This is a tour made for those who just want to enjoy nature, combining some easy hiking with via ferrata climbing. All while enjoying the smell of the forest and gorgeous views surrounding them. And to finish it off with a warm thermal bath.
Little and Big Vukan are parts of the Homolje mountain region that mostly attracts the attention of nature lovers and hikers alike. The tour starts from the youngest monastery surrounding the area, called the Holy Trinity. Here our hiking path starts. The altitude difference from start to finish is about 625 m. With a relaxed walking pace, we’ll complete it in a couple of hours.
The road leads us mainly through forest paths, which serves as a perfect protection in the hot summer months.
After about 3 hours of hiking, we’ll come up top Big Vukan (825 m), where all Homolje mountains can be seen perfectly.
Via ferata in literal translation means – the iron path. It’s a road through an often inaccessible terrain, which is open by placing metal bars or “treads” and protected by a steel rope. The essence of modern ferates is a steel cable that runs along the route and is periodically fixed to the wall. The cable is used for securing, but can be used as auxiliary handhold in some parts. What is certain about this adventure is that the experience will be unique and you will be able to feel what it feels like being on a cliff surrounded by vast space around you, and again absolutely safe.
Between the Big and Small Vukan peaks there’s one pit, whose depth reaches all the way to the foot of the mountain. According to the tradition, the Vlachs would throw any unfaithful women into it. And if the woman wasn’t unfaithful, the strong mountain wind would restore her back! And indeed, if you drop a piece of dried grass into the pit, it will be thrown out of it. This is due to the strong flow of air.
In the end, after we descend from our hike, relaxation in the thermal bath Ždrelo awaits us. There is a modern spa center in Ždrelo. The thermal waters there can reach a temperature of up to 40 ºC and can be unbelievably pleasant and relaxing, alongside its medicinal properties.
After our little dip in the thermal spa, we’ll recuperate our strength in a restaurant nearby that serves specialties from this region.
With our stomachs full, we return to Belgrade during evening hours.
Itinerary
Saturday
- Departure from Belgrade at 07.30 h
- Transfer to the starting point: 07.30 – 09.30 h
- Preparation, equipping via ferrata sets and a short training: 09.30 – 10.00 h
- Via ferrata climb w/ hike to little and big Vukan (725m and 825m): 10.00 – 15.00 h
- Rest and bathe in Zdrelo spa thermal springs: 15.30 – 17.00 h
- Lunch: 17.00 – 18.30 h
- Departure for Belgrade: 18.30 h
- Arriving in Belgrade at around 20.30 h
- Total length of tour: 9 km
- Difficulty: 3/10
