Welcome to Petrovac-Drinic
Drinic is a mountain town located in a picturesque and tame plateau surrounded by the mountains of Klekovaca, Ostreljand and Srnetica. The most significant attraction of the area is the strictly protected natural reserve “Lom Rainforest” and the possibility of photo safaris featuring the capercaillie.
Culture
The cultural institutions in the municipality include a monument to the anti-fascist fighters of World War II, notable for its unique appearance and interesting artistic concept from the 1970s. There is also the “Memorial House” dedicated to the fallen soldiers of the Petrovac Brigade from the last Homeland War, honoring those who sacrificed their lives for freedom, without which Drinic would not exist today.
Cultural events held in the municipality of Petrovac include the “Straparijada” (horse pulling competition) and the “Hunters’ Cauldron” festival. Straparijada, in particular, is a competition in pulling logs with horses held every June.
Straparijada is an authentic event that began in 2006 in Drinic, originating from traditional competitions. In the rugged terrain of Klekovaca, Grmec and other Krajina mountains, no machine can replace horses in pulling logs. Currently, about 30 pairs of heavy horses work on this activity in Drinic. The rules of this unique competition are straightforward: the pair of horses that pulls a log the farthest in three attempts is the winner. Using whips, sticks or other objects for hitting horses is strictly prohibited.
Nature
Klekovaca mountain is located in the southwest of the Republic of Srpska. The area is characterized by a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including rare and protected species such as edelweiss and yellow gentian. The mountain stretches for 43km. The Ostrelj pass separates it from Osjecenica in the north, while the Milinista pass separates it from Vitorog in the south. Vast coniferous forests dominate up to an altitude of about 1500 meters, transitioning into sparser beech woods with its peak coverend i juniper (Klek) shrubs, from which the mountain gets its name. To the north lies the wide Kozila plateau, where the traditional Straparijada is held. Just below the peak is the “Lom” rainforest, one of three protected rainforests in the Republic of Srpska. Research for its protection began at the start of the 20th century, and the Lom Rainforest Reserve was officially established in 1956. It is located in the Klekovaca mountain range, on the ridge of Lom mountain. It covers an area of 297.8 hectares and includes a separated center, a strict wilderness reserve, spanning 55.8 hectares (classified as Category I-A under the IUCN classification). Entry and stay in the virgin forest area are not permitted without prior notification to the area’s management authority.
Adventure
For nature lovers there are fitness trails ideal for walking and cycling, as well as organized excursions to Klekovaca mountain, which also has marked paths. Hunting enthusiasts can enjoy the sport and recreational hunting grounds managed by the “Srndac” Hunting Association of Petrovac-Drinic. The hunting grounds span 6,766 hectares at altitudes ranging from 430 to 1907 meters above the sea level. The most common animals in the “Drinic” hunting area include deer, wild boar, bear and capercaillie. Among unprotected fur-bearing animals, wolves are particularly attractive for hunting. Additionally, the grounds offer numerous hunting facilities (open and closed stands, observation posts, feeding sites, carrion pits, watering spots, salt licks, etc.) which are well-suited for observation, hunting and feeding wild animals.
Gastro
Soft, fresh cheese with a creamy texture and a dairy spread, accompanied by a distinctive aroma and taste – this is how most first-time tasters describe the unique cheese known as Basa. Its production, shaped by geographic conditions and tradition, has led to the development of several variants. However, the fundamental characteristics of Basa, including its ingredients and nutritional properties have remained consistent, with only the preparation methods varying. Basa cheese typically contains a fat percentage ranging from 3.8% to 4.2%, and in this region, the renowned Lika and Petrovac Basa varieties stand out. Traditional recipes, passed down through generations have been adapted over time to local cultures and traditions. For instance, in the Gospic area, Basa is made in wooden vats with the addition of whey, while in other parts of Lika it is prepared using skimmed milk and sour milk.
The secret to the exceptional flavor of Basa cheese does not lie in its preparation but in cattle grazing. Free-range grazing on meadows abundant with aromatic and healing plants provides the perfect foundation for producing Basa cheese. The type of plants consumed by the cattle, whose milk is used to make the cheese, provide a unique taste and aroma that make Basa truly special.
Tourist organization of Petrovac-Drinic
Lom reinforest
One of three protected primeval forests in the territory of Republic of Srpska, the “Lom” rainforest reserve was established in 1956, with conservation research dating back to the early 20th century. Located within the Klekovaca mountain massif on the ridge of Lom Mountain, it spans an area of 297.8 hectares. At its center is a strict wilderness reserve covering 55.8 hectares, classified as category IA under the IUCN guidelines. Entry and activities within the primeval forest area are prohibited without prior approval from the area management authority.
