Welcome to Vlasenica
Vlasenica, nestled on the slopes of Javor Mountain at an altitude of 680 meters and surrounded by coniferous and deciduous forests preserves many stories from Serbian history as well as natural beauty that attracts mountaineers.
Vlasenica is also one of the oldest settlements in the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, as it was known as Birac as early as the 13th century. The municipality of Vlasenica is located in the central Podrinje region, where the first ascents towards the slopes of Javor Mountain and further towards Romanija begin. Evidence of its early settlement includes Stecak tombstones, remains of fortresses and temples, and medieval towns such as Veledin, Komic – Jerina’s Town, and Pera Town along the canyons of rivers Drinjaca and Lukavica, accessible to visitors via arranged hiking trails.
Typical for this area are its tall and thick forests, which, together with other natural beauties and riches give Vlasenica its unique charm. It is believed that the town’s current name derives from the grass species “vlasulja” (anemone), commonly found in the area.
Culture
The cultural life of Vlasenica revolves around the “National Library,” the Serbian Educational and Cultural Society “Prosvjeta” and the Literary Club “Birac.” The town is also home to the Forestry Studies Program of the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of East Sarajevo.
The “Monastery of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul” dominates the Vlasenica landscape. It was built in 1889.
The “Ruzina Voda” monument with a memorial fountain made of pink limestone is set in an exceptional natural environment. The fountain commemorates two battles, one fought on September 23, 1914, and another on June 15, 1942.
In the vicinity, there is a grave with the remains of 153 soldiers of the Serbian Army from the Sumadija Division who were killed in the 1914 battle, along with an undetermined number of fighters who fell during World War II.
Approximately 10km to the southwest of the modern town center, near the villages of Grabovica, Djurici and Misari lie the remains of the especially interesting medieval town “Veledin”. According to the legend, the town was founded and inhabited by Hungarians until it fell under Ottoman rule during their conquests of this region.
Nature
When traveling along the main road through the municipality of Vlasenica, you have the opportunity to enjoy the unspoiled nature of Javor mountain and picturesque viewpoints that stretch for kilometers. Combined with the reputation of the region’s clean air resort and high ozone levels, famous since the Austro-Hungarian era and even earlier, nature here offer a truly unique experience.
Particularly important in this area are its tall and thick forests, valuable both for their composition and the variety of tree species. Apart from the century-old beech, fir, maple, pine, and spruce trees, you can also find specimens of the rare and famous “Pancic spruce”.
Adventure
The hiking event “March to Pjenovac” is the most recognizable and largest event in Vlasenica. It is organized by the Mountaineering and Ecology Society “Acer.”
This association has marked approximately 250km of hiking trails, connecting the peaks of Javor, canyons of Lukavica and Drinjaca rivers, Vrelo and Skakavac waterfalls, fortresses Veledin, Komic Town and Pera Town, as well as the monasteries Lovnica, Papraca and Pjenovac, small church at Rudista, Ruzina Voda and Studeni Jadar.
Gastro
This mountain town offers tourists rich hospitality offer and accommodation. Many restaurants, cafes, two night clubs, fast food joints, bakeries, hotel “Panorama” and numerous private apartments for rent.
Mountain Javor
When traveling along the main road through the municipality of Vlasenica, you have the opportunity to enjoy the unspoiled nature of Mount Javor, with its picturesque landscapes that stretch for kilometers. Combined with the effect of the fresh mountain air and high ozone levels, for which this area has been famous since the Austro-Hungarian era and even earlier, the mountain offers a truly unique experience. Mountain Javor is a true paradise for mountaineering and hiking.
Sport-recreation center Igrista
For all skiing lovers, we recommend the Igrista Ski Center, located on Javor mountain and named after the mountain’s highest peak (1,406m of altitude). The ski center is located directly on the main Zvornik – Sarajevo road between Vlasenica and Han Pijesak. It was built during the Sarajevo Olympics as an auxiliary venue. The center offers approximately 6km of arranged trails and the “Javor Meadow”, a location specifically designed for beginners and young skiers. Currently, the ski center is undergoing renovation.
