Bojna Njiva: Intertwining of History and Nature

In the Balkans, hospitality is an essential tradition, and welcoming guests with a glass of homemade brandy is a symbol of warmth and sincerity. At the Medojević household, this custom takes on special significance through the tasting of four authentic brandies, each carrying its own story and character.

Plum brandy, the queen of spirits, offers the warmth of sun-kissed ripe fruit, while quince brandy unveils the magic of fragrant orchards, evoking autumn days. Apple brandy brings the freshness of spring and blooming trees, while pear brandy, with its mild and refined notes, leaves a lasting, pleasant impression.

Enjoy this experience and let these liquid gems bring you a harmony of flavors that blend tradition with a love for homemade brandy. Raise your glasses, toast, and feel the spirit of true hospitality.

THE ART OF BRANDY DISTILLING

If you visit in autumn, you will witness one of the most important events in village life – brandy distilling. In October, when orchards yield their ripest fruits, the stills are filled, and courtyards become gathering places for family and friends. Around the “cheerful machines,” as they are called here, stories are shared, songs are sung, and joy fills the air alongside the aroma of freshly distilled brandy.

QUINCE – A FRUIT OF TRADITION

Quince has long been a symbol of fertility and family happiness. Its scent brings back memories of times when quinces adorned homes with their distinctive freshness. Though quince orchards are now rare, the Medojević household preserves this tradition, crafting an exceptionally fragrant and rich brandy from its fruit.

ORGANIC PRODUCTION AND HOMEMADE SPECIALTIES

The Medojević household is dedicated to organic farming, cultivating a variety of fruits and vegetables. Their gardens and greenhouses are abundant with cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, onions, and carrots. Their kitchen embodies the authentic taste of homemade products, transformed into carefully prepared preserves, ajvar, salads, jams, and sweet spreads. Special emphasis is placed on organic fruits like aronia and plums, used to make natural, healthy juices – a true vitamin treasure alongside homemade delicacies.

THE SECRET OF BLACK GOLD – ARONIA

Aronia (Aronia melanocarpa), also known as black gold, originates from North America but is now cultivated worldwide, including the harsh regions of Siberia. This incredible plant has gained popularity due to its rich nutritional profile – packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and essential minerals, making it one of the healthiest fruit crops in the world.

Aronia is considered a true superfood because it positively affects the body – strengthening the immune system, reducing inflammation, and contributing to heart and blood vessel health. Its fruits, with intense colors and a unique taste, are used in various forms – from fresh berries, natural juices, and jams to healthy fruit cocktails and medicinal teas.

THE COMBINATION OF TRADITION AND HEALTH

At the Vukadinović household, you can taste homemade aronia juice, prepared using traditional recipes, as well as many other natural products made from this precious berry. The friendly hosts will also offer you authentic dishes prepared on the hearth, carrying the aromas and flavors of the past, reflecting the richness of the natural ingredients from this region.

The Vukadinović household has been a registered organic fruit producer since 2013, cultivating various apple varieties, aronia, pears, plums, walnuts, cherries, and sour cherries. On the estate, they make healthy fruit juices from aronia and apples, as well as various vitamin-rich drinks that you must try!

In addition to fruit cultivation, the household is registered for rural tourism, offering visitors not only excellent food but also accommodation in a beautiful setting. From here, you can explore Bojna Njiva, the magical landscapes of Bjelasica, and enjoy an unforgettable blend of nature and tradition. Spend a day in nature, breathe in the fresh air, and relax in the evening with traditional cuisine and a peaceful atmosphere that guarantees complete relaxation.

Bjelasica offers plenty for nature lovers and active tourists, and the Vukadinović household will provide you with a unique village experience, creating unforgettable memories.

WILD STRAWBERRIES – THE SCENT OF SPRING

Wild strawberries, with their distinctive scent, evoke memories of childhood and better times. They’re hard to find, making them all the more treasured, and we rejoice every time they appear. Preserved in jars as jam or sweet preserves, they are the most delightful surprise throughout the year, both for the household and any guests who happen to stop by.

