RUDNIK (Klokotic 699 m)

Klokotic is one of the peaks of mountain Rudnik. Like neighboring peak Ostrvica, it is also separated from the main massif of Rudnik. Klokotic and its neighboring peak, Suvo brdo, are the peaks with most beautiful views of the surroundings. You can clearly see the highest peak of Rudnik, Veliki Sturac (Cvijic peak) and Ostrvica. Bukulja, Vencac, Kosmaj and Avala also can be seen.

The tour is easy and not strenuous at all. You walk by a flat, macadam road all the time. Until you get to the bottom of the top. And there is an ascent of 30 meters. The height difference is about 200 m, and the length of the trail is about 11 km (to the top and back).

Klokotič is located in the area of the village of Gornja Tresnjevica. From Belgrade, village can be reached via Mladenovac and Arandjelovac. When you arrive in Arandjelovac, go towards the center. At the second roundabout, follow the signs for Gornja Tresnjevica. Distance between Belgrade and Gornja Tresnjevica is about 90 km (an hour and a half of drive). There is no sign, at the entrance to the village, with the inscription “Gornja Tresnjevica”, so you will not know that you have arrived. At this signpost, which directs you to Satornja and Rudnik, turn right and follow the main road. You will pass by the church of St. Petka, which will be on your right side.

In 10 minutes, you will come to the end of an asphalt road. Leave the car and head in the direction of the signpost “Rudnik”.

After 200 meters, you will reach the hunting lodge, which is on your right side. The hunting lodge is located at 500 m a.s.l. Continue straight onto the gravel road. Here you will see the only mark on the trail. This path leads you to the mountain Rudnik.

Hunting lodge

From the hunting lodge to Klokotic, you must walk for 3 km by a flat, macadam road. The first hill you will see is Klokotic. Half of the top is overgrown with pine forest, but one part is clean and there is a spacious meadow. My advice is not to climb Klokotic right away, but to walk for another 1.5 km, to the next peak. On the topographic map, that peak should be Suvo brdo (Dry hill, 661 m). From the top of Suvo brdo are fantastic views at Rudnik, Bukulja, Vencac and Ostrvica. All you have to do is go through the wooden gate and climb 30 m. And to enjoy!

Ostrvica peak

Vencac mountain

Suvo brdo (Dry hill)

A view at Veliki Sturac

Personally, I think this is the most beautiful peak of mountain Rudnik. I also like Ostrvica, but from here Ostrvica seems even more impressive! At Suvo brdo, you are surrounded by mountain peaks. From the starting point to this peak, it takes about an hour and fifteen minutes of walk.

A view at Klokotic from Suvo brdo

At return, after a 1.5 km of walk, you will come to the foothill of Klokotic. Pass the pine forest and turn left at this point. The number 71 is written in blue, on a small tree.

From here, you will easily find the highest point. That is Klokotic (699 m). From here, Bukulja and Vencac can be seen more clearly. And Kosmaj in the distance. The view at Rudnik is the same as from Suvo brdo.

Rudnik peaks from Klokotic

Klokotic – a view at Kosmaj, Bukulja and Vencac

At the top of Klokotic

A view at Veliki, Srednji and Mali Sturac from Klokotic

You will return by the same path. This tour is really easy and I recommend it to all beginners. I believe that a beautiful views from these peaks will make those, who are just beginning with mountaineering, to fall in love with mountains. These 3.5 hours spent in the vicinity of Klokotic will remain in your memory for a long time.

On the way back, I recommend a visit to the church of St. Petka, at the very exit from the village, on the left side of the road. It contains the original iconostasis from Karadjordjes church in Topola, more than two centuries old, which is probably worth more than the whole church.

Church of St. Petka

May 2020.