Back to nature and back to Serbia

As a nature lover, the travel route is automatically determined by simply heading to the nearest national park. So this time, we are going to Bjelasica, which is hard to pronounce but beautiful. The hike, which lasts only a few hours, starts at a beautiful lake surrounded by forests, where you can row or kayak. The dense forest is crossed on a wide forest road and zigzags up the mountain in never-ending serpentine turns. Clearings and trees now alternate, and after a good while, the high plateau is reached. There, an idyllic hut awaits with refreshments and food.

Although it may seem only gastronomic here, there are these katuns throughout the region and especially in the border area with Kosovo, which serve as summer residences for farmers. During the warm months, the cattle is brought to the higher areas for grazing, and the farmers move their lives and work, which includes not only taking care of the animals but also crafts such as weaving or knitting, to the primitive huts without electricity. As it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain traditional life, tourism is gladly embraced, and guests are accommodated, cooked for, and offered an insight into the culture. Unfortunately, I didn't get to stay in a katun, which I regret. If anyone has the time and desire, there is the 160 km-long Katun Road, which can be hiked or cycled during the day, and in the afternoon, you help with milking or making cheese and drink rakija with the farmers in the evening. I imagine it to be fantastic.

Back to the high plateau. After a little break, it was another fifteen minutes to the summit. As always, at the top, you are rewarded with a magnificent view. It's amazing to see the path and ascent you have overcome. The descent is usually less exciting. The temptation to swim in the lake was there, but it was simply too cold.

On the way north, as we slowly head back towards home, at least the home of the car, I once again cross the border between Montenegro and Serbia. Once again, the road winds its way - sometimes uphill, sometimes downhill - through countless and endless mountains. Driving alone has a calming effect. Well, if it weren't for the other drivers constantly crashing into the trunk and attempting overtaking maneuvers in unpredictable turns.

The next national park turns out to be a pure ski resort, at least in winter. Here, too, construction is in full swing with quarry pits and concrete mixers. It may be true that you can have a lot of fun here in the snow, but as far as the designated hiking paradise is concerned, I have some suggestions for improving the signage of hiking trails, both in the further and initial stages. Nevertheless, a fantastic view, even from the window of the holiday apartment.

The last 350 km are covered in an extensive morning and then the big city greets me again. The last days in Belgrade and Serbia are spent in delicious restaurants, stylish cafes, and bars with live music. Did I mention that Belgrade is an excellent city trip destination? :-)