National Park Kozara

The central part of Kozara Mountain, with its area of 3,494 acres, was declared a national park in 1967. Geographically, it encompasses the area from 44° 59˘  00˛ to 45° 3˘30˛ of north geographical latitude, and from 16° 51˘ 00˛ to 16° 55˘ 00˛ of east geographical longitude, by Greenwich.
This area is of a moderate continental climate. According to meteorological data say that average temperature in June is 21, 10 C. The warm period, which can be considered as vegetation period, lasts from May to around the middle of October.

The main reasoning for declaring National Park Kozara was historical aspect in relation with the events from the World War Two, and with the aim of protection of cultural, historical and natural values of Kozara Mountain. Moderate continental climate, large number of sunny days and cultivated mountain peaks offer specific views of Gradiska, Prijedor, Dubica and other neighbouring places, which gives additional value to this mountain. In the area of the National Park there are the springs of larger brooks and rivers (Mljecanica, Mostanica, Kozara’s river - Starenica), which makes NP “Kozara” hydrographical knot of the identically named mountain. Central part of Park takes Mrakovica plateau, with several surrounding plateaus, 700-800 m high. This is protected area (the first degree of protection). NP Kozara is a member of Federation of National Parks of Europe – EUROPARC. Within the National Park Kozara, there is a memorial zone, built in memory of in honour of soldiers who lost their lives during the World War II. It consists of monument, museum and memorial wall with engraved names of fallen soldiers. The core of cultural and historical contents of National Park “Kozara” is a monument complex on Mrakovica, whose author is the sculptor Dušan Džamonja.

 

 

The traditional literary manifestation “Literary gatherings on Kozara” which is held every year in September, and on which, for decades, the award named by the deceased poet: Skender Kulenovic, the author of “Stojanka majka Knezopoljka” is presented to the best literary authors.  This is the main cultural manifestation that enriches the cultural life of the National Park. Since spring 2003, in NP “Kozara” are held special manifestations for “International Day of Protection of Mountain Nature” and “Day of National Park “Kozara” June 8th. The National Park is host to big manifestations, organised to on Mrakovica to mark certain occasions: Labour Day (May 1st), Victory Day (May 9th),   Veterans’ Day (July 4th), etc. The conception of the National Park is based on presentation of exclusively historical content. Natural heritage has become the essence of tourist offer.

 

The perfect natural area of the National Park has been used to create health and recreational hiking tours. The visitors wishing to spend time within the Park, enjoying the beautiful landscapes and horizons, while improving their psychological and physical shape, can participate in excursion tours on the domain of the National Park “Kozara”.

Hiking routes:
Mrakovica – Gasica - Bešića poljana (45 min. walk)
Mrakovica - Bešića poljana -Kozarački kamen (90 min. walk)
Mrakovica - Šibovac - Vitlovska - Pašini konaci (2 hrs walk)
Mrakovica - Šibovac - Mala Mlječanica - Ribnjak kod Banje Mlječanice (4 hrs walk)
Mrakovica - Razboj - Gola planina - Previja -Šupljikovac - Vidova voda -
Mrakovica (6 hrs walk)

 

Currently there are activities related to establishment of Information centre in NP “Kozara”.
National Park info-centre will provide to the visitors of the park basic information related to:
- Organized excursion programs
- Available accommodation and catering capacities
- National Park programme activities

 

 

 

River Sana

Sana has its origin in three strong Karst springs, on Karst valley near village Donja Pećka - Jasenovi Springs, near Šipovo. After some 1,5 km, these three springs become one stream.
In the lower part, from spring to Kljuc, Sana is very cold and clean river. In the part from Kljuc to Sanski Most it can be characterised as transitional river, and in that part, in Vrhpolje, Sana receives its biggest affluent, Sanica, coming from Grmec Mountain. From Sanski Most further on, Sana loses characteristics of Karst river and becomes normal river stream.

 

All the way to Prijedor, Sana runs from South to North. In Prijedor it makes curve at an angle of 90% and continues towards West and Novi Grad. 300 m before changing towards West, Sana receives its right affluent, Gomjenica. At the entrance of Novi Grad, there is confluence of Sana into Una. Together with Una and Neretva, Sana is considered as one of the most beautiful and cleanest rivers in BiH. Sana offers possibilities for development of bathing/swimming tourism, as it is calm for most of its flow.
There are several places adapted for bathing/swimming in the river, and these, in summer months, are visited by many tourists. Each year, at the banks of the Sana River, manifestation “Summer on Sana” is held, attracting many visitors, who enjoy spending hot summer days with rich entertainment and musical programmes, swimming and sunbathing.
On the bank of the river Sana there are “Prijedor” hotel and restaurant “Le Pont”.
Old Town (Stari Grad) is located on the river islet.
“Sana regatta” is held during summer months, sport and entertainment manifestation lasting three days, starting in Ribnik and ending in Novi Grad. As this manifestation is followed by various sport and entertainment programmes, visitors come in large numbers, and, on Sana River, there is recreational fishing organised as well.

 

Eco centre "Ljekarice"

Eco centre “Ljekarice” is located between Banja Luka (40 km from it) and Prijedor (30 km from it), south of Omarska. With its various resources and offers, it promotes development tourism. Swimming and various possibilities for recreation on water are part of tourism offers of the Eco centre “Ljekarice”. Out of 10 existing lakes, one is especially adapted for swimming. Apart from refreshment in hot summer days, swimming and sport

 

activities on water are very important for visitors. The centre is recognised for its clean water and fresh air as an important part of touristic offer. Pools in natural surroundings offer exceptional possibilities of quality and active vacationing. Within the Centre, there are many improvised sport terrains, hiking trails, and untouched nature. Apart from walking in nature, visitors can collect herbs and forest berries, and there is healthy food being prepared in catering facilities. Eco centre also offers possibility of camping, as there is reserved space for setting up of trailers and tents.

 

Natural environment is very important for camping lovers, and camping in the Centre ensures spending time in untouched and preserved nature. Hunting and fishing are part of the offer in the Eco centre “Ljekarice”. One can hunt for pheasants, mallards, hares, squirrels, wild boars, foxes, dears and wolves. Clean waters, rich in fish are abundant in freshwater shrimps, shellfish and fish.
Favourable climate, lavishness of nature, lakes, springs, creeks and rivers, meadows, forest clearings, hills are all there. Around the Centre, there is zone of coniferous forest; furthermore, endless deciduous forests, and clearings in the wood. Tables and seats are made in natural surroundings of natural materials, so completing the determination of the Centre that everything is to be natural.