Transnational Weekends of the Danube Wood(s) Route: From Nature to Heritage

As part of the Danube Wood(s) Route project, a series of Transnational Weekends activities took place in Sarajevo Canton on 25 and 28 September 2026, connecting the region's natural and cultural heritage through two thematically linked programmes.

The activities were organised by project partner Sarajevo Economic Region Development Agency (SERDA) with the aim of promoting the Danube Wood(s) Route, raising awareness of forest and wood-related heritage, engaging local communities and young people, and strengthening cooperation between project partners and local stakeholders.

The first part of the programme took place on 25 September at Bijambare, as part of the Days of Protected Natural Areas of Sarajevo Canton and the traditional "Golden Colours" Fair, organised by the Cantonal Public Institution for Protected Natural Areas.

The programme also included "A Day with a Ranger", giving pupils from local primary schools and the Secondary School of Environment and Wood Design in Sarajevo the opportunity to learn about the work of ranger services, the importance of nature conservation and the role of protected natural areas. The Danube Wood(s) Route project was presented to young participants, with particular attention given to preserving natural and wood-related heritage.

The activities highlighted the potential of protected natural areas for developing educational and research tourism, promoting responsible ways of experiencing and appreciating natural assets.

The second part of the programme took place on 28 September with a thematic walk entitled "The Journey of Wood Through Sarajevo – From Nature to Heritage."

Designed as a storytelling experience, the walk explored the role of wood in the life of the local community and the traces it has left in nature, traditional crafts, architecture and everyday life.

Starting in the Bentbaša area, participants discovered the natural heritage of Sarajevo and explored the connections between nature, education and tourism. The walk continued through the city's traditional crafts and woodcarving heritage, including visits to VITRINA CONCEPT and ZANAT, where participants learned how traditional craftsmanship can be preserved and presented in a contemporary context.

At Svrzo's House, the story continued through traditional Bosnian architecture, highlighting the importance of wood as a building material and its role in shaping the traditional way of life and local cultural identity.

The programme brought together representatives of local institutions, cultural organisations, craftspeople, tourism professionals and young people, including students from the University of Sarajevo's Faculties of Architecture and Civil Engineering, as well as pupils from the Secondary School of Environment and Wood Design.

Implemented in cooperation with the Cantonal Public Institution for Protected Natural Areas, the Museum of Sarajevo, ZANAT, the City of Sarajevo and local tourist guides, the activities demonstrated how natural and cultural heritage can be connected through engaging educational and tourism experiences.

Through initiatives such as these Transnational Weekends, the Danube Wood(s) Route project aims to connect destinations, local communities and stakeholders across the Danube Region, encouraging the preservation, interpretation and sustainable promotion of forest and wood-related natural and cultural heritage.