Ascent to Veliki Vran
Tour description:
Since ancient times, the Vran mountain has been the site of noble endeavors that teach us about life in this region throughout history and how people used the mountain for various purposes.
If you venture to the peaks of Vran, along its well-marked and clean hiking trails, keep in mind that centuries ago, shepherds led their cattle to graze in these green canopies. Under these green canopies, outlaws dreamt during the summer heat, hiding from the Ottomans. Centuries before humans, wolves and bears protected their territory here, fighting for this great jewel of the Blidinje Nature Park.
Much has changed over the centuries, but the mountain and its peaks remain the same. There are no more outlaws, but there are tourists who walk through these beautiful expanses in search of stories echoing through Vran. If you decide on such a quest and if your desire leads you to Veliki Vran, the highest peak of the mountain, we have two best options for you. One trail to Veliki Vran starts behind the Hajdučke Vrleti restaurant, and the other starts from Kedžara; specifically from the dirt road leading to the grave of Diva Grabovčeva.
The trail that leads to Vran from behind the Hajdučke Vrleti restaurant has its starting point about 300 m behind the restaurant, at the entrance to the forest. At this point, there is also a large transformer station, and you can also orient yourself by the power line passing above it. Near the beginning of the trail is the lower cave of the outlaw Mijat Tomić. The entire story serves as an excellent introduction to the whole day ahead of you. Before emerging into the clearing, the trail initially passes through a pine and beech forest. From the grassy areas above the forest, you can see the Blidinje Nature Park towards Risovac and parts of Čvrsnica around Veliki Vilinac. The trail then continues steeply towards the summit. It passes by Hajdučki spring, where the water dries up, and when it is available, it is not recommended for drinking. Upon reaching the highlands of the Vran mountain, you will come to a junction of trails, where you need to stay to the right to avoid going in the wrong direction. The left trail leads to the peaks of Vran and Mali Vran. By turning right, after some time, you will catch sight of the summit you are heading towards. It takes another 30-40 minutes to reach Veliki Vran.
This trail is excellent because the descent is easier. The well-made trail provides real pleasure during hiking. It is marked along the entire route, and at the aforementioned junction, there is no sign, so it is necessary to go right.
If you choose the trail that leads from Kedžara to Veliki Vran, you will need to hike a bit longer. Unlike the one behind the restaurant, this trail does not go steeply uphill but mostly diagonally across the mountain, which also means it is longer. It starts from the dirt road leading to the grave of Diva Grabovčeva. Immediately from the dirt road, the initial trail marker leads, and after about 15 minutes, it enters a thick shade made by the crowns of centuries-old beech trees. Upon reaching a clearing, you will come across an old watering hole with a diameter of 5 m, made of hewn stone. This area is called Prskalov dolac, and the watering hole once served shepherds who led their cattle to graze in that area. You can have a good rest at this spot, but just above that location, there is an even better one. By entering the thick beech forest again, you will come to a place where remnants of a campfire can be seen. There is almost no sunlight at this spot, and the beech trees are so thick that they cannot be encircled. All of this literally invites you to take a break and a longer rest before the even more difficult ascent. After the rest, the trail continues very steeply towards the ridge of the mountain. This part is equally challenging for both ascent and descent. When you reach about 2000 m, all that remains is to walk along the ridge to the summit of Veliki Vran.
Veliki Vran is a peak with an altitude of 2074 m, bearing the title of the highest on the entire Vran mountain. The most interesting thing you can experience from this peak is the view of three large lakes. These are Buško, Blidinje, and Rama lakes. All three – each more beautiful than the other – can be seen from this beautiful peak. From the Vran mountain, Čvrsnica looks grandiose. All its great peaks are well visible, just like the Blidinje Nature Park around Risovac, Dugo Polje, and Blidinjsko Lake.
Not only can you listen to whispers of history whose voices have been wandering through the peaks and forests of Vran for centuries, but you can also enjoy the views of the expanses of this mountain that seem endless.
Additional information:
– From Hajdučki spring located on the trail behind the restaurant, it is not recommended to consume water until you reach Veliki Vran.
– Both trails are well-marked and maintained.
– A good dirt road, 2 km in length, leads to the starting point of the trail from Kedžara.
– To reach the starting point of the trail behind the restaurant, it is necessary to walk an additional 300 m on flat terrain and find the initial trail marker behind the transformer station.
From the direction of Hajdučke Vrleti restaurant:
- Starting point: Behind the Hajdučke Vrleti restaurant, 1250 m above sea level
- Coordinates for the starting point: 43.654853, 17.528620
- Hiking time: 7 hours
- Length of the trail: 8 km
- Elevation gain: 850 m
- Drinking water: Not available
- Difficulty of ascent: moderately difficult
From the direction of Kedžara:
- Starting point: Towards Kedžara, 1300 m above sea level
- Coordinates for the starting point: 43.676900,17.542074
- Hiking time: 7.5 hours
- Length of the trail: 9 km
- Elevation gain: 800 m
- Drinking water: Not available
- Difficulty of ascent: moderately difficult
Magical landscapes of Blidinje Nature Park
Association “Visit Blidinje”
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