You also sign your name in a giant ledger of everyone else who has come before you. As you rise from the water, everyone around should hopefully be clapping and you just swim to the shore and go meet your friends once again. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. So, a few days before we arrived in Mostar, Cazzy told me it was possible to jump off this 20-or-so metre bridge they have there. But if you want to do the jump yourself, well, heres everything I learned from my experience. Our top picks for a great day in Tallinn, Estonia. Floods swiped away much of its footpath in December 2000, but once again UNESCO came to help and restored the Crooked Bridge to its former glory. Divers hurled themselves from a 24-metre (79-ft) high Ottoman-era bridge in the Bosnian town of Mostar on Sunday, staging a centuries-old contest even though the COVID-19 pandemic prevented many . Not long! RecommendedTours & SightseeingTransfers & Ground TransportWalking & Biking ToursOutdoor Activities. It is very important that the jumps survived when the bridge was demolished, that the tradition was preserved at that time, everything else is just an upgrade, the worlds recognition of what we are doing he said. Youll be credited with a certificate and your name is written the Diving Club record book. Even the local diving club is named Mostarski Ikari. 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. The dive team there are great people and youre in for a cool adventure! 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. Somehow, at the last second, I managed to pull my arms and legs in, grab my balls, and make myself pencil-thin as I speared the water. Tourists can join in too and become members of the Mostar diving club. 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! 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 . Its easy to forget you are in Bosnia and Herzegovina. from. 1,426. Multiple dive club members stand on the bridge and down by the water. First up, you need to speak to the diving club. If you're trying to find out how to jump from the bridge in Mostar, then feel free to skip ahead to the next section where I tell you exactly how to do it. I'm an Economics graduate with a passion for travel. Athletes were seen getting ready to jump before taking the . As I was having lunch I saw a crowd gathering on the bridge. Is there a 'best time of year' to do it? Proper bridge jumping technique needs get approved: at first, youll get a couple of jumps to prove that you can do it. It doesn't leave you many options; I mean, who wants to be a complete failure! Medieval torture equipment exhibition in Toledo, Spain, peeks into the Middle Ages a time of the Inquisition and a system of extreme cruelty. Within the last year, many Bosnians have feared that the country. However, the worst thing you have to consider isn't the height, but more importantly, the cold temperatures of the water! I'm Macca & I run the multiple award-winning blog An Adventurous World. Be honest with yourself here in deciding whether or not you actually want to do it. A painstakingly faithful replica was completed in 2004. What happens now is, one at a time, you cross over the wall of the bridge and stand looking out over the water. We were the first ones that day, and I believe it opened at around 9am. His students later designed the Blue Mosque in Istanbul and helped to create Taj Mahal. If youve heard about the ghosts of Mostar, please share the stories in the comments below! Privacy Policy. Full-day Tours. In 2004, he won the title for the first time. Yesss, I will be, but I think You should, otherwise it could be dangerous. In the evening haze, legends and ghost stories come alive. 1Lt. Traditional jumps from Old Bridge in Mostar were held under auspices of BiH's Presidency Chairman Zeljko Komsic. Subscribe to our travel newsletter here. It was blown up by Bosnian-Croat forces in November 1993. . Ask one of the bridge jumpers if you can't find it and they will show you. 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 . After nine years of labor, the Old Bridge of Mostar was finally completed in 1566. Stari Most was constructed by the Ottomans under the commission of Suleiman the Magnificent in the 16 th century. It really wasn't long, because it's not much training. 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. If something happens and they need to come in and get you, then they will. Its what Im looking at in my profile pic. These are both possibilities if you fail to jump correctly. Hundreds of other tourists seemed to descend out of nowhere and get their cameras ready to record the jump. 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. 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. It was so worth it. Your submission has been received! But as long as you jump, as theyve instructed, youll be fine. So what makes the Old Bridge of Mostar so unique? 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. Youll need to do more if you struggle to get the technique right. Its also a great place to take a photo of the divers in action. 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. Originally built in 1566, destroyed . We have to start a jumping school as soon as possible. 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. The first bridge in Mostar was built by the Turks, under the command of Suleyman the Magnificent, already in the 16th century. Check out our article on this gorgeous trip by train from Sarajevo to Mostar! We want to use, edit and work with this amazing Image. Night view of Mostar . We saw few local youth jumping from the bridge. The injuries, such as broken bones, could get you into serious trouble in the water. We took a day trip out to Mostar from Split. And it really is something worth seeing for yourself. More is required if the diving club instructor isnt convinced. They say that only the most skilled and best trained should jump, and that certainly wasnt me. Adrenaline is at its highest level," said one excited participant, Bojan Vasic. Built by the Ottoman architect Mimar Hayruddin in 1566, the Mostar Bridge (Stari Most) stood in place for over 400 years, connecting the town's Bosniak and Croatian neighbourhoods. In a literal sense, the word most is the Bosnian word for bridge. It's only 23 metres high, think you can handle it? 10 Things to do in Mostar 1. So, thats how I found myself standing on the edge of the bridge, heart pounding, staring at the abyss below. Here a list of things to do in Bosnia and Herzegovina. When driving through Bosnia Herzegovina, one of the best things you can do is the Mostar Bridge jump! walk on the famous Old bridge. 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. Take time to inspect the Muslibegovi House 4. It was such an amazing experience, and in nearly ten years only about 750 foreigners have jumped off Stari Most, so its one of the most unique things to do in Mostar. Celebrate it by going out for a couple of beers afterwards. 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. 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 . This building is where the Mostar Dive Club is based, and, in the daytime, there is usually someone about. This is enough time to calm yourself entirely and block out the people around you. It was made with 456 blocks of white stone, held together by a system of anchors and dowels. He says that unfortunately this year, none of the long-standing jumpers will dare to perform swallow flight. 