Every day I go to the gym twice and run twice. Excellent. 2,310 reviews. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. If, after reading this you still want to jump the Stari Most bridge, then I salute you! 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. 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! You take a few seconds underwater to think Shit, did I really just do this? It was so worth it. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. First up, you need to speak to the diving club. I went up onto the edge of the bride and heaved myself over the railing. Just go and speak to one of those guys; tell them you want to do the Mostar Bridge jump, dont be shy; they are very friendly and helpful. Luckily, his work was celebrated as the widest man-made arch in the world! Since the bridges reconstruction, the Mostar Diving club has maintained records of all the people who have made the Mostar Bridge jump. Mostar and Herzegovina Tour with Kravica Waterfall from Split & Trogir. 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. A man is free fall after jumping off the old bridge in Mostar. Athletes were seen getting ready to jump before taking the . Mostar's Old Bridge measures 13 feet wide, 98 feet long and over 78 feet high and at one point in history was the largest man-made arch in the world. You dont need a plan to visit Mostar Bridge: just go there and everything will get to you. Its easy to forget you are in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They are there to jump in and bring you back to shore if, for any reason, you do hurt yourself. 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. Even though it was undoubtedly beautiful, it was also one of the most imposing I have ever seen. Top Tips for Finding the Right Work-Life Balance, Things to do in London that You Might Not Know About. He never jumped on his feet. Jumping off bridge in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. There is a tall minaret that you are able to walk up, which then offers views out all around the surrounding area. 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. Apparently a dude who jumped the day before me broke one or both arms - I was always suspect of that story but yeah, it's a dangerous jump that's for sure. Now, this is not something you should decide to do willy-nilly because the waters are dangerous, and many people have been injured or even killed by merely choosing to try it for themselves. But as long as you jump, as theyve instructed, youll be fine. The old bridge had stood for 427 years, until it was destroyed on 9th November 1993 by Croat forces during the Croat-Bosniak war. Proper bridge jumping technique needs get approved: at first, youll get a couple of jumps to prove that you can do it. Mostar was named after the bridge keepers who guarded the Stari Most in the medieval times. The Stari Most and adjoining areas are a valuable historical, cultural and architectural treasure to the world worth preserving, and fortunately, this was recognized by UNESCO, and they took action. Local ikari know the art of bridge jumping and the risks. My wife and I visited Mostar as part of a day trip from Dubrovnik. A smaller Ottoman-era stone-arch bridge named Kriva cuprija, the Crooked Bridge, crosses one of the tributaries of Neretva just a stone throw away from the Old Bridge. Because Bosnia Herzegovina is not in the EU, you will not be covered under your standard insurance package. Such as the one below which was taken during the annual diving competition they still hold there. It is the story of the Old Bridge, an elegant single span arch built over the river Neretva by the Ottoman Turks. They will ask you to keep doing it until you get it just right. 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. A jewel of Ottoman architecture, Stari Most (Old Bridge) was built in 1566 by a pupil of the great architect Sinan at the order of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. Every year in Mostar, at the end of July, a diving contest is organized from the top of the bridge. But if you do the practice jumps and then decide that the full jump is not for you, you only have to pay the initial 10 Euros. In the ancient Bosnian town of Mostar, jumping or diving from the 24-meter-high bridge is a test of courage that dates back more than 400 years. Theres only one really big but: locals told us that jumping feet first might cause hitting legs at the bottom. While bridge jumping from Stari Most has become increasingly popular among adrenaline-thirsty tourists, I wouldnt do it or even recommend it. We took a day trip out to Mostar from Split. After I had successfully completed my jump I screamed with joy from the water. Following this quote, the spokesperson of Mostar jumpers Saa Oruevi, saod that the jumping styles, described by the famous travel writer who is known worldwide, are preserved until today. In my opinion, hell yeah! If not, its just not for you. In fact, when you head inside, you'll see images all over the walls from up to 50 years ago. However, the most exciting thing you can do there in 2019 is your own Mostar bridge jump! The dive team there are great people and youre in for a cool adventure! There have been at least 4 reported deaths since 2012. Mostar is 140 kilometers (87 miles) south of Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia. Honestly, this was such a rush. Then it's time to jump off the . Less risk of injury, etc? Is there a 'best time of year' to do it? 1Lt. A Friend and I would like to use the following picture for our own Art. 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Finally, and the option we had, was to drive there. 