of walking to the top of the waterfall. Note - there is a beautiful but slippery trail to the bottom of the waterfall.
For those of you interested in guided walks check out Green Visions (www.facebook.com/greenvisions). They offer regular trips in the area all year round.