MAJEVICA ATTRACTS MORE TOURISTS AS BUSIJA RECORDS A SURGE IN VISITORS

The tourist potential of Mount Majevica is increasingly being recognized by visitors. The Busija picnic area, located near Lopare, Ugljevik, Bijeljina, Brčko, and Tuzla, is experiencing record attendance.

PHOTO: Info Bijeljina

At an altitude of 850 meters, Busija captivates visitors with its untouched natural beauty and exceptionally clean air that flows through the canopies of centuries-old trees.

Many visitors choose to spend their free time here, enjoying the peace of nature. Cvijeta Milutinović, who has lived in Chicago for two decades, says that despite seeing many of the world’s wonders, the beauty of Majevica still takes her breath away.

“I enjoy every minute spent in this paradise on earth — peace, silence, clean air, birds singing. Hours pass like minutes when you’re here. I watched the sunset with my family and friends in this beautiful setting,” Cvijeta told the portal InfoBijeljina.

Entrepreneurial investors are developing this tourist gem with the support of the Government of Republika Srpska, Lopare Municipality, and the City of Bijeljina. The first step was the construction of a good access road, followed by the creation of a lake, the preparation of two ski slopes, the opening of a restaurant, and the recent start of vacation home and apartment construction — which will be available for rent and sale.

Much of the work remains hidden from view, including the installation of water and electrical networks, roads, lighting, and walking trails.

“We plan to pave at least one kilometer of the 2.5-kilometer walking trail, which will be fully illuminated and intended for pedestrians, cyclists, and a tourist train. There are many plans — all we need is time, goodwill, and a bit of state support, especially for the 5.5-kilometer access road that still needs to be asphalted,” explained Svetozar Ostojić, director of the company Green Hills.

The largest number of visitors gathers at Busija on the Feast of Epiphany, when the traditional swimming for the Holy Cross takes place in the lake. A church dedicated to St. Stephen is also under construction near the lake. With the blessing of Metropolitan Fotije, the foundations have been consecrated, and the completion of this sanctuary is expected by next summer.

By the decision of the Government of Republika Srpska, a larger area of previously unused land has been allocated for the development of the picnic site. New facilities are being built every day. Plans include the installation of a ski lift and roller coaster by next winter. For now, a conveyor lift has been set up for young skiers, who also enjoy the unique forest slide during the snow-free months.