About Vlasic Mountain
With its 1943 meters high peak Paljenik, Mount Vlasic is equally far from the Adriatic Sea and the large inland cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia. As many as 100 kilometres of forest roads, the river Ugar and its tributaries the Ilomska and Kobiljska rivers, and endless meadows are all an unavoidable challenge for many hikers during the summer months. Snow, however, which is present on this mountain five months a year, is a paradise for every skier.
Mountain trademarks
The legend says that the nomadic Vlachs, descendants of the ancient Romans and the ancient Illyrian and Thracian people, brought one of the trademarks of Mount Vlasic – Vlasic cheese from one of their endless journeys. Vlasic cheese is one of the best sheep cheeses stored in brine. It is originally made from fresh sheep milk, but also cow milk, and then left to ripe for two to three months. By perfecting the cheese making recipes, the Vlachs passed on the tradition to the cattle breeders from the surrounding mountains. Today, Vlasic cheese is produced throughout the country thus becoming its original traditional product.
In addition to the Vlasic cheese, there are two other trademarks of Mount Vlasic– Bosnian and Herzegovinian shepherd dog and Pramenka sheep. The shepherd dog has been living in this area for more than 1000 years, defending the sheep during grazing. The last trademark is Pramenka, Bosnian and Herzegovinian indigenous breed of sheep.
The touristic potential of Mount Vlasic was recognized by the Austro-Hungarian aristocracy, who in the 19th century regularly enjoyed in its beauties. In recent times, the most famous part of Mount Vlasic where numerous tourists find their peace is called Babanovac. In the 1970s, in this part of Mount Vlasic, a 90 meter ski-jumping venue, where the legendary ski jumping competition “Vlasic Cup” was held, was built.
