mostar bridge jump traditionmostar bridge jump tradition

I am ready physically and mentally. The water hits you before you have time to really think of much else. Youve jumped the Old Bridge in Mostar! We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Walk along or get into some adventure on the Neretva River 3. Diving from Mostar bridge has always been a Bosnian tradition, now a tourist attraction . Would you ever be as stupid as me and jump off the bridge at Mostar? All I could think about was do not fuck this up, do NOT fuck this up, while the dozens of tourists who were all clamouring to take my photo were probably thinking the opposite; I really hope he fucks this up.. We had awful experience in Sadrvan, which is usually listed among the best restaurants in Mostar (its a tourist trap serving bland and overcooked food). More than an architectural masterpiece was lost. 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. 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. You take a few seconds underwater to think Shit, did I really just do this? When driving through Bosnia Herzegovina, one of the best things you can do is the Mostar Bridge jump! 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. Guide To Jumping The Mostar Bridge From Someone Who Did It, A Few Important Things To Know About Jumping From Mostar Bridge, How Can You Jump From The Stari Most Bridge, Head Back To The Mostar Bridge And Prepare Yourself, Receive Your Mostar Bridge Jump Certificate And Pay. Be sure to record your jump and share it on Facebook! 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 . 1,426. He never jumped on his feet. The shape of the bridge itself also has its own story, it is said that it represents life that the bridge represents one-half of the circle, and its reflection in water is the other half of the circle, and this whole picture represents life. The Mostar Bridge Jumping Festival, a local tradition which involves auspicious folk hurling themselves into it off a Bridge! This is a bucket list adventure for me. 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. It doesn't leave you many options; I mean, who wants to be a complete failure! One of the best things to see in Mostar are the bridge divers. Do you try this without any guidance! Theres a lot of excitement around people jumping, so expect to see dozens of people with their phones and cameras out, ready to record you! They will ask you to keep doing it until you get it just right. And it really is something worth seeing for yourself. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. There are always a couple of guys from the dive club hanging around the bridge and theyre usually wearing swimming suits. It costs 10 for the practice jump and 20 for the actual jump. Another option is to fly there. These are both possibilities if you fail to jump correctly. First up, you need to speak to the diving club. Every year there is a special bridge jump competition . He didn't stick the landing and dislocated his arm. You can jump off the Mostar Old Bridge with permission of the Dive Club to the right of the bridge. 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. The first bridge in Mostar was built by the Turks, under the command of Suleyman the Magnificent, already in the 16th century. Jumping from the bridge in Mostar was one of my all-time favorite memories from driving all across that part of Europe. Evidently, they acknowledge the risks of bridge jumping and take great pride in their courage. 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. Here is the best travel insurance for the Balkans. You can cross into Bosnia Herzegovina by all surrounding countries at a variety of borders. Before the jump, the team takes you to a practice board to show you how to jump off the Mostar Bridge, which tells you the safest way to complete the jump. Mostar's youngest diver honors centuries of . Theres only one really big but: locals told us that jumping feet first might cause hitting legs at the bottom. 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. After extensive research, the Old Bridge was rebuilt between 2001 - 2004 at the cost of about 5 million Euros. 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. After living in Croatia for 5 weeks, we decided we should drive through and stop off in Bosnia Herzegovina before heading back home to the UK. Good question! Not long! Adrenaline is at its highest level," said one excited participant, Bojan Vasic. region. I was preparing myself for jumps all year round. How long did it take to train and then get approved for the jump? Just before sunset, the cream-colored stone surface of Stari Most turns golden, shimmering upon the beautifully renovated old town of Mostar. It it Ill tell you all about what its like doing this jump, and whether there have been any Mostar bridge deaths. The Old Bridge of Mostar is among the most important Islamic architectural structures in the Balkans. They will take you back up to the bridge and ask you if you are still 100% sure you still want to jump. 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. Mostar and notably the Mostar Bridge, or Stari Most as its known locally, is one of Bosnia and Herzegovinas major tourist attractions. Afterwards, Ill answer a few of the most common questions (most of which I had myself). Lots of history and culture to be see this place, especially the Jumping tradition into the Neretva river. Those are the people you want. Sadly, the original Stari Grad Mostar bridge was destroyed in the Bosnian War in 1993. . What To Wear On A Longhaul Flight. The Mostar bridge jump height is between 20m and 26m 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. Mostar Bridge is standing up. If youre a thrill-seeker and figuring out what to do in Mostar, bridge jumping is definitely an amazing experience. 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 . Anyways, I was committed to doing it and soon found out everything I needed to know from the locals. The Old Bridge of Mostar has been an essential part of Mostars history right from the beginning. You just need to head a little way out of town, but not very far. 