Unlike many other Serbian mountains, Golija is known for its tameness. Its numerous forests, meadows and grasslands are exceptionally well-preserved as is its diverse plant and animal life. No wonder then that UNESCO decided to designate it the Golija-Studenica Biosphere Reserve.
Its highest peaks – Jankov kamen, Crni vrh and Bojevo brdo – are also viewpoints which overlook areas of exquisite natural beauty, including the nearby mountains of Kopaonik, Komovo and Prokletije. The boundaries of Golija mountain are delineated by the rivers Ibar, Raška, Moravica and Studenica.
Golija is home to the extraordinary Heldreich's maple, which survived the most recent ice age. Mushroom foragers will undoubtedly enjoy picking some of the several dozens of edible species that grow here. And if you come here to enjoy the animal world, you will find almost a hundred different species of birds, as well as hedgehogs, hazel dormice, and weasels, which are protected by the state.
Plant lovers should make sure not to miss the treasure trove of rare species found on Dajićko lake, as well as on a Košanin’s lakes and Devojačka voda.
Apart from its natural beauties, Golija is also rich in cultural and historic landmarks. Studenica and Gradac, two monasteries of exceptional importance for the history and culture of Serbia, were built in its peripheral area in the 12th and 13th century. Studenica, an endowment of the founder of the Serbian royal Nemanjić dynasty, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its importance as the spiritual centre of the mediaeval Serbian state, while Gradac is a unique architectural feat in this part of the world due to its blend of Gothic and Byzantine elements.