Sopotnica slopes are nature's masterpiece: Paradise near Prijepolje

The top of the Sopotnica spring is located at 1,150 meters above sea level, and water from the tallest of the waterfall's slopes flows from a height of 25 meters

On the Jadovnik Mountain, about 20 kilometers from Prijepolje, above the main Belgrade-Podgorica road, is the village of Sopotnica that has a river of the same name, which has been declared a natural monument in Serbia.

Recommended

Legend has it that this area was first inhabited by people from the Pester Plateau who were in search of water. But, a spring near which they settled suddenly dried up...

The story goes that, forced to look for a new place to live, the night before moving, they heard an unknown voice: "Choose, people, what can I give you, water or happiness?"

There was no dilemma: "Give us water, and we will create our own happiness!"

Thus, according to the legend, water began to flow through the village, while hard-working locals built mills that can still be seen today from a plateau in the village all the way to the magnificent waterfalls.

The top of the Sopotnica spring is located at 1,150 meters above sea level, and water from the tallest of its slopes flows from a height of 25 meters. Other waterfalls descend from 19 meters to 23 meters, creating sparkling water curtains whose drops scatter like pearls on lush trees, shrubs, wildflowers and moss of which there are more than 50 species here.

A rare feature of Sopotnica is tufa stone that is so soft that it can be cut. Exploitation of this stone is prohibited, in order not to distrurb the balance of this unique ecosystem.

If the road takes you to Mt. Jadovnik, don't miss Sopotnica. Time spent in untouched nature, near the magnificent waterfalls on a roaring river, will be worth it.

Photo: Ivan Strahinic

(Ona.rs)