CEMERNO (Smrdljuc 1579 m)

Cemerno is very interesting mountain. Hike to the top is quite long, but very interesting, because on the way to the summit you will visit the hermitage of St. Sava and the view from Smrdljuc is magnificent!

From Belgrade, you must drive to the town of Ivanjica and then follow the signs for Medjurecje. Then follow the signs to the monastery Studenica. Trail to Cemerno starts 12 km before the monastery, at a place where is a turn for St. Sava hermitage (530 m). Distance between Ivanjica and Belgrade is about 220 km. Distance between Ivanjica and hermitage is about 40 km. On the way to Studenica, you can visit monastery Pridvorica.

The track is marked very well. By the forest trail, in half an hour, you will reach the Lower hermitage (690 m). There is a source of clean mountain water.

The path continues behind the lower hermitage. After the bell tower, enter into the forest and follow the markings. After 50 minutes you will reach the upper Sava’s hermitage (950 m). This hermitage is located on the hill Gradina (1145 m).

Impressive sight! Below these cells with windows is the cave in which St. Sava lived.

Before the Upper hermitage, on the right and uphill, begins the to trail Cemerno. Pay attention, on this rock is a signpost to Cemerno:

At some points the trail is overgrown and you must break through it. It is perfectly marked, but you must pay attention. At one spot, after you leave the forest and exit on a meadow, you must carefully look for the markings! The path turns left into the woods and there are plenty of markings, but they are not visible because of the dense branches. This is the spot:

After the forest, there is a gravel road that goes through the pine forest. You can see the mountains, I recognized only Jadovnik.

Finally, after 3 hours of walk from the Upper hermitage, you will reach the highest peak of Cemerno, Smrdljuc (1579 m).

I have to admit that I did not expect such a nice peak! Cropped, wavy hills left a strong impression on me. Smrdljuc reminds me on Jadovnik, one of my favorite mountains. So I do not understand why this beautiful peak has such an ugly name-Smrdljuc (Stinker)?! Another dilemma is also connected to an overturned truck on the top-how did he get here?

You will see many mountains from Smrdljuc: Zlatar, Javor, Mucanj, Stolovi, Golija, Radocelo…

I am pleasantly surprised by this mountain. It is a pity that the tours to Cemerno are not often, the mountain is really beautiful! I have to criticize Belgrade hikers a little, because they neglect this destination!

This tour is not for inexperienced climbers, it is really necessary to have a good sense for orientation and to look carefully for the markings. I have many years of experience so i did not get lost, but at some points I had trouble finding the markings, which are totally fresh and new! It is better and more pleasant to have company at this tour, do not go alone. Better share with someone an unique feeling from this beautiful top!

July 2013.