Golija

Golija reaches 1,833 metres at Jankov Kamen and is covered by some of the largest continuous forest in Serbia, beech, fir and spruce, with peat bogs, springs and a high proportion of endemic and relict plants; it was designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2001, the first in Serbia, and is also a nature park. Human presence is thin: scattered hamlets, summer grazing, and the Studenica monastery on its northern flank. The massif runs about thirty-two kilometres in a C-shape and covers some 750 square kilometres. Walking and mountain biking routes cross it, and the Golijska Moravica river rises here. Ivanjica on the northern side is the usual base and is known for its air quality, having been a climatic resort for respiratory treatment. Roads over the mountain are rough and snowbound in winter.

The landscape

• Continuous forest - beech, fir and spruce over the whole massif.
• Peat bogs and springs - wet habitats with relict plant communities.
• Scattered hamlets - thin settlement and summer grazing.
• Jankov Kamen - the summit and its view over southwest Serbia.

When to go

May to October for walking; June for flowers and September for clear weather. Snow closes the mountain roads from November to April, though some slopes are used for basic skiing.

What to expect

Trails are poorly marked and the forest makes navigation harder than open mountain. Accommodation is a few village households and small lodges. Roads are rough and long. Bears and wolves live here, which affects camping practice. There is no visitor centre of consequence.

Nearby

Studenica lies northeast; Novi Pazar is southeast.

Key facts