Why join a hiking society (and how to choose the right one)
Kojeza
Almost everything that works in the mountains of Bosnia and Herzegovina — the marked trail, the signpost at the junction, the hut with hot tea, the tour with a guide who knows where the spring is — exists because someone did it as a volunteer, through a hiking society (planinarsko društvo). Organised mountaineering in the country dates back to the late 19th century, and today several dozen societies operate, from large city clubs to small village ones. If you hike more than twice a year, here is why becoming a member makes sense.
What you get
Tours every weekend. Societies have an annual programme: from easier spring walks to summer multi-day ascents and winter trips. Transport is organised, the guide knows the trail, and you just turn up at the meeting point. For someone without a car or without experience, this is the easiest way to get to Prenj or Sutjeska.
Hiking school. Most larger societies run a basic mountaineering course — several weeks of lectures and practical hikes covering navigation, gear, weather, first aid and mountain etiquette. It is the best investment a beginner can make.
Discounts and access. A membership card with the annual stamp brings discounts on overnight stays in mountain huts in the country and, by agreement, in neighbouring countries. Some societies also include accident insurance with membership — check what yours covers.
People. This is the reason members mention most often. Hiking is a social thing, and the society is where you find a crew for a Sunday hike, a mentor for your first winter ascent and friends for life.
What societies get from you
The membership fee is symbolic, but it pays for marker paint, signposts, roof repairs on the hut and fuel for trail-clearing days. More important than money are hands: every society runs marking and hut-maintenance days, and every pair of hands is welcome. There is no better way to learn a mountain than spending a day painting markers with people who have known it for thirty years.
How to choose a society
Societies differ more than you would expect, so it is worth looking at a few before joining:
- Programme: some societies go on easy walks and socials, others on serious ascents. Look at their tours from last year.
- Town and mountain: societies usually know "their" mountain best — those from Konjic know Prenj, from Fojnica Vranica, from Mostar Velež and Čvrsnica.
- Hut: a society that runs a hut has a base for weekend trips and a place where the community gathers.
- Atmosphere: go on one tour as a guest before joining. Most societies allow it and are glad to welcome new people.
Societies on Kojeza
Kojeza was built precisely for this connection: societies and guides publish their tours, hikers find and book them in one place. On the Organizations page you can browse registered hiking societies, see their upcoming tours, guides and ratings, and choose the one whose programme suits you. For societies it means fewer messages and spreadsheets — for you it means you can book your first tour tonight.
Whether you are a beginner or have walked every ridge in the country, a hiking society is the best way to make hiking part of life rather than an annual outing. Find a society on Kojeza and see you on the trail.
