Travel To The Balkans: Breathe the Fresh Air of Zlatibor
Traveling to the Balkans means exploring some of the most beautiful and surreal landscapes of the Balkan countries. Zlatibor Mountain is one of the most stunning mountains in Serbia and across the Balkans, making it an essential stop on our Balkan trip.
Zlatibor isn’t just one of the most beautiful mountains in this area; it’s also known for its healing properties. Its beneficial climate is suitable for treating respiratory issues, as well as for relaxation and unwinding.
During the Balkan trip with Balkland, we take you to the healing Zlatibor! After visiting Belgrade, the capital and urban center of Serbia, we guide you to the golden Zlatibor Mountain, rightfully named so!
Travel To The Balkans: Visit Golden Zlatibor
Zlatibor is located in the western part of Serbia and is known for its mountain peaks, forests, and rich traditions. There are many legends about how Zlatibor got its name. Translated, Zlatibor means “golden pine.” This epithet “golden” is well-deserved.
The climate in this area is fresh and moderate, offering you the opportunity to enjoy pleasant mountain landscapes. Zlatibor is known for recording 2000 hours of sunshine per year, with an average temperature of 18 degrees Celsius.
How Did Zlatibor get its name?
Interestingly, this mountain got the name Zlatibor only from the middle of the last century. Until then, it was called Rujno, named after the flower Ruj that grows in these areas. However, this mountain got a new name, and various legends about the origin of the name also explain why.
- The first legend about how Zlatibor got its new name is similar to the story of its original name. So, it was long believed that in these areas, there is a very rare species of pine. This pine is specific in that, during a certain period of the year, instead of green, it has golden-yellow needles! Botanists found this pine tree and thus confirmed the rumors of the locals. Because of this tree, Zlatibor proudly bears its name today!
- The second legend about the name is also related to the richness of pine forests. The pine forest was once the only source of income. They made tar and resin from it, which they sold in Šumadija and Dalmatia. Those who had income from the pine forest often used to say, “That pine is golden!” And so it remained: Zlatibor (golden pine).
- During the autumn, the pastures in this area had a stunning golden color. In some pastures, there were pine forests, and this combination of golden grass interspersed with pine trees led the locals to give it the name Zlatibor.
What we’ve already learned during travel to the Balkans is that we’ll hear many interesting legends and historical stories in every place. These stories, such as the legends about the name of Zlatibor, are passed down from generation to generation for centuries. That is precisely one of the characteristics of the Balkan people – tradition and preservation of history.
Attractions Throughout All Seasons
What makes this area particularly attractive for people of all ages and tourists from different parts of the world is the large number of attractions. From summer to winter, you can enjoy Zlatibor 365 days a year. Of course, the main attraction is skiing and enjoying the snow.
Ski center Tornik
The Tornik Ski Center is located on Tornik, the highest peak of Mount Zlatibor. Tornik sits at an altitude of 1490 meters and during the winter season attracts a large number of skiing enthusiasts. This ski slope is fully equipped with the latest ski trails, making it suitable for both younger and older skiers.
If there isn’t enough natural snow in this area, don’t worry, because there are systems for artificial snowmaking, allowing you to enjoy the snowy magic throughout the season! You can ski on a total of five slopes, ride sleds or snowboards, and simply enjoy walking in the white blanket.
And most importantly, near the ski slopes, cafes, and restaurants are serving warm and delicious Zlatibor cuisine!
Stopića Cave
The natural beauty of the Balkans never leaves us indifferent. Travel to the Balkans has taught us one thing – never underestimate nature and its beauties! Stopića Cave is another natural wonder of the Balkans that has amazed us.
To reach Stopića Cave, we have to pass several kilometers of beautiful green landscapes that adorn the Zlatibor region. It is located at an altitude of 711 meters and is a whopping 1690 meters long. However, tourists are allowed to see only a 280-meter section of this cave that has been prepared for visitors.
Postojna Cave and Stopića Cave are the two most famous caves in the Balkans. Interestingly, these two caves are very different, but what connects them is that they are located on Balkan soil.
