Watch the fearless bridge divers plunge from Stari Most into the Neretva
Stand on the cobblestones along the emerald Neretva as local members of the Mostar diving club leap 24 metres from the graceful sixteenth-century Ottoman arch.
At a glance
May to October when divers leap regularly throughout the day; the celebrated annual diving competition takes place in late July
Midday to late afternoon when divers gather on the bridge and sunlight lights up the emerald river
1 to 2 hours to walk the bridge, watch the dives from the riverbanks, and explore the cobbled bazaar
Cultural tradition observation · Historic Ottoman architectural stroll
Easy
Drop-in possible
Why Stari Most and its divers represent the enduring resilience of the Balkans
Spanning the emerald Neretva River in Herzegovina, Stari Most (the Old Bridge) is one of the world's most celebrated architectural masterworks. Commissioned in 1557 by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and constructed by master architect Mimar Hayruddin (a pupil of Sinan), its soaring crescent arch stood for 427 years as a triumph of classical Ottoman masonry until its tragic destruction during the Bosnian War in 1993. Faithfully rebuilt using original Tenelija stone quarried from local hills and reopened in 2004, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list as an eternal symbol of peace and reconciliation.
Just as legendary as the bridge itself is the 450-year-old tradition of bridge diving (skokovi). Since the 16th century, local young men have proven their courage by leaping from the bridge's narrow apex into the swirling, icy Neretva River 24 metres below—a sheer vertical drop requiring exact technical control to survive impact with water barely above freezing.
Today, the tradition is maintained by the elite Mostari diving club. Watching a diver flex in the breeze atop the parapet while church bells and the call to prayer echo across the river gorge, before launching into a breathtaking, aerodynamic swan dive into emerald currents below, is a thrilling European cultural tradition.
Experiencing the spectacle from the bridge and riverbank
Walking across Stari Most
Ascend the steep, slippery white limestone arch of the bridge, holding the handrails and taking in views of the minarets and riverside terraces.
Watching the diver prepare on the parapet
Join the crowd as a member of the Mostari diving club in swim trunks stands outside the railing, balancing over the 24-metre drop.
Descending to the Neretva river beach
Walk down the stone stairs to the pebble shoreline directly below the bridge for the best angle to watch the plunge.
The dramatic swan dive (Lasta)
Hold your breath as the diver leaps into the air with outstretched arms, cutting into the deep emerald pool with a sharp crack.
Plan your experience
When to go
The diving season runs from May through October when warm weather brings divers to the bridge daily. The official Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series and traditional annual competition take place in late July.
Getting there
Mostar is connected to Sarajevo by one of Europe's most scenic passenger rail journeys, winding through the dramatic Neretva canyon in two hours. Direct buses also run regularly from Dubrovnik, Split, and Kotor.
Booking & permits
Watching the divers from the bridge, town lookouts, or riverbank is completely free. Divers appreciate contributions dropped into their donation hats prior to their jump.
What to bring
- Shoes with good rubber traction (the ancient polished stone pavers of Stari Most are notoriously slippery)
- Sun protection (Mostar is one of the sunniest and warmest cities in Europe during summer)
- Small euro or Bosnian convertible mark (BAM) banknotes to tip the divers
- Camera with fast shutter speed to freeze the diver mid-air
Before you go
- Do not attempt to jump from the bridge yourself unless you have booked certified training through the official Mostar Diving Club
- Explore the coppersmiths' stalls of Kujundžiluk on the eastern riverbank to see artisans hammering traditional coffee pots
- Savour a lunch of ćevapi in fresh somun bread accompanied by a copper pot of Bosnian coffee at a cliffside tavern overlooking the arch
Official information
Always verify permits, seasonal weather conditions and access directly with public authorities:
Official municipal tourism portal covering Old Bridge heritage, city walking routes, and regional transport.
Regional tourism organisation for Herzegovina detailing Kravica Waterfalls, Blagaj Tekke, and wine routes.
Ways to experience it
Stroll through the Old Town and across the bridge at your own pace, choosing a riverside pebble beach or an outdoor restaurant terrace to watch the diving action.
Join a local Mostar heritage walking tour led by a resident who lived through the bridge's reconstruction and can share firsthand accounts of local history.
Certified providers & operators
Mostar Diving Club (Klub Skakača u Vodu Mostari)
Official diving demonstrations, club museum, and jump training
Hereditary association of licensed bridge divers based in the Tara Tower.