Twenty nine out of 62 registered competitors completed the jump during the annual event. Soon learned that the Mostar bridge jump is a popular sight - A man jumps from the top of the Stari Most into the freezing cold river. There was a long time tradition of jumping from the top of the bridge, I don't know whether it's still practiced! Narrow alleys of El Carmen host a weird mix: subcultures and street art, orange gardens, old mansions, and the most iconic sights of the city. Youll be credited with a certificate and your name is written the Diving Club record book. Slipping is dangerous because then you cannot prepare your body for hitting the water. They will then give you a certificate which shows you did the jump. This 18-year-old Mostarian, with his famous flight, gives an unforgettable experience to fans of this extreme sport, and considering that he is in good shape from year to year, we will still enjoy his jumps. Swim to the shore, where diving club members are already waiting for you, ready to help you out of the cold water. Though saying that, people have died in the past, and the day before I jumped a guy had to be rushed to hospital with two suspected broken arms; there was a serious element of danger here, and after hearing that particular story I was bricking it. Igor came running down to the river to meet me; You are no horse! Adrenaline is at its highest level," said one excited participant, Bojan Vasic. For its time, the bridge was technologically advanced for a single-span stone bridge. 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. They say that only the most skilled and best trained should jump, and that certainly wasnt me. Also, as discussed above, the jump itself isnt that dangerous. I dont think wearing a wetsuit is essential, but I would 100% recommend it. 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. It was first built in the 16th century and stood for 427 years before it was destroyed during the. Definitely visit oneday, Drugi put kada dodjes vodim te dole i srednju Bosnu, Your email address will not be published. Thank you! That is, of course, as long as you jump correctly and don't hurt yourself. I could hear Igor, my diving instructor, giving me some last-minute tips on how to make the perfect Mostar bridge jump, but his words were drowned out by the blood thumping in my ears. They will ask you to jump a few times until you get the technique correct. 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. Be careful at the bridge and only jump when youre ready to do it in a good form. Evidently, they acknowledge the risks of bridge jumping and take great pride in their courage. In 2004 the bridge reopened, and from that time, it has remained one of the most famous and unique attractions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 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. When driving through Bosnia Herzegovina, one of the best things you can do is the Mostar Bridge jump! The water hits you before you have time to really think of much else. In fact, when you head inside, you'll see images all over the walls from up to 50 years ago. Theres only one really big but: locals told us that jumping feet first might cause hitting legs at the bottom. What does that mean? Situated not far behind the Stari Most bridge, this stunning mosque is actually a really nice place to visit if you're looking to kill a bit of time. The best traditional restaurant in Mostar according to our inspection is FoodHouse on the western bank of Neretva, appr. Mostar Bridge Jump Guide (From Someone Who Jumped). As we mentioned, dont try to jump off the bridge without permission. Feel the presence of Michelangelo, the Borgia Pope and other anxious souls still searching for their atonement. In 2004, he won the title for the first time. Most boys jump off Mostar Bridge only once, but then there are the bridge diving enthusiasts who call themselves ikari, after Icaros who fell to his death. Make sure someone takes photos of you Unfortunately I didnt get the best photos of me doing it and Im gutted about that. The Stari Most was built by a student of Mimar Sinn, a famed architect of the Ottoman Empire. View Event Info 28 The water is frigid and will help keep you at least a little warm. 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. Ok, thats a joke! In fact, theres a good chance you will have seen people jumping or diving from the bridge in the past. Bosnia and Herzegovina has a varied landscape, with high mountains, rolling valley and large cities. I must admit that every year I enjoy jumping more and more, I think I am ready enough to win the first place again. Luckily for me health and safety wasnt an issue here. But it can reach mid to high 20s in Summer. Still up to it and ready to leap? 10 Things to do in Mostar 1. The biggest attraction on Mostar bridge has always been the group of young divers who jump in the freezing river underneath. I want to jump it. The original bridge stood for 427 years before it was destroyed in 1993 during the Croat-Bosniak War. It probably shuts around 5ish or 6ish. Originally built in 1566, destroyed . Forget the Mile High Club, how many people can claim theyve joined the 24 metre-high club in Bosnia? This might vary depending on the time of year. Just make sure that you take out Green Card insurance before you drive. 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. