Vitlenica – Hajdučka vrata
Tour description:
One of the most beautiful hiking trails on Čvrsnica and in the entire region is the one that passes from Vitlenica to Hajdučka vrata.
The one-way tour takes about 4 hours, during which you can experience the full diversity of Čvrsnica Mountain firsthand. The first hour passes through the Muvarnica forest park. The forest is abundant with tall centuries-old pine and fir trees, interspersed with a few beech trees. Covering a large area of 500 hectares, this green oasis of peace is also home to a variety of bird species whose singing complements the hiking experience in this area.
Exiting the forest into a clearer area, after the forest, you immediately come to the first viewpoint where benches are set up to rest. This is where most hikers decide to take their first longer break. The spot is perfect for taking the first real photos of the hike as it offers the first views of the slopes of Čvrsnica and its, perhaps most famous peak, Veliki Vilinac (2118 meters above sea level). Looking up towards this peak instills a sense of awe in people because the cliffs that adorn Veliki Vilinac show that reaching it is no easy task. The entire scene from this viewpoint is complemented by a multitude of smaller peaks that look sharp as if it’s impossible to pass by them. Trostruki and Dvostruki kuk, Mali Vilinac, Lomivrat, and Mala Oštrovača are just some of them.
Right there, between those peaks, the hiking trail continues to Hajdučka Vrata. Passing through several valleys and gorges, this entire tour takes on a completely new look and awakens the true mountaineer in you. Along this trail, you have the opportunity to pass through the old abandoned settlement of former shepherds and cattle breeders. This entire area is called Zaglavlje and is located at 1560 meters above sea level, and despite all the ruins, one small cottage still stands and defies time. Through restoration and constant attention, the house continues to serve as a shelter in case of bad weather. Depending on the time of year you would hike this trail, this area is perfect for getting to know rare species of plants and flowers that grow on Čvrsnica.
The trail continues under the Stog peak, next to which it is best to take another slightly longer break before the final and steepest ascent. Behind that peak, you move onto the highlands of Čvrsnica, so the temperature can change by several degrees in a short time. Continuing to hike, Veliki Vilinac gets closer and you can spot hikers on it, while looking back opens up views of the Vran and Raduša mountains behind it.
After about three hours of moderately difficult hiking, you reach the Hajdučka Vrata <-> Veliki Vilinac / Vilinac Hut intersection. The intersection is located at 1860 meters above sea level, and from there to Hajdučka vrata, it takes less than an hour. It all depends on how much you will be captivated by the views of the peaks of the majestic Prenj in the distance or the area around Peštibrdo, which is all interwoven with cliffs and high rocks. Five minutes before reaching the final point, you also pass by the highest lake in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Crvenjak Lake is located exactly at 2000 meters above sea level, just like Hajdučka Vrata, which are only a five-minute walk from the lake.
When you reach those last meters of the trail, you emerge onto the most beautiful viewpoint you have ever visited. A stone circle with a diameter of five meters is the perfect addition to the entire scene and a great lure for all lovers of natural wonders and beautiful photo opportunities.
Hajdučka Vrata were declared a natural monument as far back as 1985 and are visited by thousands of hikers every year. The fact that part of the Lord of the Rings was planned to be filmed in this location shows how popular the place is and how that popularity only grows with each passing year. Behind Hajdučka Vrata is the canyon of Diva Grabovica, through which the view extends as far as to Prenj, Velež, and Čabulja. Deep at the end of the canyon, one of the coldest rivers in Europe can be seen – the Neretva. The Diva Grabovica canyon is a staggering 1800 meters deep, making it comparable to the Grand Canyon, which is equally deep. An incredible fact about Diva Grabovica is that the entire canyon is located within Čvrsnica. Next to Hajdučka Vrata is also a peak at 2038 meters above sea level (Trinjača), where there is also a notebook in which you can sign your name.
The return journey gives you a new experience as the trail looks completely different, so you might “feel like you’re going along an entirely new trail that you haven’t traveled before.” This is another detail that makes this entire hiking tour one of the most beautiful and special, and as a souvenir from Blidinje Nature Park, you will surely take away a large number of memories and just as many beautiful photographs.
Additional Information:
– A dirt road 3.5 km long leads to the starting point, which can be rough in places, especially after heavy rains.
– Near the hiking trail, there is water near the Vilinac Hut, and to reach it requires an additional forty minutes of hiking.
– The length of the trail is about 16.5 km (round trip), with an altitude difference of about 700 meters. The trail is considered a moderately difficult hiking tour. It is well marked. Markings for night hiking are also set up through the forest.
- Starting point: Vitlenica, 1470 meters above sea level
- Coordinates for the starting point: 43.673061, 17.622733
- Walking time: 7 hours
- Length of the trail: 16.5 km
- Altitude difference: 700 m
- Drinking water: available
- Difficulty of ascent: moderately difficult
Magical landscapes of Blidinje Nature Park
Association “Visit Blidinje”
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