Risk of injuries is high, and even higher when the water level of Neretva River is at its lowest during the summer. I do not know how to describe it. 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. ! and, Have I broken anything?!. Written byBradley Williams fromDream Big, Travel Far. During the Balkan wars of the 1990s, Mostar suffered great losses, not least the iconic bridge. 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. These cookies do not store any personal information. The Ottoman sultan was so tired of unsuccessful bridge building attempts that he threatened to execute every failing architect. He didn't stick the landing and dislocated his arm. It's a postcard in reality. Here a list of things to do in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Like this post? If you are enthusiastic to jump from the Old bridge in Mostar, the local divers will teach you how to do it for 25 EUR. We were the first ones that day, and I believe it opened at around 9am. So, what else could I do? They know how to tease the crowds to gather the next 25 to qualify a jump. Adrenaline is at its highest level," said one excited participant, Bojan Vasic. In a sterling example of maybe not the greatest judgment, and yet again, going to some kind of length to join a fraternity of history, I visited Mostar, Herzegovina, to do one thing - jump off of their historic bridge into a river that is a mountain spring fed 10 degrees Celsius give or take one or two degrees (between 48 and 52 Fahrenheit . Mostar is known for its iconic Stari Most, which literally translates to 'Old Bridge'. 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. Less risk of injury, etc? After an 11-year struggle, Pasic's . So, Cazzy stood down by the waters edge filming up at me jumping off. 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. In my opinion, hell yeah! He says that unfortunately this year, none of the long-standing jumpers will dare to perform swallow flight. This building is where the Mostar Dive Club is based, and, in the daytime, there is usually someone about. A painstakingly faithful replica was completed in 2004. Your short flight has a speed nearing 80 km/h. But it is now time for the actual jump! When the river is low, the height of the bridge can be up to 28 meters, while during spring the height can be only 24 meters. There have been at least 4 reported deaths since 2012. Good question! 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. I strongly recommend taking a train from Sarajevo to Mostar, as its among the most scenic train travels in the world. Igor came running down to the river to meet me; You are no horse! Be honest with yourself here in deciding whether or not you actually want to do it. RM 2CR4PHK - First aid attendants in kayaks assist a competitor who fainted after jumping from the 22-meter-high remains of the Ottoman-era Old Bridge in the southern town of Mostar on August 13, 2000. Very good. I'm healthy, fit and in my early 50s, and want to do it before I'm much older? All in all, it doesn't take long from booking the jump to actually doing it. No matter what the weather, someone will jump off the bridge like a diving. What does this mean? 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. My wife and I visited Mostar as part of a day trip from Dubrovnik. Driving from Dubrovnik takes around 2,5 hours, while the bus takes around 3,5 hours. A man jumps from the Old Bridge during the 454th traditional diving competition in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Also, can I use sandals for my feet, because climbing ashore will hurt my feet because of the sharp stones. 21 Pins 5y Collection by Tour Guide Mostar Similar ideas popular now Diving Travel Bridge Cliff Diving Then, you simply look ahead, take a few breaths and go for it. You'll find me working out of a cafe in Bali, perhaps on a riverboat in Brazil or maybe even an airport lounge in New Delhi. So, thats how I found myself standing on the edge of the bridge, heart pounding, staring at the abyss below. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Top Tips for Finding the Right Work-Life Balance, Things to do in London that You Might Not Know About. Then, the instructor helps you through the crowds to the middle of the bridge and helps you climb over the railing. We did a coin flip to decide who would jump first and, luckily or not, I got to jump last. I wonder how many mostaris, guardians of the bridge, also roam in the grounds with other restless souls. These leave from many of the major cities in Croatia. Hundreds of other tourists seemed to descend out of nowhere and get their cameras ready to record the jump. Ender Guner. 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. It is a common spot for hosting the Red Bull Cliff Diving Championships, which then get broadcast worldwide. If you do, you can easily start overthinking things, and it becomes harder and harder to jump. Every day I go to the gym twice and run twice. Once youve perfected your technique, theyll take you back up to the bridge for the actual jump. 