After my first visit to Vlašić, I immediately knew it would not be the only one. Vlašić is a mountain that compels you to return again and again, only if you allow it to enchant you with its landscapes. I have somehow become a regular guest.

No matter from which direction you approach Vlašić, I would definitely suggest starting by visiting the historically interesting town. Located at the foot of the Vlašić mountain, I propose the town of Travnik as the first stop on your way to the mountain itself. Stop, try the famous specialty – Travnik ćevapi, upon arrival; and take a short walk around the town to learn about its history. I won’t tell you about the history of the town; I leave that for you to explore before your arrival: Travnik Fortress, which has been declared a national monument of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Travnik sundial, the capital of Ottoman viziers – let them just be points for exploration.

From Travnik, a winding road with many sharp turns – which requires a bit more cautious driving, takes you to the magical Galica, a place nestled at the very foot of the Vlašić peak. I must say magical Galica, with a mandatory stop somewhere along the way, so you don’t miss the incredible sights that stretch before you.

Just about thirty minutes of driving from Travnik leads you to a clearing called Galica. If you want to enjoy fresh air and natural beauty for an extended period, you have a large number of cottages for rent, as well as a mountain hut. My path leads me to that well-known mountain hut, Jufuf Pečenković, which can be seen above Galica. It is only thirty minutes of relaxing walking from the very peak of Vlašić, Paljenik (1,943 m above sea level).

Located at the site of the Vlašić mountain known as Devečani, the mountain hut offers you everything you need to rest your soul and body while enjoying nature. From Galica to the hut, you need an hour of walking along a trail that is not physically and technically demanding. For those who would rather drive, there is also a good dirt road that leads directly to the hut.

One interesting fact related to Devečani is that the place got its name from the famous water springs, where in one place we can find nine springs, hence the name (Devečani). Here, where the hut is located, the true magic of Vlašić begins.

There are different legends about the origin of the name Vlašić. However, on Vlašić itself, there is still a version that says that the Sun and the Moon’s mother sent seven brothers to bring happiness and beauty from a distant world. Six returned happily, but the seventh was lost forever. Finally, the Moon found him on the beautiful mountain he had turned into.

Among the locals, there has also been a widely accepted belief for centuries that the mountain is named after the shepherd nomads known as Vlasi (as they are called in Bosnia). They lived there and raised their herds from the fall of the Roman Empire and remained until the end of the 19th century. It is rightly called “the mountain that has a soul.”

When you arrive at the mountain hut, make sure to include a short break and sipping homemade mountain tea, a mixture of various medicinal herbs from Vlašić, on your “to do” list. That drink gives you a special energy to continue – walking and exploring the Devečani area.

The first thing you encounter are the water springs, nine water springs, and after just about ten minutes of walking from the hut, you arrive at the famous Paklarske rocks. Here, with incredible views visible to the eyes, your soul fills with a special peace. The Paklarske rocks, which you can also see in photographs, are exactly what I have had numerous inquiries about regarding the location itself. When you go and see it in person, it will be clear to you what kind of sights I am talking about, for which photographs and words are insufficient to describe. It is, let’s say, a special magic. The very peak of Vlašić mountain is well marked with signs and without much underbrush, so the view reaches far. You feel a sense of belonging, as if you have always been there. You just need to close your eyes and feel the breeze and all the scents that spread across the mountain.

At one moment, if it is a nice sunny day, the view even reaches the neighboring country of Croatia, where you can see the Biokovo mountain looming over the shores of the Adriatic Sea in the distance.

It doesn’t matter whether you engage in hiking or not; the path simply beckons you to the very peak of Vlašić, and another thirty minutes of walking, without steep ascents from the hut.

Vlašić mountain is widely known for its large pastures where you can encounter large herds of sheep peacefully lounging or grazing. I don’t need to specifically mention the Vlašić cheese; just buy it on your way back home. Besides the medicinal herbs I mentioned, the endemic species of rose, Rosa Brandis, which grows thornless on Vlašić mountain, and only develops thorns when transplanted to the city, is also interesting. It is named after the renowned botanist Erik Brandis. Another endemic species is gentian, which is indispensable in pharmacy and cosmetics.

If you are a bit more adventurous, my recommendation is to choose a two-day variant for this hike, spending one night in the mountain hut. Because if the day at Vlašić is so magical, you can imagine what the night is like under a star-filled sky. Regardless of whether it is a two-day stay or not, Vlašić will, I believe, enchant you with every “corner.”

I need many more words to describe everything that Vlašić offers; this is just a small part of the great magic.

Let the Vlašić mountain cast its magic on you too, and perhaps we will meet.