Ambassador Johann Sattler, Head of the Delegation of the EU in BiH and EU Special Representative, alongside the Sarajevo Mayor Benjamina Karić and the East Sarajevo Mayor Ljubiša Ćosić officially launched the construction of the Sarajevo-Pale cycling route project, today at Kozija ćuprija. This project includes the construction of a 13-kilometre cycling route including the reconstruction of two bridges and nine tunnels. For this project the European Union has allocated 2.3 million euros in grants, underscoring its ongoing support for sustainable tourism as well as healthy lifestyles in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The project is made possible through the collaborative efforts of the cities of Sarajevo and Istočno Sarajevo, along with the municipalities of Stari Grad, Istočni Stari Grad and Pale whose representatives attended today’s event demonstrating their commitment to the successful implementation of this important initiative.
“Today is a special day for me, as we begin construction on something that we have been working on for four years. This cycling route will be an additional sustainable tourist offer for the citizens and tourists and is one of the most beautiful and pleasurable Sunday afternoons you can spend. We do this because the EU believes in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We continue to invest in our close neighbour and friend, confident that you will one day join the EU. I want to thank everyone who has remained committed to this project, including the institutions and mayors who are with us today. There were hurdles, it was a complex project, a lot of permissions needed to be granted which needed a lot of work and persistence. This is a beautiful symbol and a good example of how collaboration can lead to great results,” remarked Ambassador Sattler adding that a similar initiative is to be launched along the Drina river, from Goražde to Foča to provide new and sustainable ways to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina and its natural beauties.
The Sarajevo-Pale cycling route is an ideal destination for cycle tourism, following the historic narrow gauge „Ćiro“ railway. Renowned for its stunning landscapes, this scenic route is a valuable addition to the country’s tourism infrastructure, enhancing its appeal to both local and international visitors.
“Today is a special day for Sarajevo and East Sarajevo. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a beautiful country with so many beautiful natural areas. This is a completely new content that will enrich the tourist offer of our cities and country. Every project that connects our people, that is positive and carries good energy is something that I look forward to as the Mayor of the capital city, but certainly also all fellow citizens and tourists,” said Benjamina Karić, Mayor of Sarajevo.
“This is really a good thing for our cities and residents. This project will greatly contribute to the expansion of the tourist offer and with its completion we will have a serious and unique tourist product. Also, in a new and modern way that will significantly connect our two cities, we are bringing back something that was characteristic of this area – Ćiro,” added Ljubiša Ćosić, Mayor of East Sarajevo.
The project to revitalise and transform the twisting track that follows the Miljacka Gorge into a 13 – kilometre cycle path is a result of joint efforts by five municipalities aimed at significantly enhancing the region’s tourism offerings and improving the quality of life for local residents. The route begins from Sarajevo City Hall, goes through the pedestrian zone Dariva and connects to the Ćiro’s route at the location „Vrelo života“ ending in the vicinity of the old railway station Pale.
