The ultimate hiking experience – HIGHLANDER Blidinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Rise 2000 meters above the sea and experience breathtaking sites of natural beauty.

HIGHLANDER Hercules Blidinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina invites you to the adventure of a lifetime through 90 km of untouched nature of the Blidinje Nature Park for 5 days. Experience a unique circular trail through Čvrsnica and Vran followed by a view at Blidinje lake, start and finish in Masna Luka, which is a special forest reserve in the center of the park, and 1,500 plant species as well as other numerous sights and natural beauties that the park abounds in.

Don’t have time for the 5-day adventure of a lifetime?

Join us at HIGHLANDER Orion Blidinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina. In two days and 30 km, experience the beauty of Čvrsnica, feel the HIGHLANDER spirit, push your limits and sleep under the stars at 2,000 m/sl.

1.      When is the event?

HIGHLANDER Hercules Blidinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina is from 21-25 June 2023

HIGHLANDER Orion Blidinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina is from 24-25 June 2023

2.      What are the distances?

HIGHLANDER Hercules Blidinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina invites you to experience the best-untouched nature through 5 days and 91 km of hiking through Čvrsnica and Vran mountain ranges.

HIGHLANDER Orion Blidinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina is a 30 km long hiking experience that lasts during the weekend.

 

3.      What is the cut off time?

This is a hiking adventure, not a race.

HIGHLANDER Hercules Blidinje Finish closes on June 25th at 9 PM.

HIGHLANDER Orion Blidinje Finish closes on June 25th at 9 PM.

There is a possibility that you finish your adventure in less time than it is predicted, so it is up to you when is the hike is finished. For more, see the opening times of the checkpoints by specific format:

4.      How do I enter?

To enter the event, you have to complete the registration form we have on the event website: REGISTER button.

Payments can only be done online with a debit or credit card.

Capacity is limited, make sure you don´t miss your slot and register for the adventure!

 

5.      How much is the entry fee?

You can register for the event with the individual entry fee.

All prices have a + 5% Active fee.

More information under the tab “PRICES”.

6.      What is included in my entry fee?

 

For HIGHLANDER Hercules Blidinje format:

• On duty Mountain Rescue Service (GSS)
• Luggage safe keeping (60 L/20 kg) at Lake Blidinje, mountain lodge „Masna Luka“(start/finish)
• 3 meals per day (breakfast, main meals, additional meals, snacks, energy bars, bread).
• HIGHLANDER Hercules ID – detailed itinerary showing all checkpoints (with dedicated checkpoint stamp spaces)
• HIGHLANDER Hercules Maps – detailed hiking maps
• HIGHLANDER Hercules Map cover – waterproof cases
• HIGHLANDER Hercules Blidinje Pin
• HIGHLANDER Hercules Blidinje Patch
• HIGHLANDER Hercules Blidinje Certificate
• Educational and leisure activities
• Infrastructure at start, finish, checkpoints and along the route

For HIGHLANDER Orion Blidinje format:

• On duty Mountain Rescue Service (GSS)
• Luggage safe keeping (60 L / 20 kg) in the Masna Luka Mountain Lodge (start/finish)
• 3 meals (breakfast, main meal, additional meal, snacks, energy bar, bread)
• HIGHLANDER Orion ID – detailed itinerary showing all checkpoints (with dedicated checkpoint stamp spaces)
• HIGHLANDER Orion Maps – detailed hiking maps
• HIGHLANDER Orion Map cover – waterproof cases
• HIGHLANDER Orion Blidinje Pin
• HIGHLANDER Orion Blidinje Patch
• HIGHLANDER Orion Blidinje Certificate
• Educational and leisure activities
• Infrastructure at start, finish, checkpoints and along the route

 

7.      I have not received the confirmation e-mail – where can I find it?

The confirmation email is automatically sent after doing the payment. Check your inbox and spam folders. If you don’t find it please contact blidinje@highlanderadventure.com.

 

8.      How do I change my personal details (address, e-mail…)?

If it is your first time registering for an event with the Active.com platform, you will create your Active profile. Here you will have access to all registered events, and you can edit some of your personal details.

• Login to https://myevents.active.com
• Scroll through the list of registered events
• Choose “Edit Registration Information”
• Make changes to custom questions etc.
• Save changes

If you need to change other information (email address for example), please contact blidinje@highlanderadventure.com.

 

9.      Is there a minimum age to participate?

Minors at the event are permitted, always with a parent/guardian. Please download the document attached here for HIGHLANDER Hercules and here for HIGHLANDER Orion. Fill in the document with the necessary information and save it as a PDF. Later, once you complete the registration and the payment for a parent/guardian and a minor, please, contact the organizer at blidinje@highlanderadventure.com to send the PDF file and get further instructions.

 

10.  What is the venue address?

START: ML Masna Luka, Masna Luka bb, Posušje 88240, +387 63 452 117

FINISH: ML Masna Luka, Masna Luka bb, Posušje 88240, +387 63 452 117

 

11.  Travel & Accommodation:

More information under tab “TRANSPORT & ACCOMMODATION”

 

12.  What do I need to do during the event week?

On the event week you will need to:

• Attend the technical briefing
• Registration check-in: pick up your Participant Kit.

