Rtanj mountain in East Serbia is considered for one of the most attractive mountains in Serbia from several aspects, from hikers prospective it is probably most hiked mountain with a single peak in Serbia, thanks to its diversity of trails which one can take, depending on skills and fitness, but also because of its almost wild nature, moderate weather conditions and 360 degrees views which can be admired from the summit.

#YourSerbiaHost will meet you early in the morning at your hotel or other place of your stay in Belgrade. We need around two hours to reach the village from which your hike will start (~600m a.s.l.). We are taking the southern trail which is considered for the least demanding (if you want more demanding hike, please inquire). The hike to the summit is approximately 3 hours with few stops for catching a breath, but also for catching breathtaking views over Timočka krajina.  First portion of the trail goes through forest until we reach the elevation of ~1000m where slopes are open and without any high vegetation, from this point you can clearly see pyramid shape of Rtanj’s upper part. Concerning the mountain itself, there are many legends about it, but not only legends, there are scientific measurements about its high energy levels which are measured around the mountain. One of the specificity of it is endemic herb of Winter savory which is used in regionally famous Rtanj tea, proven to treat numerous medical conditions. Concerning stories about legends and mysteries, ask #YourSerbiaHost to tell you few during the hike.

Last portion of the trail is quite steep, so to overcome last 500m of elevation difference will be the most exhausting, but also the most fulfilling thanks to breathtaking views. The summit is something really unique, since Rtanj is the highest point in kilometers around so nothing will get in your way to enjoy views far in the distance, 360 degrees, like when you are on the tip of pyramid. The name of highest peak of Rtanj is Šiljak (Spike) and the elevation is 1560m a.s.l. On the very tip is a chapel, or remains of it to be exact, built in 1936 by Greta Minh, member of Jewish family which owned coal mine located at the foot of Rtanj. She organized construction of this chapel in memory of her late husband. It took 1000 workers to put it together. It lasted for almost 30 years until treasure diggers blew it up in search for treasure which was hidden underneath it, by the legend. We will make a small picnic when we reach the summit with few sandwiches and we’ll have a toast with rakija to mark our successful climb.

After we finish with our break and photo session we are getting back, it’ll take around 2,5 hours to get down to the village from where we started.

The day is not finished yet and we are getting to nearby village Ilino, to a local tavern which offers food from this area, yet meal is not the only reason to go there, the place has an interesting owner and story about how he got there and why he built this place will roundup the whole legend/mystery veil which is wrapped around Rtanj.

From Ilino we are returning back to Belgrade

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