Mrkonjic Grad

Welcome to Mrkonjic Grad

Mountainous region of abundant history, culture and unique nature.

Mrkonjic Grad, situated in a peculiar valley protected by forested hills and Mount Lisina, has been a hub of civilization for centuries, as evidenced by the remains from the Illyrian period. These artifacts, along with the remains of Roman roads, milestones, wells and monuments dedicated to Jupiter, highlight its significance along the ancient routes. The region is famous for its long-standing metalworking tradition. More than 500 Stecak tombstones and fortresses such as Soko, Prizren and Bocac witness to the area’s turbulent medieval history. Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian periods also left their marks that are visible even today. The most important historical events associated with Mrkonjic Grad include the first session of the State Anti-Fascist Council for the National Liberation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (ZAVNOBIH) on November 25, 1943, and the uprisings against Austro-Hungarian rule led by Petar Mrkonjic, later crowned King Petar I Karadjordjevic after whom the town was named in 1925.

Culture

City Museum in the Cultural Center “Petar Kocic” has a valuable collection of ethnological artifacts and photographs. Ethno-Museum in the eco-zone Zelenkovac is located in two wooden houses typical of the area with tools and items from the past.

ZAVNOBIH Memorial Museum. Situated in the town center, this museum is dedicated to the first session of ZAVNOBIH and is a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This region has long been famous for crafting tools, particularly the “Varcarka” scythe. Mrkonjic blacksmiths remain among the most skilled in the area, with workshops still producing traditional handmade tools. The annual scythe-mowing festival on Balkana celebrates the art of scything and the best scythe mowers.

Traditional handcrafts are preserved and cherished in this region. Wooden barrels, flasks for rakija, and other similar items are made here. Local women still weave gloves, socks, colorful rugs and covers with traditional patterns.

The most notable events are the “Homemade Rakija Festival” held in the winter and with a large number of producers, “Scythe Mowing Days at Balkana”, “Beekeeping Fair”, “Jazz Festival Zelenkovac” and “Pecka Outdoor Festival”, all dedicated to promoting active vacation.

Nature

Mrkonjic Grad is a mountainous region, with its highest peaks being Lisina (1467m), Dimitor (1483m), Cemernica (1338m), Manjaca (1239m) and the tallest, Ovcara (1576m). The area is exceptionally abundant with water, numerous springs, diverse flora and fauna. The villages are of mountainous type, scattered, with wooden houses surrounded by centuries-old forests of fir, spruce, pine and beech, intersected by large and steep mountain streams.

Golden eagles, eagle owls, and other protected species used to nest in the mountains of the Mrkonjic region and can still be found here. The area is renowned for approximately 1300 species of mushrooms, over 1000 plant species and as one of the most important sources of drinking water. On Lisina Mountain alone, there are about 360 small and large springs, while the entire region has around 1000 springs!

The sources of the Sana river, as well as the waterways of the Vrbas river (the largest), Crna river, Sokocnica river, Ponor river, Korana River, and Medljanska river are of great importance. Recently, “Vrela Sane” has been designated a nature monument, highlighting its significance. “Vrela Sane” encompasses the area of three karst springs of the Sana River, the lower stream of the Korana river and the Mracaj Cave, with its key values being the exceptional hydrological, hydrogeological, geomorphological and landscape characteristics.

The source of the Sokocnica river, located in the Lisina Mountain area at about 1000 meters above sea level is a part of the Zelenkovac watershed.

Lake Balkana, located 4km from Mrkonjic Grad, consists of Small and Large Lakes. Balkana is the most visited excursion and swimming destination in the region.

Adventure

The Vrbas River within the municipality is mostly calm and deep due to the Bocac power plant, which created the Bocac Lake. Downstream from the lake, Vrbas becomes an ideal river for adrenaline water sports. The lake itself is perfect for canyon boat rides and fishing.

Climbing area Pecka

In the village of Pecka, there is an attractive climbing area abundant with numerous high rocks and over 100 routes, making it one of the largest climbing spots in BiH. The unique rock configuration, composed of numerous pockets and various holds offers a diverse and interesting climbing experiences. The approach to the rocks is ideal, as is the surrounding environment, with its southeast orientation provides a special setting for climbers. It is located just 2km from the Pecka Visitor Center, which offers all necessary infrastructure for a comfortable stay for climbers, hikers and mountaineers. The climbing routes are maintained and developed by the Extreme Climbing Club, which has been organizing a festival at this climbing site since 2010.

Cycling
In the Mrkonjic Grad area, the “Green Tour” Association has mapped over 300 km of cycling trails on asphalt and macadam roads. These trails connect beautiful hilly villages, freshwater springs, rural households with homemade products and meals to the Pecka Visitor Center.

Gastro

When visiting Mrkonjic Grad, it is a must to try the famous buckwheat pie (“ljevusa”) and grilled trout. In addition to these specialties, the region is famous for homemade smoked meats and a variety of cheeses, ranging from fresh to smoked and aged ones with stronger flavors. Roasted lamb and goat are highly valued, while the rakija (brandy) made by nearly every household is widely renowned.

Mrkonjic honey is also of very high quality, as bees forage in an unpolluted area at altitudes from 300 to 1500 meters, abundant with various nectar-bearing plants.

If you stay at one of the rural households, you will surely be offered with the best they have, including various types of fried dough, baked pies (kljukusa, ljevusa), polenta, pies, kajmak, sour milk, homemade jams and of course, rakija!

If you visit the Pecka Visitor Center, be sure to order a mushroom dish. Various delicacies with dried or fresh mushrooms are made here, combining traditional and international cuisines, all while offering a unique culinary class. After a delicious meal, treat your palate to the exceptional-quality “Varcar

Zelenkovac

The ecological movement Zelenkovac was founded in 1997 as a non-governmental organization, inspired by Borislav Jankovic’s dream to create a small art gallery and painting studio in the heart of the forest. Today, Zelenkovac is a small ecological area offering its visitors bungalows for accommodation, delicious homemade food and a bar for everyone’s enjoyment.

Located 70km southwest of Banja Luka, 15km from Mrkonjic Grad at the foothill of Lisina, by a river in a fresh and green setting, Zelenkovac is far from civilization in a peaceful forest.

The art gallery “Why Didn’t Boro Leave!?” enchants its visitors with philosophical paintings by Boro and his friends, a picturesque ambiance to soothe the soul, and friendly staff who provide everything needed for a pleasant stay.

Pecka Visitor Center

The Pecka Visitor Center is housed in a former village elementary school, which operated from its opening in 1931 until 1985.

The center serves multiple purposes, with the guiding idea being to provide visitors with information about attractions and reliably high-quality products, while offering locals a channel for marketing their quality goods. Managed by Greenways, an association supporting sustainable development, the completely renovated old school building is a result of extensive effort and several projects of the association’s members. In addition to managing the center, Greenways works on establishing themed trails in the area, looking after the sources of the Sana river, developing agricultural production and promoting the entire region.

The center is the starting and return point for excursions, climbing, cycling, hiking through the highlands of Krajina, meetings with guides, and more. One of the most important aspects of the center’s activities is organizing nature schools for preschool and elementary children. These programs allow children to directly interact with nature, raising their awareness about nature conservation and the importance of organic food production and consumption. The center provides adequate infrastructure, parking spaces for visitors and hospitality services.

.Visitor Center Pecka

Balkana