Vast areas of green, fresh air and a number of warm springs of mineral water are the features of Stara planina (Old mountain ie. the Balkan mountains), a mountain range stretching across two countries
Stara planina (the Balkan mountains), after which the Balkan Peninsula was named, extends 550 kilometers across its central part and connects Serbia and Bulgaria. It extends from the city of Zaječar in Serbia all the way to the Black Sea.
During Roman rule the mountain was known as Haemus Mons and historians consider that Haemus is derived from the Thracian word “saimon”, meaning ‘mountain range’. The Slavs called it Matorni gori, and Turks called it Kodzhabalkan and Balkan. The name “Balkan” comes from the Persian language and it means “mountaneous land”.
Endless stretches of untouched nature, vast mountain pastures and forests rich in forest fruit and herbs, picturesque villages and interesting folklore. That is the true picture of Stara planina, one of the most beautiful and most authentic nature reserves that hides the highest mountain peak in Serbia – Midžor at 2,169 meters above sea level.
At the altitude between 1,100 and 1,900 meters, this mountain lies under snow blanket five months a year. The peak “Babin zub” (1,758 m) is one of the most beautiful parts of Stara planina and it is a protected nature reserve, but it is also a skiing center with cable car “Konjarnik” and artificial snow-making system.
The peak Babin Zub has a unique morphological form, with the characteristic western vertical cliffs and one cliff resembling an old tooth, thus the name Babin zub (english: Old lady’s tooth). This cliff is around 200 meters high and it is accessible only to experienced climbers.
Picturesque beauty 330 kilometers from Belgrade makes Mt. Stara planina the most beautiful part of Eastern Serbia and it was declared a natural treasure of great importance. This mountain is known for its mild climate, clean air, springs of hot mineral water, while the park “Stara planina” spreads on 142.000 acres.
However, Stara planina is also a desirable destination during summer period. This mountain offers some of the most beautiful green sceneries as far as eye can see. In 1997 Stara planina was declared the Park of nature for its exceptional beauties. You shouldn’t miss the opportunity for recreation or going on a picnic or a hiking trip.
Zavojsko lake, one of the most beautiful and clearest mountain lakes, lies at the foot of Stara planina. The lake abounds in fish, and passionate fishermen along the bank of the lake assure us that this truly is the best location for catching pike, catfish and carp.
Stara planina has characteristic flora and fauna, at the foot of the Babin zub sub alpine beech can be found, while rivers and creeks abound in brown trout. Meadows and forests are rich in herbs and mushrooms, as well as numerous species of rare flora.
Numerous mountain villages still treasuring the unique folklore and customs are set at the slopes of Stara planina.
Friendly hosts will welcome you with lots of organic specialties and local homemade rakija (brandy). You should definitely try the famous “staroplaninsko jagnje” (lamb from Stara planina) with local cheese.
How to get to the mountain after which the Balkans were named?
Stara Planina is 330 km from Belgrade, 410 km from Novi Sad 70 km from Niš. The best way to come to this mountain is with your own vehicle, but if you decide to go by bus you will have to go to Knjaževac first and then take form of local transportation to your destination.
When you are here, don’t miss…
The excellent lamb roast which makes this region famous. It doesn’t matter if it was made in an oven, roasted or fired on a stone panel.
With the roast you must try senokoški cheese, a specialty of Serbian cuisine that was even on the menu in the White House during the time of Yugoslavia.
Catch your breath next to the quick mountain rivers: Visočica, Rsomača, Senkoška river and Temštica are just some of few rivers that with their clear waterpierce the mountain.
If you find yourself here in August, don’t miss the local traditional events: the Sabor of national music “Panadžur” as well as the International fishing competition on Zavojsko Lake.