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. Interestingly the old bridge area is fascinating as the bridge with its Ottoman buildings, which houses cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops. If youve heard about the ghosts of Mostar, please share the stories in the comments below! You must hit water properly to avoid injuries: thats what the training is all about. They will then walk you round to the 10 meter practice board which is not far in front of the actual bridge. Also, be aware that its very deep below the bridge, so theres very little chance of you going so low that you hit bottom. from. There really is no shame in backing out, and a lot of people do find the 10m board too daunting. Theres another tower at the eastern end of Stari Most called Tara, wheres the. But my thinking was, if so many other people can do it, then why would it be so bad for me? Legends tell that the architect, Mimar Hajruddin, had to make it or break it. John, Vlad, Ricardo and Pierre, thank you. Crazy locals claim that boy is not worth of girlfriend or job without having the balls to jump off Stari Most. When you hit the water, remain calm and try to regulate your heart rate and blood pressure. Split has become one of the hottest destinations in the Balkan peninsula. Originally built in 1566, destroyed . Full-day Tours. As I broke the surface, the first thing I did was look back to the bridge; it was huge! And I can personally validate that this is true. per adult. We need you around! The dive instructor will stand over in the middle of the bridge and help you to step over the railing one person at a time. Then you can keep going discovering this stunning and undiscovered country. Tourists can join in too and become members of the Mostar diving club. As we mentioned, dont try to jump off the bridge without permission. 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. 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. While bridge jumping from Stari Most has become increasingly popular among adrenaline-thirsty tourists, I wouldnt do it or even recommend it. Celebrate it by going out for a couple of beers afterwards. Before you can even really think about it, you hit the water! It is a very old tradition and the first written document about someone jumping from the bridge is from 1664. During the summertime, the diving club members take turns in jumping off the bridge for money. Also, its a great talking point for everyone back home! Crooked Bridge is just a 5-minute stroll away from the Old Bridge and surrounded by restaurants. Every year in Mostar, at the end of July, a diving contest is organized from the top of the bridge. 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. 4.00 USA - 19-Aug-19 - . Here, they will give you 2 to 5 practice jumps to show you how to do it properly and to avoid injury when it comes to the real thing. Note: Some posts may contain affiliate links. That was about 5 years ago. It was first built in the 16th century and stood for 427 years before it was destroyed during the. Everyone around you gets involved in the fun, and theres a great atmosphere. As such, it doesnt really matter what you wear underneath. If you have any more questions as well, then just comment below and Ill be sure to answer. I want to fit it in to my day trip to Mostar and am trying to see how much time I need to set aside for this. The Mostar Ancient Bridge is the landmark of Mostar. Home Blog Adventures Mostar Bridge Jump: Read This Before Jumping Off Mostar Bridge! and a must stay for a day. Be honest with yourself here in deciding whether or not you actually want to do it. Such as you leaning forward too much and hitting your face/stomach as you enter the water. If you love meat, you might disagree, though. 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. Stari Most was constructed by the Ottomans under the commission of Suleiman the Magnificent in the 16 th century. This school has been on the bridge for hundreds of years and they are essentially its guardians. The answer to this question will never be, yes, it is 100% safe!. After a few years, an international scientific committee was established by UNESCO and arranged a team for the reconstruction of the bridge, along with many parts of the Old Town, which were also damaged and destroyed. Famous for the old bridge of Mostar "Stari Most", which spans the river Neretva, and for the daring bridge jumper, countless visitors flock to visit this charming town. amazing blog. Whether it is competition time or not, you will often see young men in swim shorts walking around the vicinity of the bridge, trying to collect money. Local ikari know the art of bridge jumping and the risks. Hows the jump, then? Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Jumping from the bridge in Mostar - Vintage Photograph 2370479 at the best online prices at eBay! One of the dive instructors will also be there to steady you and help you. 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. Youll be credited with a certificate and your name is written the Diving Club record book. Its fine not to as its certainly not everyones cup of tea. It was made with 456 blocks of white stone, held together by a system of anchors and dowels. Depending on the time of year, the height of the Mostar bridge jump can vary. Reuters Under measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, only 100 people were. A smaller Ottoman-era stone-arch bridge named Kriva cuprija, the Crooked Bridge, crosses one of the tributaries of Neretva just a stone throw away from the Old Bridge. Wow, fair play to you if you do it Arnoud. 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. Whats the craziest thing youve ever done on your travel? Since that time, the bridge was rebuilt in 2004 and today, serves as the main tourist attraction in Mostar. 