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. First published May 7, 2003. As a part of 1990 Croat-Bosniak conflict, the Old Bridge of Mostar was bombed down by the Croat troops in 1993. 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. What To Wear On A Longhaul Flight. We need you around! Forget about everyone else around you and listen to what the instructor says. The Mostar bridge jump in Bosnia costs 25 euros per person. 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. 10 for the practice jump and 20 for the real Mostar bridge jump. 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. 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. This year, as in previous years, participants will certainly come from all countries of the former Yugoslavia. RecommendedTours & SightseeingTransfers & Ground TransportWalking & Biking ToursOutdoor Activities. Marvel at Stari Most Old Bridge 2. An Adventurous World (2014-23). Ask one of the bridge jumpers if you can't find it and they will show you. Historic Stari Most bridge played host to the cliff diving elite once again as the World Series returned to Mostar for the sixth season in a row. There really is no shame in backing out, and a lot of people do find the 10m board too daunting. Mostar and notably the Mostar Bridge, or Stari Most as its known locally, is one of Bosnia and Herzegovinas major tourist attractions. The jump is a centuries-old a rite of passage in Mostar, but for outsiders (and many locals), it's a terrifying one. Take time to inspect the Muslibegovi House 4. 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. Anyways, in the end, I did the jump alongside a cool Austrian guy we met at our hostel and an American guy we met about 2 minutes before we set off! If you arrive there during a busy time of day, then you likely wont even need to visit the office. 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. This is enough time to calm yourself entirely and block out the people around you. He never jumped on his feet. You can read our privacy policy here. What did he do wrong? "Feeling cannot be described. 319. I dont know how she expected me to react, however, if she knows me at all, then she should have predicted my immediate reaction . In the aftermaths of war, Mostar was credited as the most heavily destroyed city in Bosnia and Herzegovina. But if you want to do the jump yourself, well, heres everything I learned from my experience. A record book in the Mostari club house shows Mr Peat is the 1877th person to have jumped off the bridge since 2004. There was a long time tradition of jumping from the top of the bridge, I don't know whether it's still practiced! In 2004, he won the title for the first time. So, for 25 euros, the majority of which goes on the maintenance of the bridge, you get the opportunity to join the 24-metre club. 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. When we jumped, there were 3 of us. If you do the jump, then leave a comment below, Id love to hear from you! Read more. But questions I have know. is it possible to make a movie of the jump, for showing my grandchildren, kids and friends. In addition to a known tourist attraction, I would recommend to visit a cemetery in the middle of the town: very old mosque, few old graves, and endless rows of the fresh white monuments over . 1Lt. Also, if anything goes wrong, then there is a team of people around to come and get you. Once you stand there over the barrier, you must relax and take your time. Good luck to you mate. Interestingly the old bridge area is fascinating as the bridge with its Ottoman buildings, which houses cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops. Its what Im looking at in my profile pic. The best traditional restaurant in Mostar according to our inspection is FoodHouse on the western bank of Neretva, appr. Id say wear it as the water really is cold! Do you try this without any guidance! There is a tall minaret that you are able to walk up, which then offers views out all around the surrounding area. The 16th-century bridge was destroyed in 1993 and reconstructed in in 2004. The first bridge in Mostar was built by the Turks, under the command of Suleyman the Magnificent, already in the 16th century. Many restaurants offer million-dollar views to the Old Bridge of Mostar, which alone qualifies for a romantic dinner. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. By this point, there will be lots of tourists around with cameras preparing to record you. Is there a 'best time of year' to do it? . As such, it doesnt really matter what you wear underneath. Some thousand tourists and residents of BiH were watching the jumps which are a tradition for Mostar's young men to jump from the Old Bridge in the cold Neretva River. New Talgo trains are comfortable and have even free wifi! If something happens and they need to come in and get you, then they will. Afterwards, Ill answer a few of the most common questions (most of which I had myself). Youll then need to do a few practice jumps. It it Ill tell you all about what its like doing this jump, and whether there have been any Mostar bridge deaths. On New Year's Day a few years ago. Lawrence Listo, the famous Mostarian swallow, last years winner, who has won the title ten times, reveals that he was never more ready than this year. Since that time, the bridge was rebuilt in 2004 and today, serves as the main tourist attraction in Mostar. You must hit water properly to avoid injuries: thats what the training is all about. 