Why go rock climbing to East Serbia? Explore Nature Reserve Jelašnica Gorge

Rock climbing is a great and affordable outdoor adventure. Also, it has roots in ancient times including in the 2020 Olympics, in Tokyo.

In this article, I will take you through rock climbing in general. Plus, I will give you one perfect example of where you can try rock climbing and why you should go to that terrific place in East Serbia! On top of all, rock climbing is one of the most affordable outdoor adventures – together with hiking. With this in mind, come on and climb up on my pro recommendations!

East Serbia is indeed a gem of the whole country. Identically, many Serbian areas are unexplored. This place has a few tourists, untouched and ready to be discovered. One of those places is indeed a special reserve called “Jelasnicka klisura”, located in the municipality of Nis. The Jelasnica gorge is between the village of Cukljenik and the village of Cukljenika. This imposing area is a must-visit place if you love nature. The length of the gorge is about 2 thousand meters, and the width is thirty meters. It is small but incredibly wealthy with many things! It represents the connection between the Jelasnica, and a popular tourist place called Bojana’s Water.

Here you will find a relict and endemic species. But this place is also significant in studying the history of the living world of the Balkan Peninsula. Did you know that the most important is the endemorelic species Srpska and Natalija ramonde? Ramonda serbica and Ramonda nathaliae!? Not only those but also 39 Moesian, 20 Balkan, and six Illyrian endemics and subendems! Thus, Jelasnica river gorge became an exceptional natural value due to its rich and diverse morphological ornaments. It became protected in 1995 by a Decree of the Government of Serbia.

Furthermore, you will notice how the Jelasnica gorge is a true natural rarity. Apart from being an exceptional nature reserve, it also has a lush environment and a wealth of history and culture. It is one of the most diverse in terms of soil morphology. Jelasnica Gorge is known for many so-called windows, which are rare in this part of Europe. The windows are created naturally and give excellent views of the entire surrounding landscape. In other words, it is a valuable spot for treasure hunters who are hungry for unique places of great importance.

One thing that makes Jelasnica gorge so unique? It is the first climbing area in Serbia dedicated only to sport climbing! In other words, this lovely place offers you an excellent affordable adventure you will remember for a lifetime! The first routes date back to 1994/95. Until today, they are all equipped in the spirit of sport climbing. With this in mind, you do not have to worry about the safety of the routes! As a result, there are 58 directions in the gorge! Ultimately, the rock where you’ll climb is a sharp dolomite limestone, exciting and inviting!

The most interesting sights:

– Great Wall

– The Potkapine

– the king’s trough

– waterfall Ripaljka

Beautiful sights nearby:

– Bojanine vode

– Old Mountain/Stara Planina

I bet you had no clue how Jelasnica Gorge is one of the few places in the Balkans where Natalija and Srpska Ramonda grow! To be correct, Ramonda serbica and Ramonda nathaliae! These two kinds are real gems -at least botanists say that. They represent the remains of flora that survived the ice age. Nature lovers who want to see Ramonda Natalija and Ramonda Serbica in bloom can do so in the Jelasnica gorge near Nis solely in the next few days.

Why? Unfortunately, the purple petals of these rare plants are already slowly withering and falling off. This fact makes these plants even more exotic!

The Ramodna Natalija is also the primary motive for the Day of Reconciliation precisely because of its multiple symbolism. In botany, this plant is called the “phoenix” flower. Even when it dries completely, if you water it, it can come to life. How cool is that? You can observe this unique plant only by discovering the hidden gems in Serbia – the terrific East Serbia area.

Her “rebirth” connects with Serbia. Because Serbia also managed to “get back on its feet” after an exhausting fight. People named it after Queen Natalija Obrenović. Equally, you can find here many medicinal herbs, as locals say – for every disease. So far, there are more than 50 kinds of plants that people have identified! So come and have a look – maybe you discover a new plant! Or just come to see a unique Ramonda serbica!I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

The Jelasnica gorge attracts many climbing enthusiasts because of its captivating shape. About two hundred million years ago, there was a sea. Then, limestone materials fell to the bottom of the sea. Due to the action of limestone materials, the gorge today has the shape it has today. If you are at least a little brave, try climbing and taste the magic of adrenaline! As I already said, the gorge is small! Plus, imagine; there are over 200 routes to use for climbing with the right equipment! Be brave, book your outdoor adventure and enjoy rock climbing weekend!

Why is the nature park Jelasnica Gorge – the best rock-climbing destination for beginners!?

If you are a rock-climbing beginner, you will probably get tired soon. So apart from rock climbing, you can relax in this place, enjoy a picnic, and admire rich flora or fauna. Remember, there are more than 100 butterflies and many bird species here. Birds like a golden eagle or more than ten endangered species. Nearby is a waterfall and peaceful surroundings as a perfect spot to chill out. Or rest before any further action. Here, you can disconnect to reconnect with nature and enjoy rock climbing as one of the best adrenaline adventures!

Rock climbing became quite popular recently. In fact, by the end of 2017, 43 new commercial climbing gyms opened their doors in 23 states in the US, according to data from Climbing Business Journal. Those numbers will probably grow even more due to rock climbing at the Olympic Games 2021 in Tokyo.

People will make more and more routes as the number of rock climbers increases. Especially routes for climbing beginners! Similarly, the prices to learn climbing or practice from an expert will decrease. Even beginners can climb anything from the mountains of Utah or Colorado to the cliffs of Bali or Thailand. All for a reasonable amount of money, especially if you explore outdoor rick climbing adventures!

Here are some examples of where to go but still keep your budget safe:

– Joshua Tree, CA – or any other national park

– Costa Brava, Spain

– French Alps, France

-Boulder, Colorado

– Railay and Tonsai, Thailand

-Frankenjura, Germany

-Red River Gorge, Kentucky

– The Shawangunks, NY

-Kalymnos, Greece

& of course Jelasnica Gorge

We all know every activity makes us hungry, especially outdoor ones like rock climbing! And there is no better way to refill your energy than with local food! Once you are in Jelasnica Gorge, you must dine in Kafana Brka! A home ambience decorated in ethno style, with checkered tablecloths and curtains, built of stone, cafe “Brka” can offer you some “meraklijska” atmosphere. “Meraklije” is a plural of the singular form meraklija, which means “someone who enjoys something.” You will often hear this word in this area, and if a place can offer you this kind of atmosphere, you know you are at the right spot to taste the real deal!

Do not miss to try some of the homemade specialities, such as stuffed dried peppers, sarma in wine leaf, woven pie, etc. Serbian people will always say how this area around Nis city has the best Serbian cuisine!

On top of all, this place will offer you homemade white and red wine from the Jelasnica and Sicevac area, but also cheeses and dried meat from the slopes of Suva Planina – “Dry mountain” and other food from the place you were rock-climbing and exploring! Do not forget that a reservation is needed, especially on weekends! Reserve even up to a few days in advance! And this, dear folks, speaks about the quality of the offer of this place!