 

13.  What is the onsite registration procedure?

All participants must register in person at the event prior to the start to collect the Participants Kit and sign the event waiver.

More info about the working hours of the mandatory On-site registrations can be found here.

Participants Kit will be not sent by post.

You will receive an email with all the information one week before the event.

 

14.  Can someone else register for me?

No, all participants must come to Registration during the opening hours for the Registration Check-in. Each participant must sign the event waiver.

 

15.  What nutrition is available during the event?

All information regarding food provided by the organizer is sent to participants on the week of the event.

More information can be found here.

 

16.  What type of clothing should I pack?

Blidinje morning temperatures in July are below 10°C and daytime as high as 25°C or more. Showers, fog patches, strong winds, and long periods of sunshine are only a few weather conditions to expect. Prepare for all-weather as well as you can. You can find more details here.

 

17.  How difficult is it to stay on track?

Most hiking trails on Blidinje are marked very well.  It is important to adhere to markers and official hiking trails. Every 20-25 km there are CHECKPOINTS with trained staff.  Always keep the map in hand and follow the signposts to stay on course and arrive safely at your destination.

 

18.  What weather conditions should I expect?

All-weather types! Continental and Mediterranean climate “collide” at Blidinje. This means you might see anything from sleet to summer temperatures of 25ºC. Wind gusts have been known to exceed 100 km/h. We recommend downloading the HRT METEO app.

 

19.  Can I bring my dog?

Of course!

Your dog must always be kept on a leash.

 

20.  Can I sleep in mountain lodges or huts?

No. Sleeping is allowed only in tents and sleeping bags that are required HIGHLANDER gear for all participants. Mountain lodges and huts have limited space and could not accommodate all HIGHLANDER participants.

Sleeping in a tent is a special experience and one of the best parts of a true hiking adventure.

 

21.  I have never hiked, but I feel physically ready. Can I register?

Of course!

HIGHLANDER is not for professional hikers and mountaineers only. It welcomes nature lovers hungry for activity and adventure. HIGHLANDER is very safe and with some preparations everything is possible. We suggest starting a training regimen in the months leading to the event.

 

22.  How can I best prepare for HIGHLANDER Blidinje?

All participants should be physically prepared for tackling a 100 km hike smoothly. We recommend 100-200 km of light hiking in the months leading to HIGHLANDER to prepare for the trail.

Above all, you must be able to carry a heavy backpack (practice with a 5-7 kg and increase gradually to 15-17 kg). Make sure you can walk in your hiking shoes and break them in prior to the event.

 

23.  Do I need to bring my own food?

It depends on you and your body. We all have unique eating habits and feel full at different rates.

More information available here.

 

24.  Do I have to stop at each checkpoint?

You have to collect all checkpoint stamps.

Checkpoints are open at specific times. Staff will stamp your HIGHLANDER Hercules ID/HIGHLANDER Orion ID. Outside staff working hours (or similar), you will stamp your own ID.

 

25.  Do I have to set up my tent close to checkpoints?

No. You can bivouac anywhere you like on the territory of the Natural park Blidinje.

 

26.  What if I have gear trouble?

Checkpoint staff is trained for such cases. Feel free to consult them with any gear malfunction or similar issues.

 

27.  I will be staying in Bosnia and Herzegovina after the event. Will HIGHLANDER provide transportation to my next destination after the event?

No, the organizer does not provide transportation to your next destination.

 

28.  Is there cellular service on the course?

In general, yes. There are however areas not covered by cellular service.

 

29.  Are hiking poles a good idea?

A great idea!

 

30.  Can I share my gear with other participants?

Yes. Gear that can be shared includes tent, gas/gasoline/alcohol cooker, compass, first aid kit. For safety reasons total number of participants sharing gear is 4 and they must reach checkpoints and finish within 30 minutes apart.

 

31.  Will you be designating sleeping areas?

Designated bivouacking sites include Pločno, Lake Crvenjak, Kedžara, Omrčenica and in HIGHLANDER camp in front of Mountain lodge Masna Luka. You are not obligated to camp on these sites.

 

32.  What do I receive when I complete HIGHLANDER Hercules or HIGHLANDER Orion?

Each participant who successfully completes the HIGHLANDER Hercules or HIGHLANDER Orion, gets:

• HIGHLANDER Hercules Patch / HIGHLANDER Orion Patch
• HIGHLANDER Hercules Pin / HIGHLANDER Orion Pin
• HIGHLANDER Hercules Certificate / HIGHLANDER Orion Certificate.

33.  Will HIGHLANDER take place in case of bad weather?

Yes.

 

34.  I have a specific diet. Will vegan/vegetarian/gluten-free options be available at checkpoints?

There is a specific question in the registration form.

Vegetarian options will be available at all checkpoints. Vegan and gluten-free options will not be available

 

35.  Side Events:

More information about the program coming soon.

 

36.  Withdrawal/Transfer process:

Please find all the information here.

 

37.  Who do I contact regarding event photos?

More information coming soon.

 

38.  Where can I sign up to volunteer?

You can find all information here.

 

39.  Is there a location for Lost&Found belongings?

During the event week: please ask the staff members.

After the event: please contact blidinje@highlanderadventure.com.

 

40.  How can I contact the event organizers?

You can contact us via email blidinje@highlanderadventure.com.