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Footage showed the ancient town and the iconic bridge itself. In winter time (I think) the water flows at its highest so, naturally, the distance from the bridge to the waters surface decreases. Thanks! And thats when I launched myself off the side of the bridge into the river below. Things to do in Mostar; Old Town Ironically, it was a war that finally destroyed this symbol of peace. The Mostar Bridge was built in 1557 by architect Mimar Hajrudin, a disciple of Sinan, the father of classic Ottoman architecture. The tradition of jumping from the bridge goes back hundreds of years and is a key part of the local culture and history. "Feeling cannot be described. Is there a 'best time of year' to do it? 319. There really is no shame in backing out, and a lot of people do find the 10m board too daunting. About us.. Instead, there always seems to be at least one or two guys milling around on the bridge in their Speedos. RecommendedTours & SightseeingTransfers & Ground TransportWalking & Biking ToursOutdoor Activities. Some locals call Mostar the ghost town, haunted by itself. Extreme sports might seem like a modern innovation for adrenaline junkies, but in the ancient Bosnian town of Mostar, jumping or diving from the 24-metre-high bridge is a test of courage that . 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. I was preparing myself for jumps all year round. During the summertime, the diving club members take turns in jumping off the bridge for money. Mostar's youngest diver honors centuries of . He claims that Mostar and the Old Bridge would become unique in the world. Scared? 3 years on, this post is still fully accurate. We went to a 10 meter board where the instructor showed us how to jump correctly and safely, and also to get our bodies accustomed to the cold. For hundreds of years, the Mostar bridge has stood as an icon of multicultural coexistence, connecting the east banks Muslim and west banks Catholic communities. New Talgo trains are comfortable and have even free wifi! The tradition of jumping off the bridge in Mostar began in 1664. Before we get into the nitty-gritty details, heres a quick rundown of the most popular questions people have and are the same ones that I had before doing the bridge jump. We were the first ones that day, and I believe it opened at around 9am. Or perhaps you rotate backward on the way down and land on your back. However, I had just completed a successful jump and been inducted into the Mostari Diving Clubs Hall of Fame, an honour that fewer than 1,000 people around the world can claim. A Friend and I would like to use the following picture for our own Art. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. We saw few local youth jumping from the bridge. By this point, there will be lots of tourists around with cameras preparing to record you. But my thinking was, if so many other people can do it, then why would it be so bad for me? The history of the battles that raged in the area is also of interest. As such, if youre coming from a different part of Bosnia, or even a different country, then you can get buses there. ISTANBUL Jul 30, 2018 - 12:00 am GMT+3 Spectators watch as a diver jumps from the Old Mostar Bridge during the 452nd traditional annual high diving competition, in Mostar, Bosnia, 140 kilometers . Mostar Bridge Jump Is Jumping Worth It? So I hope, there will be an opportunity to forefill my last dream @Macca Sherifi, my last experience was a cliff dive from about 15 meters at Kamenjak. Almost as legendary as the bridge itself is a photo of jumpers jumping from a 27-meter high bridge into the crystal water of the icy Neretva River. That was before I'd even really thought about just how high it was or what my family might think. If anything goes wrong for whatever reason, multiple dive club members are around to help. Before hitting the water, bring arms tightly towards your body (and protect your precious body parts). These are both possibilities if you fail to jump correctly. Walk along or get into some adventure on the Neretva River 3. Thus, on July 30, on the day of the 451st traditional jumping from the Old Bridge, Mostar will be the center of the world. region. 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. Interestingly the old bridge area is fascinating as the bridge with its Ottoman buildings, which houses cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops. Here a list of things to do in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I dont know how she expected me to react, however, if she knows me at all, then she should have predicted my immediate reaction . This website uses cookies to improve your experience. UNESCO has recognized it as a world cultural heritage. But questions I have know. is it possible to make a movie of the jump, for showing my grandchildren, kids and friends. It was 30 minutes? With the help of UNESCO, Mostar Bridge was rebuilt in 2004, stone by stone and according to the original architecture. Those cobblestones though! During the Balkan wars of the 1990s, Mostar suffered great losses, not least the iconic bridge. Then, you simply look ahead, take a few breaths and go for it. So what makes the Old Bridge of Mostar so unique? They are there to jump in and bring you back to shore if, for any reason, you do hurt yourself. If youre a thrill-seeker and figuring out what to do in Mostar, bridge jumping is definitely an amazing experience. Some of the original limestones were rescued from the bottom of the Neretva River to celebrate the resurrection of Stari Most. While many locals say that the Old Bridge is haunted, to our misfortune we didnt catch any ghost stories. If you have any more questions as well, then just comment below and Ill be sure to answer. Depending on the time of year, the height of the Mostar bridge jump can vary. Amazing. I bet hundreds of agonized souls have jumped off the bridge to their death and even greater number of civilians are raped and murdered during the wars. If you ever go back to the Stari most bridge and wish to jump, then you can do so for free! This is the famous bridge in Mostar. Thanks for sharing this experience. 