Vilsonovo Šetalište (Wilson’s Lane) is probably the most popular walking area in Sarajevo and one of the most popular promenades in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is located next to the Miljacka River and follows the river from Suada and Olga Bridge all the way to the area of Socijalno and Elektroprivreda building. It is right in the middle of the city, between several neighbourhoods, and it is a very popular place for walking, running, cycling, skateboarding, sitting and chatting.
There are also many cafés along the way, making Vilsonovo one of the popular places for young people to meet, have coffee and hang out. On Vilsonovo Šetalište, there are also two important Sarajevo bridges, Suada and Olga Bridge and Ars Aevi Bridge. Because of the Miljacka River and the greenery around it, the promenade also attracts different birds, some of which I photographed during my walk. There is a walking area on both sides of the Miljacka River, so you can make a longer walk by crossing the bridges and changing sides. Locally, Vilsonovo Šetalište is often simply called “Vils.”
Introduction
I also recorded my route and included my DXF file so you can see the route and use it for navigation if you want to follow the same walk. The whole route is around 3 kilometres long, depending on which side of the river you follow and where exactly you start and finish.
Traffic Regulations
One interesting thing about Vilsonovo Šetalište is that car traffic is restricted during certain periods. On weekends, cars are prohibited from using the promenade, while during weekdays the road is closed to cars after 5 PM.
Bicycles share the road area with cars when traffic is allowed, while the sidewalks are mainly reserved for pedestrians. Because of these restrictions, weekends and evenings can be especially pleasant for walking, running or cycling.
Brief History
Vilsonovo Šetalište is named after Woodrow Wilson, the American president. The promenade changed its name several times during its history, depending on the political period and who was ruling Sarajevo. During the Yugoslav period, it was known as Omladinsko šetalište (Youth Lane). One of the most recognizable features of Vilsonovo is the long line of linden trees along the promenade.
The trees give the whole area a very different atmosphere during different seasons. In spring, the blooming linden trees bring a pleasant smell, while in autumn the leaves create a completely different atmosphere. The walking area itself is maintained quite well, and it is visible that the trees and promenade are being taken care of.
Is Vilsonovo the Most Romantic Part of Sarajevo?
Probably yes. Because of the sound of the water, trees and leaves, Vilsonovo can become almost magical, especially during autumn and winter. In autumn, the fallen leaves give the promenade a special atmosphere. In winter, when there are fewer people around, the sound of the Miljacka becomes much more noticeable.
Spring is probably my favourite season here because the linden trees start blooming and the smell around the promenade can be very nice. So, if you are looking for a romantic place for a walk in Sarajevo, I would definitely consider Vilsonovo Šetalište.
What Is Located on Vilsonovo?
Starting from the Suada and Olga Bridge, there are many important buildings and places around Vilsonovo. On one side you can find places such as the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Importanne Shopping Mall, the UNDP building, the Turkish Embassy, cafés, schools, university buildings and banks.
There are also many other buildings and businesses around the promenade, so it doesn’t feel like a walking trail far away from the city. You are always surrounded by the urban part of Sarajevo. If you want to stop somewhere for a drink or a break, there are many cafés along the route.
One interesting place near the beginning is Tito, which combines a café and a museum-like space dedicated to the Yugoslav period. There are also old military vehicles and other objects connected with that period.
Rapids, The Sound of Water
One of the things that gives Vilsonovo its special atmosphere is the sound small rapids, on the Miljacka River. The river is not completely calm here. In several places the water moves faster over the riverbed, creating a constant sound of flowing water.
The river channel and banks were significantly changed during the previous century, and these parts of the Miljacka contribute to the character of the promenade today. When you sit on one of the benches close to the river, the sound of the water is often more noticeable than the traffic from the nearby streets.
Birds of Vils
I also took pictures of some birds that I saw during my walk. The Miljacka River and the trees along the promenade create an environment where you can sometimes see different birds even though you are right in the middle of Sarajevo.
You don’t need to leave the city or go into the countryside to see some wildlife. I will add my pictures of the birds here so you can see what I encountered during my walk.
Benches of Vils
There are plenty of benches all along Vilsonovo Šetalište. Some are single benches, while others are positioned so that two people can sit together. They are great places to sit, talk, read or simply watch the river.
However, finding an empty bench can be difficult during weekends, holidays and warm summer days because Vilsonovo is very popular with local people. If you want a quieter experience, I would recommend coming early in the morning or later in the evening.
Water
There are also two water pipes or drinking-water points that I noticed along Vilsonovo. One is located near the Ars Aevi Bridge, while another is close to the Elektroprivreda building, near the Socijalno end of the promenade. They can be useful if you are walking, running or cycling along Vilsonovo, especially during warmer weather.
If you are planning a longer walk around Sarajevo, Vilsonovo can also be connected with other parts of the city because of its location along the Miljacka River.
