Ozren

Ozren is home to the ‘Stone of Love’. Legend has it that it was here that Hajduk Veljko and Cucuk Stana fell in love. Today it is customary for young lovers to climb onto the stone and kiss, believing that the act seals a vow of eternal love. Ostra Cuka (1,118 metres), is Ozren’s highest peak. This place offers spectacular views of the valley through which the River Morava meanders and at the foot of Ozren lies a spa health resort. Nearby is the Ripaljka Waterfall. In the Sokobanja region they use the word ‘ripanj’ for ‘jump’, which is how the waterfall got its name. 17.5 metres high, it was the first natural monument that the state formally protected. The waterfall is on the Gradasnica River and, according to geographer Jovan Cvijic, is the highest in Serbia. It is located 420 metres above sea level. The Ozren Meadows offer particularly beautiful landscapes. Within them the Djerdjelez Spring hides. This spring has been known since the time of the Turkish occupation. Apart from that spring, visitors can quench their thirst at the Barudzija and Sopur fountains, which offer cold and clean ‘Ozren dew’. At the beautifully landscaped resort of Kalinovica, in a forest-meadow environment, two sequoia trees are a special attraction, while there is also another spring – with cold, bracing water that can quench any thirst. Ozren’s walking trails also lead you to the Jermencic Monastery, Tatomir’s Town and the Ozren Cave. According to legend, Jermencic Monastery, was built by Armenians – hence the name.