Golija

Golija is one of the most beautiful mountains and richest with forests. It is located 40 km southwest of Ivanjica, and provides great opportunities for rest and recreation in almost untouched nature. The highest peak is Jankov Kamen (1833 meters). Area of the mointain Golija was placed under state protection as a nature park "Golija" in 2001, which was classified as category I protection as a natural asset of great importance. That same year UNESCO protected it as Biosphere Reserve "Golija-Studenica’’. Golija slopes are very suitable for skiing.


Golija is one of the highest mountains of southwestern Serbia. Valleys are rich with woods, meadows and pastures, and the mountain form a latin letter S. It is 32 km long. Symbols of Golija are rivers Moravica and Studenica.

This mountain was probably named because of its size – it is huge. The vast space, harsh climate and dense forests are the reason that the locals often say: "Golija doesn’t know what a hero is.’’

Golija can freely carry the epithet of an air spa, because there are three different climatic regions. The mountain valley, including areas up to 700 m above the sea level, are characterized with a moderate continental climate, modified by the influence of the surrounding mountains. The transition includes the area between 700 and 1300 m above the sea level with long and severe winters and short, fresh summers. Winters are with a lot of snowfall, and summers with warm days and fresh nights. Mountain covers an area with altitudes over 1300 m, characterized by harsh and cold winters and short chilly summer.

Golija belongs to the inner zone of Dinara mountain system. It streaches in the direction of west-east, and it is about 32 km long. Western part is curved toward the south, and east to the north. Golija has numerous rivers that devide her: Studenica, Brvenica, Moravica. Golija has a rich diversity of flora and fauna - with lush vegetation, drinking water, stunning meadows, clear mountain air, rich forests. Great wealth of flora and fauna, and excellent elevation are good for the production of healthy food (dairy products, buckwheat, meat and meat products). With 95 bird species classified, Golija is one of the most important ornithological mountain European centers. Their presence in different types of habitats shows how diverse the world of birds is. Environment of Golija is full of cultural and historical monuments.