05 Sep Mountain WWII epic that will take your breath away

The Second World War is still a controversial topic in the territory of the former Yugoslavia, and there is very little information about which there is a consensus even today, almost 80 years later. However, one such event is the Battle of Sutjeska, which took place during May and June 1943, when Yugoslav partisans broke through the encirclement of German forces in the valley of the Sutjeska River in southeastern Bosnia.

Today, this area is the Sutjeska National Park in Republika Srpska, a Serbian entity in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It has incredible beauty and plenty of amenities that make it worth planning a trip to this part of Europe.  

Museum history

In the center of the national park is the Valley of Heroes – a memorial complex near the village of Tjentište, for which this part of the national park is mostly known. The park was officially opened in 1974 and is entirely dedicated to the Battle of Sutjeska during World War II. The central feature of the park is the monumental monument of Serbian sculptor Miodrag Živković. This massive stone monument fascinates even through photography, but its epic character and the sacrifice to which it is dedicated can only be experienced upon arriving at the complex – in front of the monument is the tomb of 3,301 Partisan fighters.  

Numbers & facts

The monument is reached by one of two long flights of stairs, which adds to its monumentality, because by climbing to this position in the middle of the valley surrounded by high mountain peaks, you feel the importance of the memorial complex and the important battle that took place there. Behind the monument is a Small amphitheater of the brigades, and in the surrounding area there are also a number of memorials to fallen warriors. In addition to the monument itself, in the immediate vicinity there is also the Museum of the Battle of Sutjeska, which does not have such a large display, but the deficit in exhibits is compensated by the excellent guided tour provided by young curators, ready to answer your every question. There is also the memorial house of the Battle of Sutjeska, another monumental building (the work of Belgrade architect Ranko Radović) in which there are 9 murals dedicated to the battle itself. Each of the murals represents one of the moments of the bloody battle, while between them are the names of all the fallen partisans. The complex was significantly damaged during the wars of the 1990s, when, in addition to the museum and the memorial house, hotels and resorts were also damaged, which before the wars received a large number of tourists from all over the former Yugoslavia. The museum and the memorial house have been restored and are now a standard part of the offer. The entrance to the Museum and Memorial House is unique and costs €5 per visitor.  

Trivia

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the battle (1973), the famous film Sutjeska, one of the most expensive projects of Yugoslav cinematography, was shot. This epic film was shot in the Sutjeska National Park and is a reconstruction of the battle in which more than 7,000 partisans died, but which represented a turning point in the war in the former Yugoslavia. It is interesting that no domestic actor was chosen for the role of Josip Broz Tito, the later undisputed ruler of Yugoslavia, but he was played by one of the greatest actors on the planet at that time – Richard Burton. However, the film as a film has no excessive value, so you don’t have to watch it unless you have a special desire. OK Fest is a music festival that has been held every July since 2015 and which once again brought Tjentište into the focus of young people from the entire region. In addition to the rich musical program of current musicians, the festival also offers numerous other contents – rafting on the Tara River, a visit to Perućica (the oldest rainforest in Europe), mountain walks, sports activities and panel discussions.  

Not to miss

You must not miss a visit to the Valley of Heroes, especially the monument of the battle itself. We believe that this place should be visited during all 4 seasons, because the surroundings are amazing and it is equally exciting to experience it surrounded by misty mountain peaks, lush greenery, strong sun or yellow crowns of numerous surrounding trees.

Souvenir shop

On the other side of the main road, right at the parking lot, there is a shop where you can buy the basic souvenirs.  

Our final impression

Sutjeska National Park is a place that leaves you breathless. Although it is located in the middle of a large forest and between high mountains and the air is incredibly pleasant, you will feel a bone in your throat when you think that a battle took place in such a beautiful area with tens of thousands of dead. If you are planning a trip to Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro or Croatia, try to set aside at least one day to visit Republika Srpska and the Valley of Heroes, because the experience you will experience is incomparable to anything else.

After the visit

Although there are good restaurants in the immediate vicinity, we advise you to visit Foča, a place 30 kilometers away, after the Valley of Heroes. This beautiful town, located at the confluence of the Ćehotina and the Drina rivers, is a great place for lunch and a walk, so we advise you to visit the restaurant Zlatna Dunja (traditional) or Mozart (more modern cuisine).