Homolje Mountains & Via Ferrata Gornjak

Climb the peaks of Jezevac in eastern Serbia and start your first via ferrata climbing steps, all in just 1 day.

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

Day 1

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

Dates & Prices

July 03rd, 2021
Spots available: 0 35 €, Per Person
October 10th, 2021
Spots available: 0 35 €, Per Person
November, 13th, 2021
Spots available: 0 35 €, Per Person

What’s included in the price?

  • Transfers
  • Services of a licensed UIAA guide
  • Lunch

The price doesn’t include the following:

  • Travel insurance
  • Beverages
  • Personal equipment
  • Personal expenses
  • Bathing in Ždrelo spa – group ticket 400 RSD per person (if there are 10 people or more), otherwise 600 RSD per person

F.A.Q.

What’s the tour like?
This is a perfect tour for via ferrata climbing beginners. The altitude difference is around 600m. After completing the via ferrata climb, there is an easy hike to two peaks. Highest point is 825 meters above sea level. Afterwards, relax in thermal water in Ždrelo spa.

What skills/experience/fitness do I need?
You need basic walking experience. This is a great tour for beginners and those that love to enjoy in perfect and unspoiled nature.

What do I need to bring with me?

  • Hiking shoes
  • Hiking pants
  • Sunglass, hat
  • Swimming suit
  • Some kind of polar
  • 2 T-shirts
  • Rain jacket
  • Small rucksack with one liter of water and some candy
  • Some pocket money

What are the guides like?
All the activities on this trip will be led in English by qualified and professional local guides.

What’s the food like?
All food is local and is freshly cooked. These include domestic cheese and other local milk products, dry meat specialties, fish, local fruit, fresh fruit and vegetable. We can organize your meal in the way you like. Drinks are not included.

What’s the weather like?
Late spring and early autumn are the best periods to visit this region (May/June and September/October). In spring the average temperature is around 26-28, but it can sometimes be more than 30 degrees. Autumn is slightly chillier, but still really pleasant.

How do I meet the transfer?
We will notify you where the pick-up location will be (in most cases it will be the parking lot of Sava Center). The transfer will be holding a sign with the name of the tour. We’ll give you all extra details before travelling.

How big will the group be?
This trip will run with a minimum of 6 people, and a maximum of 20. Please note, if there are not 6 people booked the trip may be rearranged or cancelled. Please contact us for confirmation before booking your flights, or book with a credit card.

Important notes:

This itinerary and the duration of the activities are subject to change due to group abilities and preferences, weather conditions and forecasts, special events, etc.