Bjelasnica

Bjelašnica in Bosnia and Herzegovina, hosted the 1984 Olympic Alpine events — its 2,068 m summit is now also a real flying mountain with launches for most wind directions. The north takeoff at the summit (2,068 m, N 43°42.240 E 18°15.420) works from NNW through pure east: stone plateau, a couple of grass-covered flat fields, and a steep grass slope give options for most skill levels. In southerly winds, experienced pilots can launch just below the Observatory on the south side; less-experienced pilots can walk ~200 m ESE to grass fields. Multiple secondary launches exist across the mountain.

Launch & conditions

North summit launch at 2,068 m (N 43°42.240 E 18°15.420) — usable from NNW to pure east. Stone plateau, grass-covered flat fields, or a steep grass slope; not high-demand — suitable for less-experienced pilots too. In S winds: experienced pilots launch just below the Observatory on the south side; less-experienced pilots find grass fields ~200 m ESE.

Getting there & local rules

Summit at 2,068 m. From Babin Do it takes 30–40 minutes with an off-road vehicle up a macadam road that climbs through switchbacks on the south side. On foot along the mountaineering paths takes 2–4 hours depending on fitness.

Local rules & hazards

Check the local club information for current flight rules and airspace.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Bjelasnica, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Bjelasnica with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.