MONT KONJUH

Established in 2011, the "Konjuh Protected Landscape" (Zaštićeni Pejzaž Konjuh) covers 80 km2 between the municipalities of Banovići, Kladanj and Živinice. This area occupies the Konjuh ("horse's back") massif, which rises to an average altitude of 1,000 m and peaks at 1,328 m. It is covered by a dense forest dominated by white fir, spruce and beech. There are also oaks and the Bosnian maple(Acer obtusatum), with which Stradivarius made his famous violins. There are rare flowers such as the endemic Bosnian lily(Lilium bosniacum) which, with its yellow petals, is the symbol of the country. There is also the Bosnian iris(Iris bosniaca) or a variety of yellow gentian with healing properties. It is recommended to be careful because of the presence of bears, wolves and snakes. The Konjuh is home to other endangered species: wood grouse and capercaillie among the birds and, on the aquatic side, the otter and the Danube barb(Barbucus balcanicus). The water is indeed very pure despite the proximity of the industrial zone of Tuzla. The massif is home to the springs of a dozen rivers as well as the small lake Paučko (44 ha), at 711 m above sea level, and several caves such as the Djevojačka Cave near Kladanj. There are also about twenty medieval necropolises around Kladanj and Živinice, but few tourist facilities except for trails, the Zlača recreation area, three hotels, and two mountain huts.