Rtanj Mountain
Rtanj Mountain is charming mountain located in East Serbia, ca 200 km south of Belgrade, 30 km away from the town of Niš. Rtanj Mountain is one of Carpatho-Balkanides Mountains and spreads its 7 km-long range ending with remarkable stunning ridge with unforgettably unique shape, reminding of a hat or a pyramid. Rtanj Mountain’s peak Šiljak is natural example of karts terrain and the highest peak in Sokobanja Spa Municipality (1560 meters) on which top there is the Chapel dedicated to Saint George, built in 1932 by the wife of the former owner of the local Rtanj Mine – Julius Minh. The other ranges of Rtanj Mountain mostly lie at the altitude between 500-1000 meters. The ascent to the peak of Rtanj Mountain at the elevation of 1200 meters requires good stamina and health conditions, so Rtanj Mountain is very attractive for mountain climbers and adventurers in all seasons. In clear weather from Rtanj peaks / the roof of Serbia/ one can see Avala Mountain, Danube River, Kopaonik Mountain, Stara Planina Mountain, and Vidin area in Bulgaria.
Rtanj Mountain is known for intact and outstanding nature, diversity of autochtonous/endemic flora and game /wild boar and roe deer/ and is abundant in waters. A large portion of population of the Rtanj Mountain area is engaged in agriculture, especially in sheep-breeding. Exceptional sorts of medicinal herbs and aromatic plants that are widely used in folk medicine and cuisine, due to their rich medical properties and aphrodisiac features /some say/ are found only on Rtanj Mountain. On endless meadows of the Rtanj Mountain eatable mushrooms could be also found, that makes visit to this gorgeous place truly invigorating and relaxing. Every 7th of July there is traditional celebration of Saint John the herbs-collector which gathers numerous nature lovers, who climb Rtanj Mountain via the tiny village of Vrmdža while picking up various aromatic herbs. Rtanj Mountain is noted for its numerous Lilac trees and plenty of potable water springs. Rtanj Mountain is one of PANACOMP’s favorite destination.
