“The couple arrived in our region two days ago, and during their visit to Mrkonjić Grad, Filip Karađorđević announced their plan to spend a few days resting at Balkana.
Balkana is located at the foot of Lisina Mountain, at an altitude of about 700 meters near Mrkonjić Grad.
Nestled amidst the landscape of meadows, beech, oak, and coniferous forests, Balkana stands out as it remains untouched by rampant construction of weekend cottages and similar structures. A particularly beautiful and harmonious natural ensemble is formed by the upper lake with its springs, forest, and promenade, providing a picturesque view of the clear water and shoals of fish. It consists of two areas, the Small and the Large Lake. The smaller one is paved and popular as a bathing area, while the Large Lake is more suited for walks and nature appreciation. Both were created in 1959 by regulating several springs and constructing a dam to create artificial lakes.
According to tradition, there were two powerful and deep springs – wells full of fish. Since the Turkish word for fish is “baluk,” the springs were called “Baluk-hana” (fish habitat). Over time, the name changed to “Balukana,” and eventually, it became Balkana.
The Black River, flowing through Mrkonjić Grad and joining the Vrbas River and the artificial Bočac Lake, originates from the Small Lake at Balkana.
Adjacent to Balkana, the famous competition ‘Days of Haymaking at Balkana – Memorial Lazar Laketa’ is held every year. The competitors use the famous scythe called ”varčarka,” which has been forged for centuries in Mrkonjić Grad and its surroundings. The lake is easily accessible, located on the main road from Jajce to Mrkonjić Grad to Bihać, approximately 60 kilometers from Banja Luka. It features designated areas for barbecuing and camping, a catering facility, bungalows, hiking trails, and sports fields.”
“Prince Filip is known to be the great-great-grandson of King Petar I Karađorđević, who in his youth (before the Karađorđević family returned to the throne in Serbia) participated in the famous Bosnian-Herzegovinian uprising against Ottoman rule in 1875.
Petar joined the insurgents in the Bosnian Krajina region as a volunteer under the pseudonym Petar Mrkonjić, and the town Mrkonjić Grad was named after him.”