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. The most iconic landmark of the city, and perhaps of all of Herzegovina, the Stari Most (Old [] Because Bosnia Herzegovina is not in the EU, you will not be covered under your standard insurance package. Ok, thats a joke! Mostar Bridge Jump Guide (From Someone Who Jumped). This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. When we went, there were 3 of us. In turn, as long as you do what they say, then you should have no problems with your jump! In 2004 the bridge reopened, and from that time, it has remained one of the most famous and unique attractions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The most famous thing about the Mostar Ancient Bridge is the bridge jump. What did he do wrong? Also, Mostar really is a poor town and everything else is incredibly cheap! Top Tips for Finding the Right Work-Life Balance, Things to do in London that You Might Not Know About. Still, its a stunning landmark and icon of peace known all over the world. I went up onto the edge of the bride and heaved myself over the railing. 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. Even the local diving club is named Mostarski Ikari. Every day I go to the gym twice and run twice. And of course, we wanted it to be recorded. We never had worst situation when it comes to young people. A man jumps from the Old Bridge during the 454th traditional diving competition in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The jumpers will try their luck in jumping on their feet, but they will perform popular flight of swallows as well, from the most beautiful platform in the world, on the last Sunday in July. At least four deadly accidents are reported since 2012, along with countless serious injuries. We live in Croatia, and are always exploring the region. Jumping from the bridge in Mostar was one of my all-time favorite memories from driving all across that part of Europe. Special memories of being there! The dive school is very easy to find. They are there to jump in and bring you back to shore if, for any reason, you do hurt yourself. Keep your form: be careful not to lean backward or forward. Also, as discussed above, the jump itself isnt that dangerous. 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 boys life will be a complete failure if he doesnt jump. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This makes me feel sick every time I think about you doing it! Facts about the Old Bridge. 3 years on, this post is still fully accurate. 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. Ilya Burlak. The dive cub will take you through everything you need to do for the jump. & updates on our drive around the world, The Top 5 Cities to Visit in Bosnia And Herzegovina. Posted August 22, 2013. You must hit water properly to avoid injuries: thats what the training is all about. When we jumped, there were 3 of us. 319. Or perhaps you rotate backward on the way down and land on your back. If you want to jump from the Stari Most bridge, then you need to do it with the dive school. If that bridge was located in most other countries in Europe, I feel like you would struggle to get permission from local authorities to do such a jump. 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! You cant miss it. 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. @Macca Sherifi, what is the jumping technique? I'm 70 years of age, in good shape and there's still one scary moment to do. Would you ever be as stupid as me and jump off the bridge at Mostar? There are many small touristic shops and cafes. Just like its big brother, also this ancient bridge was also destroyed. It's a postcard in reality. 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. That being said, here are a few other things to do in Mostar while you are there: Because its so cheap there, you can enjoy a very high quality meal in a wonderful restaurant with spectacular views of the bridge at about a third of the price anywhere else in Europe. Many restaurants offer million-dollar views to the Old Bridge of Mostar, which alone qualifies for a romantic dinner. This is one of the best places to see in early September. The white-marbled Mostars Old Bridge arches upon rapidly flowing Neretva River, as a symbol of peace and hope. The Old Bridge of Mostar is among the most important Islamic architectural structures in the Balkans. I looked down and took a deep breath to steady myself , I gave the instructor one final farewell fist bump . Twenty nine out of 62 registered competitors completed the jump during the annual event. You are like gazelle leaping into the air! I felt pumped up, elated, and I wanted to do it again. Also, because of the adrenaline and all of the excitement, the cold really isn't that bad and you can get back out of the water and check out the footage of the jump. 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. In fact, when you head inside, you'll see images all over the walls from up to 50 years ago. The national plates, which consist of sausages and grilled meat, come at around 15-20 KM (7,50-10 ) and easily quench the hunger of two. Sadly, the original Stari Grad Mostar bridge was destroyed in the Bosnian War in 1993. Its fine not to as its certainly not everyones cup of tea. Thanks! 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. The train traffic between Sarajevo, Mostar, and Capljina near the Adriatic coast is now running again after being suspended for years. 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. Mostar Bridge Jump: Read This Before Jumping Off Mostar Bridge! If youre a thrill-seeker and figuring out what to do in Mostar, bridge jumping is definitely an amazing experience. In fact, theres a good chance you will have seen people jumping or diving from the bridge in the past. 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. A professional diving athlete Andrej Beuc died here at the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in 2018. The Little Donkey absolutely loved the bridge, and we decided to sit at one of the little cafes overlooking the bridge and observe it in all its glory. There are rocks and branches beneath the bridge and currents can be strong. It has two towers that historically housed the Mostari (bridge keepers). Youve jumped the Old Bridge in Mostar! 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. 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. When driving through Bosnia Herzegovina, one of the best things you can do is the Mostar Bridge jump! Marvel at Stari Most Old Bridge 2. Then, each candidate must practice safe jumping at a 10-meter high training platform downstream from Stari Most. One of the best things to see in Mostar are the bridge divers. Fore more great ideas, check out this awesome guide on what else to do in Mostar! Which is more than the 30 Euros I paid in 2018. This causes people to freeze and actually makes things far harder. Crazy locals claim that boy is not worth of girlfriend or job without having the balls to jump off Stari Most. 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. As such, if youre coming from a different part of Bosnia, or even a different country, then you can get buses there. The original bridge, built in the 16th century, was obliterated in 1993. The Mostar Bridge was built in 1557 by architect Mimar Hajrudin, a disciple of Sinan, the father of classic Ottoman architecture. Before you firmly decide on whether or not you want to jump, head to the bridge itself and take a look for yourself.
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