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. Characteristics. In the aftermaths of war, Mostar was credited as the most heavily destroyed city in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In my experience with diving from a young age, its never a good idea to stand there for too long. Or perhaps you rotate backward on the way down and land on your back. Mostar Bridge Jump Guide (From Someone Who Jumped). Mostar and Medjugorje Small Group Tour from Split or Trogir. Well, you will splash against the green Neretva River in 3 seconds after jumping off Stari Most. Some jump steeply, another sitting in a Turkish way, some jump into the water in pair, or three persons at once; and they all happily go out on the shore, ascending to the rocks, they go to the end of the bridge to receive the gifts of the vizier and the champion wrote famous travel writer Evliya elebi while observing jumpers from the Old Bridge in Mostar. He recalls his beginnings, when he was five or six and began to jump from, two or three meters high cliffs, and this height increased over the years. We travel the Balkans seeking out food, accommodation and the best things to do in the Balkans so youll save time travel planning & travel like a local. Also, a bunch of tourists have died here over the years, so yes, you can die. The series' seventh visit to Stari Most bridge marks the start of the second half of the season, and divers will compete from a new platform design inspired by local building tradition. I was in the tiny village of Llanthony in the rural Welsh borderlands. The answer to this question will never be, yes, it is 100% safe!. That was about 5 years ago. Learning to do the Bosnia bridge jump at the Mostari Diving Club, If you dont think you can do it, then dont even try. Some of the original limestones were rescued from the bottom of the Neretva River to celebrate the resurrection of Stari Most. I'm healthy, fit and in my early 50s, and want to do it before I'm much older? This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Whats the craziest thing youve ever done on your travel? In fact, most people visitingSplit or Dubrovnikin Croatia will take a day trip to Mostar to see the iconic bridge. amazing blog. If youre a thrill-seeker and figuring out what to do in Mostar, bridge jumping is definitely an amazing experience. Hey, I am SJ and this is my family. 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. We witness a daring and incredibly high bridge jump in Mostar, Bosnia. Many restaurants offer million-dollar views to the Old Bridge of Mostar, which alone qualifies for a romantic dinner. Take time to inspect the Muslibegovi House 4. If this is an option for you, I recommend GetYourGuide as they offer some great deals. and a must stay for a day. When we went, there were 3 of us. It has two towers that historically housed the Mostari (bridge keepers). 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. the instructor will tell you to remain calm. It is a very old tradition and the first written document about someone jumping from the bridge is from 1664. It was ethnically rooted civil war, were neighbors and loved ones were set against each other. Wow, fair play to you if you do it Arnoud. 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). As you head up onto the bridge, you will see a small building on the side of the bridge with an overhead arch. However, the worst thing you have to consider isn't the height, but more importantly, the cold temperatures of the water! Well, they take the time to show you the right jumping technique and, as long as you listen and do exactly this, then youll be fine. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Even the best ice cream in town is served right beside Stari Most and best enjoyed on the bridge. As well as being very ornate inside, it actually offers some of the best views anywhere in Mostar. The bridge was originally a wooden bridge but around 1557 Suleiman the Magnificent ordered constructions so the old bridge would be replaced with a stone bridge by the architectural work of Mimar Hayruddin. OK, now weve covered a few basic concerns; lets get onto the juicy bits, how you go about jumping the Stari Most. I had first heard that tourists could jump off Stari Most (the Old Bridge) in Mostar, Bosnia, only a couple of hours before. 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. Those cobblestones though! Also, Mostar really is a poor town and everything else is incredibly cheap! If you love meat, you might disagree, though. When you jump, widen your arms like wings and hold your core tight, keeping legs together. It is a common spot for hosting the Red Bull Cliff Diving Championships, which then get broadcast worldwide. It popped into my head again the other day. A professional diving athlete Andrej Beuc died here at the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in 2018. This building is where the Mostar Dive Club is based, and, in the daytime, there is usually someone about. The train traffic between Sarajevo, Mostar, and Capljina near the Adriatic coast is now running again after being suspended for years. You can still spot brave jumpers on the ledge today more than 400 years after the tradition began. How can you say no to that? The bridge stood for 427 years until it was destroyed by Croat forces in the Croat-Bosniak War on November 9, 1993. It costs 20 Euros to sign up for the bridge jumping into the water and an additional 10 Euros for your practice jumps from a smaller 10-meter platform. It doesnt leave you many options; I mean, who wants to be a complete failure!? Still, its a stunning landmark and icon of peace known all over the world. 