The plateau of Nišići is north from Sarajevo. On the north, the plateau is bordered by mountain Zvijezda, and by a river Ljubina from the east. From the east is bordered by Čemerska and form west by Daštanska mountain. It is an area with slopes, coniferous forest and pastures cut by numerous brooks going on after another. There are plenty beautiful landscapes for easy walks in fresh mountain air. The area has rich founa and it is popular and frequently visited by hunters. For mountaineers, mountain-climbers and speleologists the most interesting areas is Bijambare. In the central part of this area, are two rivers with lakes, five caves in three horizons and numerous abbyses, karst holes and rocky massif.
Bijambare scenery
Bijambare tract, encompassing 370 ha, is recently proclaimed by law as protected area of the fifth grade (“protected landscape”). It is traditionally highly valued because of its natural beauty and richness.
It is easily reachable since it is near by the regional road Sarajevo-Tuzla, what makes it additionally attractive for tourists.
Altitude averaging 950 m a.s.l., with thick old evergreen forest, with various pine trees, beautiful meadows crossed by two creaks that form small lakes and sink underground into karstified limestone rock base, can be found here what will make your stay more than pleasant.
Being situated in the karstic region area is rich with most karst phenomena such as karstic depressions, sinkholes and, most importantly, 6 known caves. The reserve is attractive for spelaeology, hiking, cycling, horse-riding, picnic, mountaineering, alpinism, fishing, hunting, skiing, collecting of medical herbs and mushrooms, etc.
Bijambare video show the beauty of this area.
Certainly, the greatest attraction is the presence and accessibility of caves that are nicely grouped. In three horizons there are five caves that are named and better known, but there is also one more unnamed cave and possibly even more undiscovered ones. The largest cave is called Bijambare main cave, or sometimes: mid-Bijambare or simply Bijambare.
The main cave is of considerable magnitude, 420 m long (along the main path, neglecting branches) with 4 huge “halls” stretching up to 60 m in the diameter and to over 30 m in height. One of the halls (the last one) is commonly called “concert-hall” due to its impressive size. The cave is rich with cave “jewellery” forms such as stalactites, stalagmites, curtains, basins, side-blocks and alike. It is presently inhabited by colony of bats and crickets. Other inhabitants could possibly also be found.
In the upper Bijambare cave stone-tools of the cave-man were found after brief explorations in 1967. Most probably many more could be dug-out. Skeletons of ancient bears, dears and other animals were also discovered in some of the caves.
Bijambare Upper Cave
Relative vicinity to the major administrative, industrial, economic and touristic centres and planned European highway (corridor 5C), its established touristic tradition and natural beauty make this location exceptionally interesting for visitors of all kinds ranging from school children to recreation seeking citizens, and from foreign tourists to researchers in various scientific branches.