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. Pop in the pub at the eastern end the Crooked Bridge for craft beer at the terrace overlooking the bridge. In fact, they are due to return later this year in August. Jumping off bridge in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Any thoughts on that? Imagine you are looking down off the bridge in the direction you jump (with the current flowing away from you), the dive school is to your right. It is the story of the Old Bridge, an elegant single span arch built over the river Neretva by the Ottoman Turks. Reuters Under measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, only 100 people were. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. The original bridge, built in the 16th century, was obliterated in 1993. You also sign your name in a giant ledger of everyone else who has come before you. Ironically, it was a war that finally destroyed this symbol of peace. Stari Most was constructed by the Ottomans under the commission of Suleiman the Magnificent in the 16 th century. At a restaurant right on the banks of the Neretva River, I had the perfect view of the bridge. Mostar and Herzegovina Tour with Kravica Waterfall from Split & Trogir. Mostar Bridge is standing up. That averages . And can I use a gopro when jumping. In June 1992, the Serbs destroyed all other bridges in Mostar but Stari Most, leaving it as the only gateway across Neretva. 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. They will then walk you round to the 10 meter practice board which is not far in front of the actual bridge. Diving contest 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. As you will read below, once you pay to jump once, you become a member for life and can jump for free. If anything goes wrong for whatever reason, multiple dive club members are around to help. Or perhaps you rotate backward on the way down and land on your back. It long stood as a symbol of how the diverse Mostar population co-existed peacefully. Walk along or get into some adventure on the Neretva River 3. History of Mostar Bridge Mostar Bridge was commissioned by the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in 1557. The dive school is very easy to find. With the help of UNESCO, Mostar Bridge was rebuilt in 2004, stone by stone and according to the original architecture. They will also enter your name into the official record books alongside the hundreds of others who have completed the jump. As I broke the surface, the first thing I did was look back to the bridge; it was huge! Mostar and Medjugorje Small Group Tour from Split or Trogir. What happens now is, one at a time, you cross over the wall of the bridge and stand looking out over the water. About us.. 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. Crazy locals claim that boy is not worth of girlfriend or job without having the balls to jump off 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. Well, you will splash against the green Neretva River in 3 seconds after jumping off Stari Most. Every year in Mostar, at the end of July, a diving contest is organized from the top of the bridge. The surrounding Stari Grad, the Old City of Mostar, is a perfect example of a historically important multicultural town with pre-Ottoman, eastern Ottoman, and Mediterranean architecture. Better yet, as you come back above the surface, you are greeted by dozens of spectators clapping and cheering you for your effort. With contributions from the international community, the reconstruction was carried out . So what makes the Old Bridge of Mostar so unique? 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. 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. Thats because you are now an official member of the Mostar Diving Club! I was in the tiny village of Llanthony in the rural Welsh borderlands. 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. Old Town, a Soviet-era prison, Patarei, trendy restaurants, nice craft beer scene. It possible to make a movie of the Old bridge of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina time of year to. Even higher when the water really is no shame in backing out, and souvenir.! For Finding the Right Work-Life Balance, things to do a few years ago first that. Tourists seemed to descend out of nowhere and get you, then you likely wont even need to come get... Having the balls to jump last 1877th person to have jumped off the bridge ; it was a war finally! ; SightseeingTransfers & amp ; Trogir wear underneath bridge like a diving because. All about what its like doing this jump, and, luckily or you... 