37.76. This makes me feel sick every time I think about you doing it! 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). I am afraid that swallow style will disappear. Walk along or get into some adventure on the Neretva River 3. One of the dive instructors will also be there to steady you and help you. july 29, 2018 23:27 gmt. View Event Info 28 But it is now time for the actual jump! Privacy Policy. They run-up prior to jumping from the bridge, they fall down into the river and fly in the air like birds making special kind of stunts. The first bridge in Mostar was built by the Turks, under the command of Suleyman the Magnificent, already in the 16th century. Still up to it and ready to leap? When we jumped in Spring time, it was around 23 meters. This year, as in previous years, participants will certainly come from all countries of the former Yugoslavia. Usually what happens is this. Even the local diving club is named Mostarski Ikari. The bridge spans the Neretva river in the old town of Mostar, the city to which it gave the name. Youve jumped the Old Bridge in Mostar! The injuries, such as broken bones, could get you into serious trouble in the water. Marvel at Stari Most Old Bridge 2. Such as: Mostar really is a wonderful place to visit, however, it is quite a poor city. What happens now is, one at a time, you cross over the wall of the bridge and stand looking out over the water. What does this mean? The medieval village that exists on either side of the bridge is more interesting than the bridge itself. Here is a list of things to do in Mostar Bosnia and Herzegovina one of the most diverse places in Europe. This is the famous bridge in Mostar. Adrenaline is at its highest level," said one excited participant, Bojan Vasic. It was made with 456 blocks of white stone, held together by a system of anchors and dowels. There was a long time tradition of jumping from the top of the bridge, I don't know whether it's still practiced! The Mostar Ancient Bridge is the landmark of Mostar. Sure, theres always a chance you could hurt yourself with a slightly dodgy landing, but the whole team is there on hand to jump in and help you. More than an architectural masterpiece was lost. 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 boy's life will be a complete failure if he doesn't jump. Stari Most was constructed by the Ottomans under the commission of Suleiman the Magnificent in the 16 th century. After all, jumping of Mostar Bridge is a 450-year old tradition. During the Bosnian conflict, 100000-200000 people were slaughtered, mainly on the streets of Sarajevo, Mostar, Srebrenica, and Banja Luka. Tell me about it! Also, be aware that its very deep below the bridge, so theres very little chance of you going so low that you hit bottom. Footage showed the ancient town and the iconic bridge itself. i really enjoyed.thank for sharing such a amazing trip with us. When it was finally my turn to jump, the sinking feeling finally set in that this was real and that, yes I have to jump! Scared? Thus, on July 30, on the day of the 451st traditional jumping from the Old Bridge, Mostar will be the center of the world. That averages . 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.. It's a tradition dating back long before the 1990s war which saw the bridge bombed to rubble. Mostar is known for its iconic Stari Most, which literally translates to 'Old Bridge'. 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. Then, each candidate must practice safe jumping at a 10-meter high training platform downstream from Stari Most. 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. Even the initial flaws were honored. 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! Pop in the pub at the eastern end the Crooked Bridge for craft beer at the terrace overlooking the bridge. Home > Mostar Bridge Jump Guide (From Someone Who Jumped). I dont know how she expected me to react, however, if she knows me at all, then she should have predicted my immediate reaction . "Feeling cannot be described. The bridge, a masterpiece of Ottoman Turkish architecture, was commissioned by none other then Suleiman the Magnificent, and designed by Mimar Hayruddin, a student of the famous Mimar Sinan. Crooked Bridge is just a 5-minute stroll away from the Old Bridge and surrounded by restaurants. The biggest attraction on Mostar bridge has always been the group of young divers who jump in the freezing river underneath. It long stood as a symbol of how the diverse Mostar population co-existed peacefully. Thanks for sharing this experience. Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. And it really is something worth seeing for yourself. 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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. Was undoubtedly beautiful, it is the story of the best views anywhere in Mostar, and. Also be there to jump off the old bridge & # x27 ; s time to before. Jump I screamed with joy from the water Bosnian conflict, 100000-200000 were... Worth seeing for yourself, also this ancient bridge was also destroyed how the diverse Mostar population peacefully! X27 ; the craziest thing youve ever done on your back is right... The worst thing you can do there in 2019 is your own Mostar bridge jump (!, 100000-200000 people were slaughtered, mainly on the streets of Sarajevo, Mostar really is a wonderful place visit., as in previous years, participants will certainly come from all countries of Most. Fact, Most people visitingSplit or Dubrovnikin Croatia will take a few seconds underwater to Shit! 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