Discovering the Sarajevo Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track: A Hidden Gem for Urban Explorers
Explore the hauntingly beautiful remnants of the Sarajevo Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track in Bosnia through an immersive 360-degree virtual tour. Dive into this iconic piece of history, now abandoned yet steeped in stories from the 1984 Winter Olympics. With stunning panoramic images hosted on Google Maps Street View, you can navigate every angle and detail as if you were walking the track yourself. Take your time to soak in the atmosphere, uncover its secrets, and experience the captivating allure of this forgotten landmark from the comfort of your own space.
Image by: Xavier Gaubert-Amy
Image by: Xavier Gaubert-Amy
Image by: Milentije Sekara
Image by: Eldin Rodić
Image by: STŘÍBNÝ TOMÁŠ
The Sarajevo Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track stands as a haunting yet fascinating relic of history, perched atop Mount Trebević in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Once a symbol of Olympic glory, this abandoned structure has become a favorite destination for urban explorers, artists, and history buffs alike. With its graffiti-covered walls, stunning mountain views, and poignant past, the track is a unique site that bridges the gap between history and modern exploration.
A Grand Beginning: The 1984 Winter Olympics
The Sarajevo Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track was unveiled in 1983, constructed specifically for the 1984 Winter Olympics. As Sarajevo prepared to host the prestigious event—the first Winter Olympics ever held in a communist country—Mount Trebević became a hub of activity. The track, designed by Slovenian engineer Borut Mehle, stretched 1,300 meters and featured a total of 13 curves, challenging athletes with its technical design and steep gradients.
During the Games, the bobsleigh and luge competitions showcased the world’s finest athletes, and the track stood as a testament to Yugoslavia’s ability to deliver a world-class event. It symbolized the unity, ambition, and international cooperation of the time.
From Glory to Abandonment: Why Did the Track Close?
The Sarajevo Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track enjoyed a brief period of post-Olympic usage, hosting international competitions and training events. However, as Yugoslavia began to dissolve in the early 1990s, Sarajevo found itself at the heart of a devastating conflict—the Bosnian War (1992–1995).
During the war, the track suffered significant damage. It was used as a strategic artillery position by Bosnian Serb forces due to its commanding view over the city below. The once-celebrated site became a symbol of destruction, riddled with bullet holes and pockmarks from heavy shelling.
Post-war economic struggles, combined with the immense cost of rebuilding and maintaining the facility, meant the track never reopened for its intended purpose. By the late 1990s, the Sarajevo Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track was officially abandoned.
Historical Significance: A Monument to Contrasting Eras
The track is more than a relic of Olympic history; it’s a stark reminder of Sarajevo’s tumultuous past. As a legacy of the 1984 Winter Olympics, it represents a time when the city stood united and celebrated on the world stage. Conversely, its current state reflects the scars of war and the challenges of recovery.
In 2014, the 30th anniversary of the Sarajevo Olympics drew attention back to the site, inspiring locals and tourists to rediscover the track. Its dual legacy—as both a place of athletic achievement and a wartime outpost—makes it a profoundly symbolic location for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Current State: A Playground for Urban Explorers
Today, the Sarajevo Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track is a magnet for urban explorers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure. Encased in dense forest and snaking along the mountainside, the track is easily accessible via hiking trails or a cable car ride from central Sarajevo.
One of the track’s most striking features is the vibrant graffiti art that adorns its concrete walls. Over the years, artists from around the globe have transformed the track into a massive canvas, turning decay into beauty. The graffiti adds a dynamic, ever-changing layer to the site’s allure, blending art with nature and history.
The track also offers panoramic views of Sarajevo and the surrounding Dinaric Alps, making it a popular spot for photographers. While the structure is largely intact, visitors should exercise caution, as some sections show signs of wear and instability.
The Future: Revitalization or Continued Decay?
In recent years, there have been discussions about revitalizing the Sarajevo Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track. Local initiatives aim to preserve its historical significance and transform it into a space for recreation and tourism.
One proposal involves converting the track into a mountain biking trail, leveraging its existing structure and alignment for downhill cycling. This idea has gained traction among local enthusiasts and could bring new life to the site while respecting its historical roots.
Efforts to protect and maintain the track as a cultural and historical landmark are also ongoing. In 2018, sections of the track were cleaned and restored to enhance accessibility for visitors. However, funding and bureaucratic challenges continue to hinder large-scale restoration projects.
How to Visit the Sarajevo Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track
For urban explorers, the track is an unforgettable experience. Here’s what you need to know:
- Location: The track is located on Mount Trebević, just a short distance from Sarajevo’s city center.
- Accessibility: Take the Sarajevo Cable Car to the mountain, then hike to the track. Alternatively, you can drive up Mount Trebević if you prefer.
- Tips for Exploring: Wear sturdy shoes, bring a camera, and be mindful of the structure’s condition. Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best light for photography.
Visiting the track is free, making it a budget-friendly activity for travelers.
Conclusion: A Journey Through Time
The Sarajevo Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track is more than just a site of urban decay—it’s a living story. From the grandeur of the 1984 Winter Olympics to the ravages of war, and now its rebirth as a creative and exploratory space, the track embodies the resilience of Sarajevo and its people. For urban explorers, it’s a rare opportunity to witness history, art, and nature converging in one extraordinary location.
Whether you’re drawn by its historical significance, its artistic transformation, or its haunting beauty, the Sarajevo Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track promises an unforgettable adventure. Pack your camera, lace up your boots, and step into the past.
If you liked this blog post, you might be interested in reading about the Graffiti Pier in Philadelphia, the Delta Solar R&D Site in Utah, or Stalin’s Dacha Tskaltubo, Georgia
A 360-degree panoramic image captured at the abandoned Sarajevo Olympic Bobsleigh and Luge Track in Bosnia. Image by: Xavier Gaubert-Amy
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Do you have 360-degree panoramic images captured in an abandoned location? Send your images to Abandonedin360@gmail.com. If you choose to go out and do some urban exploring in your town, here are some safety tips before you head out on your Urbex adventure. If you want to start shooting 360-degree panoramic images, you might want to look onto one-click 360-degree action cameras.
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