Next weekend, Mostar will once again become the centre of the cliff diving world as the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series returns to the city’s iconic Old Bridge for its tenth edition. What began in 2015 as a spectacular addition to the international sports calendar has grown into one of the most recognisable annual events in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
For three days, the UNESCO-listed Old Bridge and the emerald waters of the Neretva River will provide the backdrop for breathtaking dives, thousands of spectators and worldwide television coverage.
A Decade Of Spectacular Competition
The first Red Bull Cliff Diving event in Mostar was held in 2015, introducing the world’s best high divers to one of Europe’s most iconic locations. Since then, the city has become one of the most popular and challenging stops on the World Series calendar.
The 2026 event marks the tenth visit of the championship to Mostar, underlining the city’s importance within the series. Organisers describe the Old Bridge as one of the most iconic venues in the sport, where decisive moments in championship battles have repeatedly taken place.
Why Is Mostar So Special?
Few sporting venues can match the unique setting of Stari Most.
Built in the 16th century and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the bridge has long been associated with the local tradition of diving into the Neretva River. For generations, local divers have demonstrated courage and skill by jumping from the bridge, making cliff diving a natural extension of one of Mostar’s oldest traditions.
This combination of history, culture and elite sport is what makes the Mostar stop unlike any other in the World Series.
A Venue Where Champions Are Made
Throughout the past decade, Mostar has witnessed some of the most memorable moments in Red Bull Cliff Diving history.
Among them are:
- Jonathan Paredes’ first World Series victory.
- Constantin Popovici’s perfect scores in 2019.
- Carlos Gimeno’s breakthrough win in 2023.
- Championship-clinching performances by Rhiannan Iffland and Gary Hunt.
Because the Mostar event takes place during the second half of the season, it has often proved decisive in determining the overall champions.
What To Expect In 2026
The jubilee edition will take place from 31 July to 1 August 2026, with activities beginning the day before.
The opening day traditionally honours Mostar’s own diving heritage, with athletes diving directly from the Old Bridge. Overnight, a specially designed Red Bull platform is installed, allowing the world’s elite divers to compete from heights of 21 metres (women) and 27 metres (men) during the main competition.
As always, the event is free to attend, attracting thousands of spectators who line both banks of the Neretva River and fill the streets of the Old Town.
More Than A Sporting Event
For Mostar, Red Bull Cliff Diving is far more than a sports competition.
Each edition brings international media, photographers, television crews and visitors from around the world, generating significant exposure for the city. Hotels, restaurants, cafés and local businesses all benefit from the influx of visitors during one of the busiest weekends of the summer season.
The spectacular images of divers launching themselves from the Old Bridge against the backdrop of Mostar’s historic skyline have become some of the city’s most recognisable promotional photographs.
Tips For Visitors
If you’re planning to attend the event:
- Arrive early to secure a good viewing position around the Old Bridge.
- Book accommodation well in advance, as hotels and apartments fill quickly.
- Bring water, sunscreen and comfortable footwear, as temperatures in Mostar can exceed 35°C.
- Spend time exploring the Old Bazaar, nearby museums and riverside restaurants before the competition begins.
Many visitors combine the event with day trips to Blagaj, Kravica Waterfalls or Počitelj, making it an ideal long weekend in Herzegovina.
Looking Back – And Ahead
Ten years after the world’s best cliff divers first arrived in Mostar, the event has become one of the city’s defining international sporting spectacles.
The unique blend of centuries-old diving tradition, world-class athletes and the unforgettable setting of the Old Bridge ensures that Red Bull Cliff Diving remains one of the highlights of the summer calendar in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Whether you are a sports fan, photographer or first-time visitor to Mostar, the tenth edition promises another unforgettable weekend above the emerald waters of the Neretva River.