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. Tourists can join in too and become members of the Mostar diving club. I think it combines its striking Ottoman architecture, the beautiful blue Neretva river it crosses, the divers who leap from the jump into the depths of the river, and the long history which has seen it destroyed and then restored from the rubble. They will also enter your name into the official record books alongside the hundreds of others who have completed the jump. It popped into my head again the other day. tradition. When driving through Bosnia Herzegovina, one of the best things you can do is the Mostar Bridge jump! There are a number of ways to get to Mostar, and it is a very popular tourist city. Personally, I still kept on my swim shorts. Crazy locals claim that boy is not worth of girlfriend or job without having the balls to jump off Stari Most. If you're not fussed on seeing much else in Bosnia Herzegovina, then you could always get a day tour to Mostar. What To Pack For Greece Free shipping for many products! You can still spot brave jumpers on the ledge today more than 400 years after the tradition began. This year, as in previous years, participants will certainly come from all countries of the former Yugoslavia. Thanks! Wow, fair play to you if you do it Arnoud. Old Bridge (Stari Most): Mostar Bridge Jump - See 4,339 traveller reviews, 4,319 candid photos, and great deals for Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, at Tripadvisor. No matter what the weather, someone will jump off the bridge like a diving. 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. Every year there are two or three new jumpers from Serbia, Montenegro, from Bosnia and Herzegovina, but unfortunately not from Mostar. Such as: Mostar really is a wonderful place to visit, however, it is quite a poor city. ? As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Mostar and notably the Mostar Bridge, or Stari Most as its known locally, is one of Bosnia and Herzegovinas major tourist attractions. One thing is for sure; everyone must pay a visit to Mostar and walk across the UNESCO-inscribed Mostar Bridge and experience it for themselves. 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 memorial stone located near the Old Bridge in Mostar's Old Town; the stone is one of the original pieces of the Old Bridge, destroyed in 1993. You dont need a plan to visit Mostar Bridge: just go there and everything will get to you. He never jumped on his feet. Then, each candidate must practice safe jumping at a 10-meter high training platform downstream from Stari Most. Youll need to do more if you struggle to get the technique right. I looked down and took a deep breath to steady myself , I gave the instructor one final farewell fist bump . 2,310 reviews. But lets dig deeper into the history and tragic legends of Stari Most! 4.5. I wonder how many mostaris, guardians of the bridge, also roam in the grounds with other restless souls. As a part of 1990 Croat-Bosniak conflict, the Old Bridge of Mostar was bombed down by the Croat troops in 1993. Before jumping off, listen to your diving instructors final orders and take deep breaths. Keep your form: be careful not to lean backward or forward. During the Bosnian conflict, 100000-200000 people were slaughtered, mainly on the streets of Sarajevo, Mostar, Srebrenica, and Banja Luka. But if you want to do the jump yourself, well, heres everything I learned from my experience. Crooked Bridge is just a 5-minute stroll away from the Old Bridge and surrounded by restaurants. Mostar (UK: / m s t r /, US: / m o s t r, m s-/; Serbian Cyrillic: , pronounced ()) is a city and the administrative center of Herzegovina-Neretva Canton of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, an entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the historical capital of Herzegovina.. Mostar is situated on the Neretva River and is the fifth-largest city in the . Ok, so here's an easy step-by-step guide on how to jump from the bridge in Mostar. 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. Multiple dive club members stand on the bridge and down by the water. Its not precisely costly, and as long as youre into thrill-seeking activities, its the perfect thing to do in Mostar. Pekaras (bakeries) offer the traditional Bosnian pies and pastries filled with either meat, cheese or spinach, so if you havent tasted them, do it in Mostar! If, after reading this you still want to jump the Stari Most bridge, then I salute you! Divers take plunge off mostar bridge in centuries old tradition. In my honest opinion, hell yeah, its worth it! You just need to head a little way out of town, but not very far. Pick up some local treats and souvenirs at Mostar Old Bazaar (Bazar Kujundiluk) 5. After looking online, we soon found that Mostar was by far one of the nicest places to visit. The original bridge, built in the 16th century, was obliterated in 1993. Diving from Mostar bridge has always been a Bosnian tradition, now a tourist attraction . You will then need to pay for the jump. Neretva is among the coldest rivers in the world. 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.. A painstakingly faithful replica was completed in 2004. Better yet, as you come back above the surface, you are greeted by dozens of spectators clapping and cheering you for your effort. The city of Mostar was built on the lap of green Neretva River and flourished as an Ottoman frontier town in 15th and 16th centuries. Any number of things could go wrong with your jump. The water is cold, it's a long way down, and the current is strong. Hi travellers! Written byBradley Williams fromDream Big, Travel Far. 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. It is a stage at which Mostarian young men prove their courage by jumping in Neretva, and it is a kind of maturity exam. 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