Gola Mountain – an infinite green area

Kozara, a mountain in the northwestern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, located between Prijedor and Banja Luka, is a favorite of mountaineers in the region. Its wealth is reflected in its flora, fauna, viewpoints, and gentle mountain peaks. One of them is certainly my favorite, and I believe it will become a favorite of everyone who visits it – Gola planina (eng. Gola mountain) (876m above sea level), which offers an indescribable panoramic view.

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

Back in 2012, I decided to “conquer” my first peak with my sister, who was already an experienced mountaineer at the time. From all the choices, it fell on Gola Mountain. After every climb, behind every curve, my sister would say to me, who was running out of strength, “Just this, and we’ll be at the top!”. And indeed it was, but only after an infinite number of climbs and bends, an infinite green area, like a sea, spread out in front of me.

I always wondered if there was a place perfect for everything, or a perfect place to “recharge your batteries” and I found it. Peace, quiet, and an incredible view – what else does a small man of the 21st century who has become a prisoner of technology and the Internet need? I would say, NOTHING!

Honestly, I don’t know when I like Gola mountain more. Whether in spring and summer, when everything leaves and blooms, when every grass, every daisy comes to life, or in winter, when only two unreal trees break the plain that the eye can’t see.

Gola mountain in winter, Photo: Ana Timarac

There is also an observation deck on Golja planina from which you can see: Croatia, Prijedorsko polje, Grmeč, Manjača, the pond in Saničani, but also sometimes, when the visibility is great, Banja Luka. The observatory is “woven” from three floors. While some are afraid to climb to the top, the braver ones enjoy the incredible panoramic view, and the bravest dare to spend the night at the top of the observation deck. That is also possible!

Gola mountain – viewpoint, Photo: Ana Timarac

HOW TO GET TO THE UNREALISTIC PEAK?

The easiest way to get to Gola mountain is from the monument on Kozara. The roads pass by Gumlin, one of the most beautiful parts of the National Park “Kozara”, and end at the observation deck – now you have conquered the top. Of course, for all those who are on Kozara for the first time and would like to embark on the adventure called “Gola Mountain”, they have a handful of guides and experienced NPK mountaineers at their disposal. All you need is goodwill and hobnailed shoes and the hosts will take care of the rest.

P.S. I once shared a story from Gola mountain on my Instagram profile, and marked Everest as the location. After a few moments, a friend’s question followed: “Is it realistic that you went to Everest?”; “I did but to our on Kozara!” I answered.

I’m leaving you a photo below, so let me know in the comments what you think. Is it the Himalayas or Kozara? 😉

Himalaja ili Gola Planina, Photo: Ana Timarac