ĐURĐEVDAN HIKING GATHERING ON ROMANIJA BRINGS TOGETHER DOZENS OF MOUNTAINEERS

The traditional Đurđevdan early-morning hiking event on Mount Romanija gathered around 60 mountaineers today from various parts of Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia, including a large number of children.

PHOTO: Katera

PHOTO: SRNA

Participants set off from the “Stajna” mountain lodge, hiking through a 14-kilometer trail of deciduous and coniferous forest leading to Novak’s Cave.

President of the Mountaineering and Environmental Society “Romanija,” Radoje Vojvodić, said that favorable weather allowed people of all generations—from the youngest to the oldest—to take part, adding that everyone successfully completed the planned route.

He also warned that nature on Romanija is being threatened by excessive logging, noting that it damages forest roads, water sources, and natural resources.

“This is not forest order, but forest disorder,” Vojvodić emphasized, calling on authorities to protect springs and natural wealth in the area.

Vice-president of the society and licensed guide Slavko Bojanić said that the goal of such hikes, besides socializing and spending time in nature, is to educate younger generations to appreciate mountains and a healthy lifestyle.

According to him, participants walked part of the “Starina Novak” trail, which stretches from Novak’s Cave to what was once the outlaw’s refuge on Romanija.

Bojanić recalled that the Mountaineering Society “Romanija” and the Tourist Organization of East Sarajevo last year arranged, marked, and mapped a 20-kilometer trail passing through several natural landmarks.

“The trail runs from Novak’s Cave, across Veliko Ždrijelo, Hotočko Vrelo, and Zečeva Ledenjača—where ice remains even in summer—then descends to Stajinsko Ždrijelo and ends at our lodge,” Bojanić explained.

He stressed that hiking is not reserved only for experienced individuals, noting that the youngest participant today was a seven-year-old girl who successfully completed the route.

“Anyone who loves nature and enjoys walking can join us. With proper guidance and rest, the trail can be completed successfully,” Bojanić added.

Petar Rajda, president of the “Ravničar” Mountaineering Society from Bačka Palanka, said he has brought several groups to Romanija over the years, with the first one consisting of 50 people.

“We’ve been coming here for many years. We enjoy it and always gladly return to Romanija and the surrounding mountains,” Rajda said, adding that he would rank Romanija among the top ten mountains in the region.

The Đurđevdan gathering has historically been a central celebration of St. George’s Day, the arrival of spring, and the gathering of hajduks, before it was largely replaced by May Day celebrations during the communist era.