Holiday apartment in Ljubina: Zelengora Lakes and Vrbnica

Two kilometres before Vrbnica, a road branches off towards the stream and the village of Ljubina. Lakes and mountain trails surround Ljubina, along with horseback riding opportunities and rural traditions.

Nature

Within Sutjeska National Park lie five of the Zelengora Lakes: Crno, Bijelo, Orlovačko, Donje and Gornje Bare. These glacial lakes are situated at elevations between 1,380 and 1,650 metres above sea level. Zelengora also features forests, green meadows, mountain pastures, springs and streams. Swimming is possible in some of the lakes.

Trails and excursions

Hiking is possible on Zelengora, as is cycling on designated and marked trails. The excursion to Crno and Bijelo Lakes takes 7–8 hours and includes 4–5 hours of walking. Another connection is the Via Dinarica MTB route BH 01 VD+ Zelengora, which leads over Ljubin Grob Pass and down to Bijelo and Crno Lakes. In one day, this route visits nine of the Zelengora Lakes; one stage is 70 kilometres long and includes more than 2,000 metres of elevation gain.

Sutjeska National Park offers horseback riding excursions that include a visit to the village of Vrbnica. For beginners and family tours, the national park recommends riding in the riding arena in Vrbnica. Sutjeska National Park staff take riders to Vrbnica in park vehicles, where the horses are located. After arriving in Vrbnica, the route gradually descends towards Tjentište. The mountain trail from Orlovačko Lake to Vrbnica is the most demanding section of this route.

Getting there and nearby places

Vrbnica can be reached via a 13-kilometre gravel road. Continuing from Vrbnica to Srijemušna Luka for approximately 7.5 kilometres requires an off-road vehicle. The routes described therefore include different adjoining sections: the gravel road to Vrbnica, the onward route to Srijemušna Luka, and the gradual descent towards Tjentište.

Culture and the annual cycle

The katuns of Zelengora are seasonal pastoral settlements associated with livestock farming and the production of traditional dairy products. Every year on Elijah's Day, a gathering takes place in Vrbnica during the blueberry harvest. In June, the Pašina Valley mountaineering association organises a traditional daffodil-picking event in the surrounding area. Pantelijevdan is a joint feast day for the residents of Vrbnica and Pašina Poljana, followed by a folk festival.

The small Church of Saint Panteleimon in Vrbnica is also a monument. On 11 May 1945, a military order concerned the Ljubina–Vrbnica–Tjentište sector in connection with the battles of the Second World War.

Rural accommodation

Household Kovačević offers rural accommodation in rooms decorated in an ethno style. The address is Vrbnica bb, Velika Ljubina, Tjentište. At Household Kovačević, guests can try authentic Bosnian food and drinks. The Vrbnica Stream is considered a habitat for indigenous trout and a fishing water.

More destinations

More local pages to help you choose your own trip: Brdo, Srebrenica, Banja Luka, Višegrad, Popov Most, Donje Vardište, Jablanica, Novi Grad.

For the higher-level travel overview: Republika Srpska.