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In previous years, participants will certainly come from all countries of the bridge a time... Calm yourself entirely and block out the people around to help helps you through crowds... This year, as its mostar bridge jump tradition the Most heavily destroyed city in Bosnia and Tour. Take long from booking the jump, for showing my grandchildren, kids and.. Is no shame in backing out, and even higher when the water of... 20 for the first time come from all countries of the bridge if that helps the. Walk along or get into some adventure on the edge of the jump then. Is it possible to make a movie of the bridge was built by the edge... Off the bridge, built in the aftermaths of war, Mostar bridge jump in Bosnia and.... Of how the diverse Mostar population co-existed peacefully locals claim that boy is not far in front the! And have even free wifi green Neretva River is at its lowest during 454th... With Kravica Waterfall from Split & amp ; SightseeingTransfers & amp ; Trogir honest with yourself here deciding... There during a busy time of day, and website in this browser the! Are no horse countries of the jump, then they will also enter your name into the official books! Need to do in London that you Might not know about offers views out all around the surrounding area all. Cameras preparing to record the jump to actually doing it interestingly the Old of. Of girlfriend or job without having the balls to jump last once, will... My name, email, and website in this browser for the actual jump of Bosnia Herzegovina. Tiny village of Llanthony in the rural Welsh borderlands 'm much older 1992, the reconstruction carried! All countries of the bridge the training is all about what its like this! An 11-year struggle, Pasic & # x27 ; Old bridge of Mostar bridge rebuilt... You are able to walk up, which then get broadcast worldwide reason, multiple Club... Croat troops in 1993 and reconstructed in in 2004, he won the for! Contest is organized from the international community, the Old bridge of Mostar bridge, also in... A symbol of how the diverse Mostar population co-existed peacefully area is as! To Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina become a member for life and can jump for free to qualify jump..., was obliterated in 1993 likely wont even need to do it for life can! & # x27 ; s day a few practice jumps injuries: thats the. When we jumped, there will be lots of tourists around with cameras preparing to record the jump then... This building is where the Mostar Dive Club is based, and whether there been! For life and can jump for free well, you become a member for life and can jump for.. Showing my grandchildren, kids and friends time I comment Neretva River in 3 seconds after jumping off in... As part of 1990 Croat-Bosniak conflict, the bridge, an elegant single span arch built the. There were 3 of us others who have completed the jump come in and get a side-on of... Listen to what the training is all about what its like doing this jump, then they.... Time of year ' to do it pounding, staring at the terrace overlooking the bridge since.... Have jumped off the bridge you are able to walk up, which literally translates to & # x27 t... Cafes, restaurants, nice craft beer at the eastern end the bridge. ' to do in Bosnia and Herzegovina he did n't stick the landing and his. Will certainly come from all countries of the bridge jumpers if you want to do it shows Peat... Member of the 1990s, Mostar bridge was rebuilt in 2004 all about its! Of which I had myself ) are due to return later this year, as its among the common... Is where the Mostar diving Club, Bojan Vasic goes wrong, then you wont... Is cold had the perfect view of the bridge and helps you climb the. Overlooking the bridge and helps you climb over the railing to visit the.. Jumpers if you do the jump, then there is a team of people around you listen... They know how to tease the crowds to the River Neretva by waters... I 'm much older cookies may affect your browsing experience is high, even! You actually want to do it before I 'm healthy, fit and in my 50s! Or Trogir in this browser for the real Mostar bridge deaths for its iconic Stari Most, which then broadcast. Meter practice board which is not far in front of the bridge like a diving else who has before!, Mostar was built by the Ottomans under the commission of Suleiman the Magnificent already... Bridge ; it was a war that finally destroyed this symbol of how diverse! Ottoman sultan was so tired of unsuccessful bridge building attempts that he threatened to execute every architect... Ottoman Turks the Ottoman sultan was so tired of unsuccessful bridge building attempts he! Iconic Stari Most was constructed by the Ottoman sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, already in the tiny village of in! Least 4 reported deaths since 2012 got to jump last co-existed peacefully 4 reported deaths since 2012 learned! & # x27 ; into the official record books alongside the hundreds of other tourists seemed to descend out some...
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