AREŽINA: GOAL IS TO SHOWCASE MUNICIPALITY AS TOURIST DESTINATION

MRKONJIĆ GRAD, NOVEMBER 11 /SRNA/ - The Tourism Organization of the municipality of Mrkonjić Grad has officially begun its operations, and in the coming period, promotional activities are planned to strengthen the identity of this local community as a tourist destination, increase the number of visitors, and boost tourism-related spending in the area.

Acting Director of the Tourism Organization Nataša Arežina told SRNA that Mrkonjić Grad possesses significant natural and cultural-historical heritage, which provides an excellent foundation for tourism development.

She stated that the Tourism Organization will highlight already established locations, as well as promote new ones.

TOURISM GEMS OF THE BALKANS: PECKA AND ZELENKOVAC

Arežina emphasized that a significant part of establishing Mrkonjić Grad as a tourist destination involves its cultural and historical heritage, which needs to be restored, protected, and included in the city's tourism offerings.

She highlighted that she is primarily referring to completing the restoration of the national monument of BiH – the ZAVNOBiH Museum, which was renovated in 2022 and now needs to be equipped with appropriate exhibits, as well as protecting religious buildings and other cultural-historical landmarks.

Arežina pointed out that among the destinations worth visiting in the municipality, Balkana, the village of Pecka, and Zelenkovac stand out, while new tourist attractions to be developed include the Rogolji Nursery and Lake Bočac.

BALKANA – A GEM OF TOURISM OFFERING

Balkana, a lake located four kilometers west of Mrkonjić Grad along the former AVNOJ road, is one of the most significant tourist sites in the area.

With its emerald-green waters surrounded by lush forest, Balkana is an ideal destination for those seeking peace, relaxation in the fresh air amidst natural beauty, and outdoor adventures.

The lake's crystal-clear water is perfect for summer swimming, and the beaches offer ideal spots for sunbathing and relaxation.

Since the lake is located at the foot of Mount Lisina, it is ideal for walking and hiking, and around and above the lake, there are marked trails /four looped paths/ that connect Lake Balkana with the mountain.

The trails were marked by the Vidik Mountaineering and Ecological Society from Mrkonjić Grad.

Lake Balkana is rich in fish, making it a favorite spot for fishermen. The lake is home to various fish species, including carp, trout, and catfish.

As for accommodation, in addition to the Balkana Hotel located right by the lake, excellent lodging options can also be found in the nearby weekend settlement of Brdo.

THE VILLAGE OF PECKA – ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL IN BiH AND THE LARGEST NATURAL CLIMBING SITE

The village of Pecka is located 30 kilometers from Mrkonjić Grad. In the village, visitors can find the Sana Springs Natural Monument, the Pecka climbing site, the Church of Saint Elijah, dating back to 1858, and the Pecka Visitor Center, managed by the Greenways Association, which promotes the village as the "Village of the Past and a Promising Future" through its activities.

One of the most significant initiatives in the village is the protection of the springs of the Sana River, which were declared the Sana Springs Natural Monument in 2021.

The village of Pecka is also home to the largest natural climbing site in BiH, with more than 140 climbing routes, and it hosts the oldest climbing festival in BiH.

The village is fully mapped and marked with signage for both hiking and cycling trails.

In addition to the Pecka Outdoor Resort, which offers 40 beds, and the Visitor Center with 16 beds, several rural houses are available for farm-stay accommodation in the village, providing around 20 more beds.

In 2023, Pecka was officially recognized as one of the 14 most beautiful villages in BiH.

Many events are held in Pecka, including the Pecka Outdoor Festival, which takes place every July in the village and brings together enthusiasts of mountains, cycling, art, music, and life beyond the routine.

In mid-May, the village also hosts the Pecka Rock Climbing Festival, the oldest climbing festival in BiH, featuring more than 120 routes for both experienced climbers and beginners from across the region.

Pecka is also known for its Mushrooming School, held at the beginning of October, designed for anyone who wants to independently identify, collect, and use wild edible mushrooms in cooking.

ZELENKOVAC – PERFECT FOR WEEKEND GETAWAY OR LONGER STAY

Zelenkovac is a location situated in the village of Podrašnica, in the heart of a pine forest along the main road, 15 kilometers from Mrkonjić Grad.

Zelenkovac lies at an altitude of around 880 meters and has been designated as the Zelenkovac Ecological Zone since 2002.

Its fairytale-like natural surroundings, centered around a renovated watermill that now serves as a café and gallery, make this place ideal for a weekend getaway or a longer stay.

Accommodation is arranged in bungalows, and the food served is authentic and homemade, giving every visitor a true homely experience.

Every year, numerous events are held in Zelenkovac, including the popular Jazz Festival, which takes place at the beginning of August, and which celebrated its 25th anniversary this year.

ROGOLJI NURSERY – A POTENTIAL TRUMP CARD

Rogolji Nursery is a recreational area at the foot of Mount Lisina that requires development in the near future. It should be equipped with tourist infrastructure and supporting facilities to enhance the municipality's tourism offerings.

The fact that Rogolji Nursery is recognized as one of the area’s significant tourist sites is supported by the events organized there by the Vidik Mountaineering and Ecological Society from Mrkonjić Grad, including the culinary competition Rat Grava, held in August, and the Mushroom Days Festival, held at the end of September.

LAKE BOČAC – PERFECT FOR WATER SPORTS AND RECREATION

Lake Bočac is located 14 kilometers from Mrkonjić Grad, in a canyon formed by the slopes of Mounts Čemernica and Manjača.

The lake was formed by the construction of a dam for a hydropower plant that started operating in 1981, and it is supplied by the Vrbas River.

Thanks to its length, width, depth, and abundance of various fish species, the lake is ideal for water sports and recreation, which will be a focus of the Tourism Organization in the near future.

Above the Bočac Hydropower Dam lie the remains of the Old Town of Bočac, which has been declared a national monument of BiH.

This medieval architectural complex was first mentioned in 1446 as one of the most important fortifications in the defense system of the Vrbas region.

OBSERVATION DECK SHOULD BE BUILT IN THE VILLAGE OF DABRAC

In the near future, activities are planned to prepare the necessary documentation to apply for this project to both international and domestic funding sources.

A stunning view of Lake Bočac, the Vrbas Canyon, and the remains of the Old Town of Bočac can be enjoyed from the site along the Banjaluka–Mrkonjić Grad main road in the village of Dabrac, which has been selected for the construction of the observation deck.

Arežina stated that the complete technical documentation, including the construction permit, has already been prepared, and in the near future, activities are planned to secure funding from various sources to build the observation deck and promote the tourism potential of the Mrkonjić Grad municipality.