ZLATAR (Velika Krseva 1625 m)

Zlatar is the mountain of unusual beauty. It seems even more beautiful while you driving through it, by the asphalt road Sjenica-Nova Varos. Wavy green and yellow fields around the Uvac lake and vast pine forests below the highest peak of this mountain, are really a golden treasure. Maybe that’s the reason for it’s name – Zlatar (Golden).

The shortest way to the peak Golo brdo (Naked hill) and the neighboring Velika Krseva is by the Ibar highway, to Nova Varos (distance between Belgrade and Nova Varos is about 280 km). At Nova Varos, turn left toward Sjenica (there is a sign) and after 6 km you will come to the turnoff for Vodena poljana (Water meadow), at 1450 m. A good macadam road leads to Vodena poljana. Road is 3.8 km long. The road is not promising and looks very bad in the first 50 meters, but after you pass this critical point, the road improves.

At Vodena poljana is a monastery dedicated to St. Cosmas and Damian.

Monastery of St. Cosmas and Damian

Golo brdo is situated about 2 km from the monastery. Just follow the signs to the monastery Mileseva and you will come below the top. I drove a car these 2 km, but next time i will not do it, the road is not so good.

When you come below the top, you will see a small path to the right. After 10 minutes, you will be at Golo brdo (1607 m).

Golo brdo

Peak next to Golo brdo is called Velika Krseva (1625 m). It consists of carst. The top is rocky, it can be reached straight from Golo brdo, in 15 minutes. Strange, Golo brdo is without stones, but Velika Krseva has a plenty of it! A view from both peaks is very nice.

Velika Krseva

Climb to the top is quite easy, so you will have a lot of time for something else in this area. Drive in the direction of Nova Varos and turn toward lake Uvac and the dam. Like in Uvac canyon, here you can also see the griffon vulture. As i remember, the dam is situated 6 or 8 km from Vodena poljana. Follow the signs to the lake. And the lake is fantastic! What a view at the meanders of Uvac, with two small islands in the middle!

Lake Uvac

Across the dam, in the village of Bozetici, is a monastery Dubnica. There is a signpost from the dam. You should visit it. The asphalt road leads to Dubnica, over the dam.

Monastery Dubnica

This nice and easy tour could be combined with a visit to the Uvac canyon. You can visit both sides of Uvac in one day, plus the top of Zlatar as a bonus!

July 2013.