If you’re a nature enthusiast who loves to bike, climb or just enjoy the great outdoors, Don’t Miss has just the place for you. The Pecka Outdoor Centre in Bosnia’s Northwest is one of the country’s premier spots for biking and climbing which is highlighted by the new Pecka Outdoor Festival which takes place every spring.
The centre was founded by Greenways which has been active in the field of rural development over the past ten years. They are an independent, non-profit organization that prides itself in providing sustainable solutions to the development of the wider Krajina (Northwest) region. After testing the waters for so many years and providing communities throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina with creative ideas for eco-tourism development, they decided to set up a best-practice center of their own. The result? The Pecka Outdoor Center in the village of Pecka in Bosnia’s lush northwest.
The facilities at the Pecka Outdoor Centre is the starting and finishing point of many superb soft and adrenaline packed adventures in the Krajina region. They are the regions leader in bike trails and host the Pecka Outdoor Festival where thousands of visitors gather for biking, climbing and hiking. The new Pecka Outdoor Centre, located in between the towns of Sipovo and Mrkonjic Grad, is situated in the village of Pecka where nature and traditional rural life still dominates. In fact, it is sandwiched between the sources of the Pliva and Sana Rivers, two of the cleanest and most beautiful rivers in all of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The centre accommodates up to 30 people in very pleasant and well-designed dormitory or en-suite style and the restaurant area can easily sit 50 people.
Biking through the green rolling hills of Bosnia’s Northwest: there are 10 bike routes that flow around the Pecka Outdoor Centre, many of them being ancient Roman routes that were so well designed and built that they are easily traceable even today. The center offers bike rentals. The local clubs, together with Greenways, has created a well-marked circuit of bike trails that are easily navigable. Mountain bike guides can be arranged by request for those more comfortable exploring with a local.
Walks to the source of the Sana River: the walk to the source of the Sana River is a long round trip butdoable by most ages and level of ability. The 15 kilometer hike (there and back) meanders throughalpine meadows and lush, green rolling hills. It is an exceptionally pleasant walk with plenty of eye candyalong the way. The trail is clearly marked and guiding services can be acquired at the Pecka Outdoor Centre upon request. There are three sources that comprise of the Sana River, with the main source being the target destination on this particular walk. As most sources in the region, the springs stream from craggy limestone and is crystal clear and potable. The source is the perfect place for lunch, a wander and a rest before heading back on the same route from where you arrived.
Outdoor climbing area: the Pecka Outdoor Climbing area has become a hotspot for climbers from the wider Southeast Europe region. The faces are not that high but provide both novice and seasoned climbers plenty of vertical and bouldering challenges. The centre can organize gear rental and climbing trips/lessons through their partner Extreme Climbing Club (www.extremebl.ba). They have an annual climbing festival that attracts hundreds of climbers from the wider region.
Kids programme: This is has become one of the most important aspects of the centers focus. Teaching the younger generations how to better interact with their natural environment is a high priority for Greenways. For this reason, the center has a very strong community vibe to it, with young and old gathering to camp, eat, play music and live and learn with and in nature. They offer nature school throughout the summer and day and weekend camps for kids of all ages. They learn about survival, identifying and pick food in nature, and have a series of creative and eco-friendly activities geared towards any child’s interest. And like any good outdoor base in Bosnia and Herzegovina, there is a heavy accent on food. Good food. The founder and operational brain behind the center is Boro Maric, an experienced outdoorsmen and mushroom expert. A vital part of the centers philosophy is organic and locally produced food. Being an expert in mushrooms, it’s one of the few places in all of BiH where one can find professional guided tours to learn about mushrooms growing in the wild. The food served at the centre is largely locally sourced, supporting the local community and the farmer’s long-standing traditions.
Address: Gornja Pecka 158, Mrkonjić Grad | Tel: +387 65 619 508 | Email: [email protected] |
Website: www.peckaoutdoor.com
