Five lakes of Zelengora are located in Sutjeska National Park: Crno, Bijelo, OrlovaÄŤko, Donje and Gornje Bare. They lie at elevations between 1,380 and 1,650 metres. When planning your trip, it is helpful to compare the different types of excursions available: from a several-hour walk to two lakes to a one-day mountain-bike stage visiting nine lakes.
Zelengora’s Lakes and Landscape
Zelengora’s landscape includes forests, green meadows, mountain pastures, springs and streams. Swimming is possible in some lakes; access and conditions may vary from lake to lake. The five names help distinguish the destinations without assuming that all the bodies of water are swimming spots. The katuns are also part of the area’s character: these are seasonal herding settlements associated with livestock farming and the production of traditional dairy products. The activities that take place there today vary by season.
Planning Hiking and Cycling
Hiking is possible on Zelengora; cycling takes place on established and marked trails. The excursion to Crno and Bijelo lakes is scheduled to take 7–8 hours, including 4–5 hours of hiking. Check the tour itinerary in advance if you are using this time as a basis for planning your day.
The Via Dinarica MTB route BH 01 VD+ Zelengora is on a different scale: it passes over Ljubin Grob Pass and descends to Bijelo and Crno lakes. The day stage visits nine lakes of Zelengora and covers 70 kilometres with more than 2,000 metres of elevation gain. These figures give you an idea of the cycling tour’s duration and elevation demands. On the described route, the mountain trail from Orlovačko Lake to Vrbnica is considered the most challenging section. Tour and trail conditions can change; check them before setting off.
Horse Riding in Vrbnica
For beginners and family tours, the National Park recommends riding at the riding arena in Vrbnica. The horses are kept there; National Park staff take riders to Vrbnica in park vehicles. The options also include horse-riding excursions with a visit to the village. This allows you to consider the riding arena and a village stroll as different aspects of an excursion, without equating them with a hiking or cycling route. For your plans, ask the National Park about a suitable date and itinerary.
Routes and Getting Around
Vrbnica can be reached via a 13-kilometre gravel road; the condition of the surface can change. Two kilometres before Vrbnica, a road branches off towards the stream and the village of Ljubina. The onward journey from Vrbnica to Srijemušna Luka, about 7.5 kilometres, requires an off-road vehicle; conditions can vary seasonally. A cycling route leads gradually downhill towards Tjentište after arriving in Vrbnica. Plan these different routes separately: the gravel road to Vrbnica, the onward journey to Srijemušna Luka, which is possible only with an off-road vehicle, and the downhill cycling route towards Tjentište.
Village Life and Accommodation
In the area, the Pašina Valley mountaineering club organises a traditional daffodil-picking event in June. Check before your trip whether and when it is taking place. Vrbnica is also home to a small church dedicated to Saint Panteleimon, which is a monument.
Household Kovačević offers rural accommodation in ethnic-style rooms. The address is Vrbnica bb, Velika Ljubina, Tjentište; check the address and current offer before booking. You can sample authentic Bosnian food and drinks there. Ask directly about the availability of the food.
Discover more destinations: Nevesinje, Ugljevik, Rudo Polje, Staro Rudo, ModriÄŤa, Popov Most, Trebinje, Njemanica.
For the broader travel overview: Republika Srpska.
