A PLACE WHERE TIME STANDS STILL: ČARDAKLIJE PRESERVE THE SPIRIT OF OLD KRAJINA

Among the many hidden gems of the Krajina region, the Čardaklije rural household in the village of Vrtoče, near Bosanski Petrovac, holds a special place. It offers visitors a unique blend of nature, tradition, homemade cuisine, and memories of simpler times.

PHOTO: Instagram: Travel with Vanja

Travel blogger and tourism promoter known as “Travel With Vanja” describes Čardaklije as her favorite destination whenever she wants to escape the fast pace of everyday life.

"Whenever I want to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, find peace, and enjoy a place where every corner awakens childhood memories, I always go to the Čardaklije rural household," Vanja wrote.

A STORY THAT SPANS GENERATIONS

The idea of building and preserving the household was initiated by brothers Zoran and Zdravko Radošević, whose family roots, according to local tradition, date back to the 14th century. The Radošević family originally comes from the Lika region beneath Mount Velebit.

Legend has it that their ancestors were led to the southern slopes of Mount Grmeč by a blind old man riding a blind horse. Arriving at the spot where the Skakavac stream cascades down a cliff, he reportedly said: “Stop here; this is where we will build our home.”

The family lived in the area for nearly a century. In 1858, one of three brothers, Ilija Radošević, built an unusual house called a “Čardak.” Its residents soon became known as the “Čardaklije,” a name that has remained to this day.

Generations of the family have continued to preserve the traditions and way of life of their ancestors, keeping alive the heritage of this unique rural estate.

NATURE, RELAXATION, AND TRADITIONAL CUISINE

Visitors can enjoy authentic homemade meals, stay overnight in traditional accommodation, interact with farm animals, ride horses, cycle through the surrounding countryside, and spend time immersed in nature.

One of the highlights of Čardaklije is its culinary offer. Guests are served traditional homemade dishes accompanied by bread and pastries made from organically grown grains such as buckwheat, rye, and wheat.

According to Vanja, the food is of exceptional quality, while the menu remains firmly rooted in local culinary traditions.

THE ENCHANTED FOREST FOR CHILDREN

A special attraction is the “Enchanted Forest,” designed primarily for younger visitors.

"The Enchanted Forest invites younger generations to discover how their parents spent their childhood, meet characters from beloved stories, and learn how children once grew up healthy by spending far more time outdoors than they do today," Vanja explains.

The area combines play, learning, and nature, encouraging children to reconnect with the outdoors.

AN ATMOSPHERE OF TIMES GONE BY

Vanja believes that the atmosphere is one of the estate’s greatest strengths.

"The entire setting evokes the spirit of old times and creates the feeling that time has simply stopped," she says.

For anyone looking to escape city life and reconnect with nature, Čardaklije offers the perfect retreat. Located just a two-hour drive from Banja Luka, it provides visitors with an authentic experience of Krajina’s culture, history, and traditional way of life.