WINTER DESTINATIONS HERZEGOVINA: MOUNTAIN PRENJ, RUJISTE

A HERZEGOVIAN WINTER FAIRY TALE

What are some of best winter destinations in Herzegovina? That is the questions that I plan to answer with a series of posts. To start with, I'm bringing you a bit of winter magic and taking you with me to mountain Rujiste (proper spelling Rujište, pronunciation  Ruyshte) located on mountain Prenj. This mountain is only a short drive away from Mostar city, which makes it ideal for a little winter getaway. 

I've always loved mountains, so when we went for a little drive and ended  up here, I was ecstatic. Winter fairy tale coming my way, that's something I didn't mind at all. I'm a big fan of hiking (as some of you may know). Not that I did a lot of hiking here (I'll explain why later). Anyhow, this is a great place for visiting, whether or not you plan to hike. Just chilling or photograph taking is fine too. For me personally, there is just something about the combination of high altitude and fresh air that makes my heart sing. By the time I got from the car, I was one happy kitty (or better to say one happy lady but my significant other assures me I'm not really human but rather a member of feline family).




WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT RUJISTE?

 The views here are absolutely mesmerizing. Now I've been to Rujiste before, but still I was pretty impressed.  And Joyous. And Excited. Long story short, it was one very successful winter getaway. Let me tell you a bit more about this place. Rujiste is an area located between mountains Prenj and Veles (proper spelling Veleš, pronounciation Velesh). It could be said that it is more a part of Prenj mountain, though. The altitude is around one thousand meters. The peaks of mountain Prenj are significantly higher, over two thousands meters (something you should know if you decide to explore this area a bit more). The high peaks of Prenj are probably why this mountain is sometimes nicknamed the Herzegovian Himalaya. I feel like most people aren't aware of how many amazing mountains there are in Herzegovina, or in Bosnia and Herzegovina for that matter. I can't help wanting to correct that. Yes, there are quite a few mountains here and they are glorious!

HOW TO GET TO RUJISTE? 

Rujiste itself is located less than 20 km from Mostar, so you can get there in a heart beat. The road could be wider and better, but if you're visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina, that's something you'll just have to get used to. Not all roads here are wide, specious,  and/or in a great condition. This one isn't bad, I've definitely seen worse. Getting to Rujiste by car couldn't be more simple or easier, you just drive through Bijelo polje and follow the rode up. Anyhow, due to its vicinity to Mostar, Rujiste is a popular destination in all seasons.

WHAT TO DO AND WHAT TO SEE?

I've actually visited it in the summer, and if you want to know more about what Rujište looks like during summer, you can check out this old post of mine.  At the top of Rujiste there is a skiing slope, motel and private accommodation and houses. The area is mostly untouched nature, though. If check my old post, you can also see how the motel Snow House (Snježna Kuća) looks like. We've stopped there for a cup of coffee once or twice and we liked it a lot. It is where people go to escape the Mostar's heat during summer.

OUR TRIP

Today's post is to show you what this area looks like during winter. We enjoyed a sunny winter day, but still it was quite windy. Dressing warmly is something you should always do if you're visiting mountains. Higher altitude always means colder temperatures, but fortunately us humans have this thing cold clothes on our disposal. Once you learn how to dress warmly, you realize that being cold can be optional. Not that it always is, but by dressing smartly, we generally can keep our bodies warm (even if we might feel a bit cold).

I think I already told you that we got here without really planning for it, the whole thing was a spur of a moment think. We just got there and soaked in the beauty around us. We visited Rujiste on Valentine's day, so that means last Thursday. Usually we plan a little trip on this day. I don't going to a restaurant on Valentine's day because they are always so crowded. I think going hiking is certainly a fun alternative. If you want to try something new, I do recommend going for a short trip with your partner or friends. Never underestimate the power of nature. I must say that I felt very inspired by these views. How about you? Do you like this panorama? Do you like mountains?








MY OUTFIT

This outfit is such a lovely example of what shopping our closets can do for us. Not one thing that I'm wearing is new, but it feels like it is, if you know what I mean. Isn't it  fabulous how by combining different items in a new way we can create a multiple of original but wearable outfits? Dressing is an art, it really is. I love how clothes can allow us to get creative and have fun on daily basis.

I wore a black coat I had for ages and paired it with a faux fur stole I have had for even longer. I tucked my jeans in a pair of old high heeled boots. These camel leather boots are so comfy. Not the best choice for hiking, though. I didn't venture from the road much. Had I known where we were heading, I'd probably took a pair of sneakers with me, but the day turned out perfect as it was. We weren't there for long, so I wasn't cold at all. If I was planning on staying longer, I'd probably would have dressed warmer. I did borrow my husband's beanie for some of these shots (in the area where it was very windy) but later on I wore my fancy white beret. All in all, I was happy with what I wore.

BIJELO POLJE PANORAMA

This area is so perfect for photo taking (but seeing these photographs now, I'm noticing some litter for the first time. Isn't it a shame?). If you have the time, I recommend stopping by on the way (make sure you park safely) and snapping some photographs. The panorama is utterly beautiful here. Scroll bellow to see our photographs of Bijelo polje ( a stunning area composed of several villages and settlements, I blogged about it here, here and here). I know that I've said it a thousand times, but Mostar city really has the most amazing surroundings. It is such a great city to be based in when it comes to surrounding this area. If you ever visit Mostar, make sure you check out the surrounding are and options as well. Speaking of this lovely panorama, isn't it amazing how Neretva river glows in these photographs?

THE BENEFITS OF SPENDING TIME OUTDOORS

I was certainly glad we went there, even if it was windy. Speaking of cold weather, what is your stand on that? Are you getting tired of winter? I hope not. If you're dreaming about spring, I really can't hold it against you. It is certainly a tempting season to daydream about. However, there is something to be said about 'living in the present'. That is what I'm trying to do. Getting the most out of the season and the area you find yourself in makes sense in any case, right? Where I'm that basically means- winter and Herzegovina. Now, winters in Herzegovina are usually mild. So, I suppose that makes it easier for me to preach all this love for winter, doesn't it?

Feel free to find me pretentious for talking about how wonderful winter is while enjoying full benefits of Mediterranean climate. After all, how many snowy days have we had? Something like three in total? That being said, we have had some  quite cold days and even during those I did try to get out. It can be tempting to stay in when it is cold, but there are many health benefits to spending time outdoors. After this short trip to the mountains, I felt both energized and relaxed. This proves that it pays off to live in the present. Sometimes we really do need to take the time to breathe and enjoy our surroundings. Spending time in nature can help us deal with stress better. Do you agree? With years I've learned to love winter and look forward to it. I'm certainly happy that I've realized the benefits of embracing winter and spending more time outdoors.

Thank you for reading. I hope you've enjoyed today's post! Are you planning any winter getaways? If yes, where to? Have you learned to love winter or are you still trying?