What’s the Bosnian Former Eastern Railway?

What’s the Bosnian Former Eastern Railway?

Bosnia, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're just southeast of Sarajevo, Bosnia, itching for an off-the-beaten-path adventure. Forget the highway; you're on the old Bosnian Eastern Railway. What was once a railway is now a rugged gravel track snaking its way toward Pale.

This isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking 99 tunnels, each with its own personality! Some are short, some long (up to 240m!), but all are dark and echo-y. Tunnel #5? Super dark and curved, adding a thrill to the experience. Keep an eye out for the rusted remains of old signage near Tunnel #6.

The terrain is insane! Between Tunnels #6 and #7, it's a sheer drop-off. You're literally driving on a retaining wall clinging to the side of a cliff! Tunnel #7 is a highlight, carved right through exposed rock. Then there's Tunnel #11, which is like driving through a raw rock opening, completely wild.

Heads up: Tunnel #12 is the big one—it's a whopping 852 meters long with curves. It's now part of the motorway and used for one-way traffic. Get ready for total darkness as there's no lighting inside.

So, if you're craving a unique, slightly crazy road trip through history and unbelievable landscapes, this former railway line needs to be on your list! Just be prepared for gravel, tunnels, and a whole lot of "wow" moments.

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Road Details

Country
Bosnia
Continent
europe
Difficulty
extreme

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