Banija

Overview

Banija or Banovina is a green, wood rich, hilly range of 1803 square kilometers, spreading through middle of Croatia, Sisacko-moslavacka municipality. Bordered with four big rivers, Kupa, Sava, Una and Glina in comparison with many smaller streams which spring through the teritory.
It is a land marked through history by numerous turmoils connected mostly with political issues and historical imperial gravitation, depending on which dominant force governed on territory. Mountaineering activity rose around the second World war; it is well known that People´s Liberation Movement (NOB) formed many mountain platoons through the municipality which then participated in Aliance´s victory over Axis forces. After the WWII, mountaineering activity rose and it is proudly nourished since then.
However, since the civil war which occurred in 1991. on the area of ex Yugoslav republic and its end, it is a sparsely populated area which records return of the natural order and normal life of rural population. Wild life is in the process of restoration and many species return to populate this area once again, even wolf. Considering it one of the national symbols of Croatia one can be pleased with this fact, which represents the basic proof that Bania had not lost any of it´s many particularities.
Through more recent history, mountaineering activity is on a high level; mountain huts, routes and various summits are being held. During winter, temperatures can drop to -15 celsius degrees. A period can occur with temperatures below zero for one month. Because of its specific micro clime snow hight at that time is above 30cm with periods over 60 cm. Native people say that during the WWII winter time was so cold that the wolves were invading the villages in search for food, attacking cattle, chicken huts etc. People would defend their "blago" (local, proud expression for cattle, also can be translated as treasure) with arms and dogs.
Spring time brings the, during the winter small streams, now swollen with water. Nature arises with buzzy sounds of bees, deers can be seen in packs, foxes also.
Summer is memorable by temperatures rising above 30 degrees C, sometimes up to 35 and more. One of the most lethal snakes on Balcanic area is active during that time, vipera ammodytes, here called poskok. While building a railroad from Sisak thowards the coastal area, the snake was brought with stone that was used to build foundations for railway. Hornets are also active and big, but if you keep it cool and have a wooden stick with yo, youll be alright.

Getting There

Numerous are the roads from which one can get to Bania; from Zagreb to Sisak in Croatia, or Sarajevo to Kostajnica or Bosanski Novi in Bosnia and Hercegovina.

Mines

I will dedicate this special paragraph to make an important note on mines that literally fill some of the area in Bania. Most of them are planted in the most recent war and the casualties of mines are being numbered very frequent. So if you would visit Bania, make sure that you follow marked routes and go free through the nature only with an experienced guide. However, mine marked maps and good guides can be a guarantee of safety.

Red Tape

I am not introduced with any legislation documents concerning entering of Croatia except passport and other formal documents are needed.

Camping

One can camp anywhere; in the wild or on camping places, stay in domes or huts. People are friendly if you are friendly and kind to give direction or advices.

External links

http://www.hpd-zrin.hr/ - site of an mountaineering society it the teritory

Image Gallery

Images

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