Stopića Cave consists of three parts: the Light Hall, the Dark Hall, and the Great Hall with Bathtubs. It’s clear what the Light Hall is famous for – this hall has several openings through which natural light enters, revealing the azure blue of the Zlatibor Lake. In the Dark Hall, you can admire natural cave formations formed by the Trnavski Creek that flows through here.
The third part is the Great Hall with Bathtubs. The so-called bathtubs are formed by layers of limestone, and water collects inside them. Each “bathtub” has its unique shape.
Adventure and Dino Park
Since 2017, on Zlatibor, you can delve into stories from prehistoric times. The Adventure and Dino Park on Zlatibor has become a real attraction, and what’s most interesting is that it’s visited by tourists of all ages – from the youngest to the oldest.
In this park, you can see realistic replicas of dinosaurs in life-size, surrounded by space that simulates their natural habitat. Children simply love to admire these sculptures, and adults don’t get bored here either. The zip line that stretches throughout the park is designed for those who love a bit more adrenaline.
Within this park, you can try out many activities such as mini-golf, quad biking, archery, and airsoft games. There is also a horse riding area nearby, so those who love horses but don’t know how to ride can take short riding lessons and fulfill their desire!
Zlatibor’s El Paco City
Travel to the Balkans brings a multitude of adventures and experiences, but did you know that you can visit the American city of El Paso City in the Balkans? Yes, that’s right, and it’s on Mount Zlatibor! “El Paco City” is another themed park that attracts a large number of tourists.
In this park, you can see the differences between an American and a Serbian city firsthand. Namely, a river runs through this complex, dividing the park into two parts. One part of the park represents a cowboy town and an Indian village. Here, you can step into the sheriff’s office, visit log cabins, and see what post offices, barber shops, and even jails used to look like.
On the other side, Zlatibor Village is presented. The village is depicted as a traditional Serbian settlement from the 19th century. This village is surrounded by pine forests and meadows, and within the village, you can visit the church, children’s playground, and replicas of steam passenger and freight wagons.
Komplet lepinja (A set of buns)
Travel to the Balkans wouldn’t be complete without good food! When you find yourself in Zlatibor, it’s clear what your first meal of the day will be – Komplet Lepinja. Komplet Lepinja is the most famous specialty in these parts and is often served for breakfast during cold winter days. Lepinja is served warm, delicious, and with plenty of kajmak and eggs.
Many say that this specialty is the best for curing hangovers. This claim has been confirmed by many tourists and locals who have discovered this effect of Komplet Lepinja. During the Balkan trip, you will experience the perfect flavors of the Balkans!
Also, its other name is “bread for all.” It got this name even before World War II. Workers who were building at that time loved lepinja with all the trimmings, so it got the name “bread for all.”
The World’s Largest Gondola
We have arrived at the greatest attraction in Zlatibor, the Gold Gondola. The Golden Gondola in Zlatibor is considered one of the largest panoramic gondolas in the world. It spans nine kilometers, and during the ride, passengers enjoy an unforgettable view of the entire Zlatibor region.
The gondola’s capacity is 800 passengers, and the entire route takes a full 25 minutes. Undoubtedly, the most attractive part of the ride is over Ribničko Lake, where a break can be taken. Then, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the beauty of the landscape, the sparkling water, and the tranquility surrounding the lake.
The goal during the construction of this gondola was for all tourists to fully enjoy the landscapes that embody the natural beauty of Zlatibor. And they succeeded. The view from the panoramic gondola has left no one indifferent, and besides that, the gondola has become a symbol of modern tourism.
Conclusion
Your stay in Zlatibor will bring you unforgettable experiences and plenty of activities. That’s exactly what we aim to achieve on Travel to the Balkans – to provide you with a true picture of the Balkans with a variety of content!
Traveling through the golden landscapes
Hi, I’m Mike—co-founder of Balkland and your on-the-ground tour leader. I’m involved from the first message to the final farewell, making sure everything feels effortless and every day feels designed around you.