MEDICINAL AND WILD HERBS

Montenegro boasts one of the most diverse botanical treasures in Europe. Its mountains hide an abundance of medicinal, aromatic, and wild herbs, with nearly 540 species identified so far. Every family from rural areas collects these herbs – whether for teas, marmalades, or homemade sweets. If you feel tired after hiking, make sure to stop and enjoy a refreshing herbal tea!

HONEY – A NATURAL DELIGHT

Honey from mountain pastures, filled with fragrant flowers of medicinal herbs, is a true natural treasure. In Balkan folklore, honey symbolizes love, which is still widely embraced today. In addition to its healing properties, honey is a sweet treat that has the ability to bring people together, often used as a metaphor for love and harmony in many stories.

RADOVIĆ HOUSEHOLD – TRADITION AND NATURE

At the Radović household, you’ll be greeted with fresh, homemade milk and cheese – whether cow’s milk, goat’s milk, or a blend of both. They also grow a variety of fruits, including aronia, American and native blueberries, plums, raspberries, strawberries, and apples, from which they make delicious and healthy homemade juices and jams. The farm also has a rich vegetable garden and its own cured meats, served alongside traditional meals.

The farm features a small beehive, and their honey is served to guests with homemade teas – perfect for breakfast or a pre-sleep treat. Here, you can enjoy all the natural benefits of the mountains, with warm and welcoming hosts who will guide you through every corner of this unique area.

If you continue from this place toward Bjelasica, you will enter the katun zone, an area of pastures that local herders use for grazing livestock during the summer months. Katuns are of key importance to the history and tradition of this part of Montenegro, serving as summer mountain settlements that have, for centuries, been temporary homes to stockbreeders and shepherds. These settlements still thrive today as monuments of rich culture and customs, as herders from this region continue to follow the tradition of seasonal migration with their flocks, preserving the grass in the lower villages for the cold winter days.

Visiting the katuns on Bjelasica offers visitors a unique chance to experience authentic mountain life, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Here, you can actively take part in daily herding tasks, such as milking or preparing food, explore traditional katun huts built from wood and stone, and savor homemade specialties made from fresh ingredients provided by this pristine nature. In the katuns, you can taste various local products, including fresh milk, homemade cheese, kaymak, kačamak, and pies made from wild herbs that grow on Bjelasica’s slopes.

Perched at high altitudes, these katuns offer spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges, deep valleys, and vast meadows, making them an ideal spot for nature lovers and photographers. Beyond their natural beauty, katuns are also a vital part of the cultural heritage of Bjelasica, Mojkovac, and all of Montenegro. For generations, they have been hubs of mountain life, stockbreeding, and community, preserving customs and stories passed down from one generation to the next. Visiting these places allows for a deeper connection with nature and tradition, offering a sense of peace and simplicity that is hard to find in the modern world.

For those eager to explore this area, it is recommended to follow the Katun Road “Untold Bjelasica.” Detailed information on routes, lodging, and activities can be found at www.katunroads.me, where you can plan your adventure and uncover the hidden beauty of this part of Montenegro.

*Listed are rural households that are members of our association and are featured on this site. For other accommodation providers in this area, check Google Maps or Booking.com.

Nature and adventure lovers can explore stunning landscapes through various activities:

• Hiking and cycling – Trails through forests and meadows offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. From Bojna Njiva to Bjelasica, the Montenegrin hiking transversale CT1 passes through some of Montenegro’s most beautiful areas, alongside the top-tier mountain biking route TT3 – The Magical East.
• Horseback riding – Ideal for those who wish to explore the landscape in a traditional way, guided by locals.
• Foraging for wild herbs and mushrooms – The harvest season for medicinal plants, edible mushrooms, and sweet mountain blueberries lasts from spring to autumn.
• Visiting local households – Guests can enjoy homemade products such as cheese, kajmak, traditional bread, and rakija while experiencing the warmth of Montenegrin hospitality.

Bojna Njiva is a place where history, tradition, and untouched nature come together, offering an unforgettable experience to all who wish to explore the authentic beauty of Montenegro.