Discover Bosnia’s Heritage with the Sarajevo-Vares Tourist Train – A Scenic Adventure

Published on December 8, 2025

In mid-July 2025, the first Sarajevo-Vares tourist train officially launched. This marked a new chapter in promoting Bosnia and Herzegovina’s rich cultural and natural heritage. The train route, which runs on a request basis, connects Sarajevo, the capital city, with Vares, a charming town known for its industrial history, historical sites, and beautiful landscapes. Since launching, the train has completed three trips and carried about 500 passengers. It is quickly becoming a popular way to experience Bosnia’s scenic beauty. The Sarajevo-Vares tourist train is a joint effort by the Railways of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH), the Municipality of Vares, and the Tourist Board of the Zenica-Doboj Canton (ZDC). The project aims to increase tourism in the region by offering a travel experience that highlights the area’s natural beauty, historical landmarks, industrial heritage, and local food.

Promoting Heritage and Local Experiences

The tourist train offers an exclusive experience for travelers, with trips designed to showcase the unique attractions of Vares and its surroundings. While the train operates outside of the regular timetable of the Railways of FBiH, the train’s lessee, in cooperation with the Railways, determines the schedule for the journeys from Sarajevo to Vares. These trips are typically organized in partnership with local tourist agencies and offer a well-curated itinerary.

A typical trip includes a train ride from Sarajevo to Vares, followed by a guided tour of Vares’s cultural and historical sites, allowing visitors to experience the town’s rich heritage. Tourists can also visit the royal town of Bobovac, a historically significant site, or take a scenic trip to the Wigwam picnic site in the village of Zarudje. The full experience often includes lunch at a local restaurant, a return trip to Vares Railway Station, and the journey back to Sarajevo, making it an ideal day trip for tourists.

Adventure and Wellness Opportunities in Vares

In addition to its cultural attractions, the Sarajevo-Vares tourist train is also appealing to adventure tourism. The Vares Railway Station is located just 300 meters from Mount Perun, a popular hiking destination. Mountaineering groups and outdoor enthusiasts will find the train an excellent gateway for exploring Perun’s hiking trails, adding an exciting outdoor element to the trip. For student groups and mountaineering associations, the train serves as a convenient means of transportation to explore Vares and its natural surroundings.

The train route itself offers breathtaking views of Bosnia’s natural landscapes, with the journey passing through 20 tunnels and over 11 bridges. The scenic route follows the Stavnja River valley, providing passengers with an unforgettable visual experience of the country’s rugged beauty.

Sustainable Travel with a Historic Train

The train itself is a historical and nostalgic experience, powered by an old diesel-hydraulic locomotive and featuring three adapted Swedish cars, offering 180 seats in total. The Sarajevo-Vares tourist train blends historic charm with modern comfort, giving passengers a unique way to experience the country’s landscapes and cultural sites. The vintage train carriages are designed to provide a comfortable and charming ride, making it an ideal travel option for those seeking both adventure and relaxation.

The project aligns with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s broader goals of promoting sustainable tourism and increasing regional connectivity. By offering a unique and eco-friendly mode of transport, the Sarajevo-Vares tourist train contributes to the growth of tourism in the region, while highlighting the country’s efforts to preserve its heritage and natural resources.

Recognition for the Sarajevo-Vares Tourist Train

The launch of the Sarajevo-Vares tourist train has been well received, and the project recently received recognition from the Chamber of Economy of the FBiH as one of the best tourism moves of the summer 2025 season. This acknowledgment highlights the growing success and potential of the train service, which has not only attracted local tourists but has also sparked interest from international visitors seeking a unique way to explore the region.

As Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to develop its tourism infrastructure, the Sarajevo-Vares tourist train represents a step forward in diversifying the country’s offerings, adding a new, accessible way to explore Sarajevo and its surrounding areas. The service is expected to grow in popularity, with more scheduled trips planned for future seasons and the potential for further expansion into other regions of the country.

A Bright Future for Regional Tourism

The success of the Sarajevo-Vares tourist train reflects the growing potential for tourism development in Bosnia and Herzegovina. As the country continues to improve its tourism infrastructure and promote cultural tourism, initiatives like the tourist train will play a significant role in shaping the future of travel in the region. The train serves as both a tourist attraction and a tool for regional integration, helping to strengthen the links between Sarajevo and Vares while promoting sustainable tourism.

Conclusion

The Sarajevo-Vares tourist train is a special addition to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s tourism. It gives visitors a culturally rich, scenic, and adventurous travel experience. By promoting local heritage, natural beauty, and regional connections, the train highlights the best that Bosnia and Herzegovina has to offer.