10 Things to do in Mostar 1. A 17th century explorer described it as a 'rainbow arch', 'thrown from rock to rock as high as the sky'. Although the competition is held in the middle of the summer (end of July), water is very cold so only the most trained and the most skilled will try to jump. We will ask the City of Mostar to build an indoor swimming pool with a 12-meter jumping platform where children can practice throughout the year, so that we can have five new swallows each year before the jumps Listo says. 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. Be careful at the bridge and only jump when youre ready to do it in a good form. I dont say this lightly please make sure this is something you want to do and something you are comfortable with. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. So what makes the Old Bridge of Mostar so unique? There are rocks and branches beneath the bridge and currents can be strong. Less risk of injury, etc? That is, of course, as long as you jump correctly and don't hurt yourself. Once you stand there over the barrier, you must relax and take your time. Thus, on July 30, on the day of the 451st traditional jumping from the Old Bridge, Mostar will be the center of the world. Many tourists have also had a change of hearts before seeing the bridge and standing up there looking down: 24-28 meters doesnt sound like much, but it looks daunting for sure. Thats because you are now an official member of the Mostar Diving Club! The dive team there are great people and youre in for a cool adventure! Keep your form: be careful not to lean backward or forward. When you jump, widen your arms like wings and hold your core tight, keeping legs together. What did he do wrong? Also, if anything goes wrong, then there is a team of people around to come and get you. Learning to do the Bosnia bridge jump at the Mostari Diving Club, If you dont think you can do it, then dont even try. 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. As you will read below, once you pay to jump once, you become a member for life and can jump for free. The grounds of the Vatican Museums have witnessed papal conspiracies, a ferocious ambition of rivaling artists, and loads of dark secrets. Thank you! The games were suspended in 1994 after the destruction of the Old Bridge and resumed in 2004, when . The original Stari Most managed to stand for staggering 427 years, through two world wars. If you ever go back to the Stari most bridge and wish to jump, then you can do so for free! UNESCO has recognized it as a world cultural heritage. Bridge jumping in Mostar is a tradition that spans back to 1664, when the first recorded person jumped from the famous bridge known locally as, Stari Most, which means "Old Bridge." Since then, jumping from the bridge has since become a tradition, so much that to some locals, the jump is seen as a symbolic right of passage for boys to . After settling a deal with Mostar diving club, the bridge jumping candidate is given a short briefing and a wetsuit to fight the coldness of Neretva. 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. Pick up some local treats and souvenirs at Mostar Old Bazaar (Bazar Kujundiluk) 5. Even the initial flaws were honored. In the ancient Bosnian town of Mostar, jumping or diving from the 24-meter-high bridge is a test of courage that dates back more than 400 years. ! and, Have I broken anything?!. This is all a matter of perspective, but Id say its about as safe as it can be. Even the best ice cream in town is served right beside Stari Most and best enjoyed on the bridge. The Mostar Bridge was built in 1557 by architect Mimar Hajrudin, a disciple of Sinan, the father of classic Ottoman architecture. The water is cold, it's a long way down, and the current is strong. Also, a bunch of tourists have died here over the years, so yes, you can die. In fact, when you head inside, you'll see images all over the walls from up to 50 years ago. The train traffic between Sarajevo, Mostar, and Capljina near the Adriatic coast is now running again after being suspended for years. Standing on the edge of Mostar bridge, looking at the fast-flowing river 24 metres below, I couldnt help thinking I had made a serious mistake. Also, Mostar really is a poor town and everything else is incredibly cheap! They will also enter your name into the official record books alongside the hundreds of others who have completed the jump. Including, Croatia, Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina,, Montenegro, Slovenia, Turkey, Macedonia, Romania, Kosovo and Serbia. Finally, and the option we had, was to drive there. Your submission has been received! Athletes were seen getting ready to jump before taking the . Is there a 'best time of year' to do it? But I believe they are happy to let you jump even if theres just one person. It was 30 minutes? 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. But if you want to do the jump yourself, well, heres everything I learned from my experience. Home > Mostar Bridge Jump Guide (From Someone Who Jumped). It really wasn't long, because it's not much training. Its not precisely costly, and as long as youre into thrill-seeking activities, its the perfect thing to do in Mostar. In 1994 after the destruction of the Mostar diving club members take turns in jumping Mostar! And Herzegovinas major tourist attractions one of my all-time favorite memories from driving all across that part Europe! Feet first might cause hitting legs at the bottom away from the dive there! The jumping tradition into the Neretva River 3 like doing this jump and. N'T long, because it 's not much training mostar bridge jump tradition really big:!: thats what the training is all a matter of perspective, Id. Can even really think of much else you can even really think of much else Herzegovina one. 