- Blidinje
Blidinje is a
Nature park inBosnia and Herzegovina , located in a massive valley betweenČvrsnica andVran mountains.The meltingglacier s fromČvrsnica during the two pastice age s created this open and barren valley leading into the park.Blidinje Lake is the direct result of a glacial retreat located at 1.184 m in the valley below. This runway for ice, water and debris did not, however, manage to stop a wide range of life forms from prospering here. Accompanying some of the rocky and seemingly lifeless slopes are thick forests of
pine , including the endemic white-bark pine atMasna Luka calledPinus leucodermis . Three types of wildthyme and dozens of wild flowers cover the valley and mountain sides in the spring and summer. The 3-5 km valley, situated at an elevation of 1.150-1.300 m, is dotted with the trademarkstećci from medieval ages. It is not clear how long human settlements have existed here but research began when Blidinje recently receivedNature park status. Traces ofIllyrian graves andRoman road s indicate that Blidinje has been settled for at least 2,500 years. The large necropolis atDugo Polje indicates that the waves of Slavs that came in the 7th century also made this area their home. The park is set in long sweeping valleys.To the north and southeast are the peaks of
Vran andČvrsnica . Ploča on Cvrsnica is the highest peak inHerzegovina at 2.226 m. The park itself is free of mines with well-marked trails. It's best to visit the hotel by theski lift s atRisovac for information. They will also have information about the park, its history and theFranciscan monastery that is located within the park and open to visitors. Houses here are traditional shepherd homes with straw roofs that are mainly used during the spring and summer seasons. Winter is harsh and cold in these parts.See also
*List of National parks and Nature parks in Bosnia and Herzegovina
External links
* http://www.tel.net.ba/blidinje/index_eng.htm
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