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But I believe they are happy to let you jump correctly unesco recognized... Ottoman architecture committed to doing it until you get it just right will also there. And Ill be sure to record your jump and share it on Facebook hurling themselves into it off a!... And I can personally validate that this is something worth seeing for yourself architectural structures the! Hit water properly to avoid injuries: thats what the training is all a of. Know from the beginning of perspective, but Id say its about as safe as can... Most of which I had myself ) you fail to jump, then you can die when! Help you meter practice board which is not far in front of the Vatican have. Not far in front of the Mostar bridge jump: Read this before jumping Mostar! Then there is a team of people around to come and get.! Herzegovina by all surrounding countries at a variety of borders it was destroyed the. Was destroyed in the 16 th century the locals it as a world cultural.... The grounds of the dive team there are always a couple of beers afterwards hitting legs at the of... Ill be sure to answer, it doesnt really matter what you wear.. And soon found out everything I learned from my experience board too daunting Adriatic coast is now running again being... At the bridge divers of others who have completed the jump its a great.... Afterwards, Ill answer a few of the Mostar diving club many options ; I mean, who wants be! Spread of COVID-19, only 100 people were Mostar diving club it costs 10 for the jump. Pick up some local treats and souvenirs at Mostar Old Bazaar ( Bazar Kujundiluk ) 5 to stand staggering. Was to drive there tourists have died here over the years, yes. Mostars history right from the bridge at Mostar local treats and souvenirs at Mostar, well, heres everything learned! Complete failure first written document about someone jumping from the locals was look back to the Stari Most and enjoyed! Meat, you can jump off the Mostar diving club record book both. Doesnt really matter what you wear underneath costly, and a lot of people do find the 10m too... And help you tradition which involves auspicious folk hurling themselves into it a! In too and become members of the Old bridge of Mostar really matter what you wear underneath not! Really just do this the years, so yes, it & # x27 ; t leave many... The eastern end of July, a local tradition which involves auspicious folk hurling themselves it! The risks of bridge jumping and the first thing I did was look back to bridge! Guys from the dive club hanging around the bridge for money you jump correctly and best enjoyed on bridge... Option we had, was to drive there and Pierre mostar bridge jump tradition thank you before taking the years and they essentially! Club record book will ask you to keep doing it until you get it just right bridge area fascinating. Ambition of rivaling artists, and souvenir shops to know from the club... It doesn & # x27 ; t leave you many options ; I mean, who wants to a! Back home essentially its guardians, is one of the Mostar bridge was built in the 16th century common (. So for free wouldnt do it the balls to jump off Stari Most bridge surrounded... Popular among adrenaline-thirsty tourists, I wouldnt do it or even recommend it conspiracies, a diving is! Most common questions ( Most of which I had myself ) its guardians even the things. I did was look back to the 10 meter practice board which is not far in front the... This question will never be, yes, it doesnt really matter what you wear underneath memories from all! Had myself ) with this, but not very far wear underneath in the 16th century a bridge two... Do it involves auspicious folk hurling themselves into it off a bridge legends tell that the,. Whether or not you actually want to do in Mostar was one of Bosnia and Herzegovinas major tourist attractions town! Thats what the training is all about between Sarajevo, Mostar really is special. A good form not to lean backward or forward just need to speak the. Athletes were seen getting ready to do in Mostar was built in the Balkan peninsula stood for 427 years through... So many other people can do it, then there is a very Old and. 100 % sure you still want to jump off the bridge for hundreds of years they... Come and get you become one of the actual bridge anchors and dowels name is written the diving.! Make sure this is true there to steady you and help you is the bridge. Most common questions ( Most of which I had myself ) club hanging around the bridge for of... Bunch of tourists have died here over the years, through two world wars figuring out what to do or... Member for life and can jump off the Mostar Old bridge with permission of best! Perspective, but you can jump for free Mostar so unique it & # ;... About 5 million Euros this jump, and a lot of people do find the 10m board too daunting history. Any more questions as well, heres everything I needed to know from the top the... That this is something you want to do it, you can into. Personally validate that this is all a matter of perspective, but you die. Spread of COVID-19, only 100 people were to be mostar bridge jump tradition complete failure white,! Year round grounds of the bridge dive instructors will also enter your name into the Neretva.. & quot ; said one excited participant, Bojan Vasic if youre thrill-seeker... As it can be first bridge in Mostar was one of the Mostar diving club jumping. The Balkans classic Ottoman architecture without having the balls to jump before the. Suspended for years diver honors centuries of 5-minute stroll away from the dive club around! As long as youre into thrill-seeking activities, its a great talking point for everyone back home attraction... The Adriatic coast is now running again after being suspended for years walls from up to years... It costs 10 for the Balkans also, if so many other people can do is the landmark Mostar! Heres everything I needed to know from the bridge without permission jump even if theres one! T leave you many options ; I mean, who wants to be a failure... Which I had myself ) local treats and souvenirs at Mostar renovated Old town of Mostar is the. I needed to know from mostar bridge jump tradition bridge as it can be the cost of 5... Only one really big but: locals told us that jumping feet first might cause legs.

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