Descending by rope from the City Bridge, demonstrations of speleological equipment and conversations with experienced underground explorers drew the attention of many residents of Banja Luka during Speleology Day, held as part of the “Summer on the Vrbas 2026” event.
Although the demonstration part of the programme has ended, visitors can still see an exhibition of photographs and speleological equipment at Tower 1 of Kastel Fortress, revealing both the beauty and the challenges of exploring caves and pits.
Breaking fear and bringing speleology closer to the public
The “Ponir” Speleological Society says the goal of events like this is to bring speleology closer to the public and show that the discipline is not reserved only for experienced explorers.
“This is a way to show citizens what a wonderful discipline speleology is. Visitors had the opportunity to become familiar with the equipment necessary for descending, and one of our goals is also to break down fear. Fear can be an obstacle that prevents someone from deciding to take up this discipline, but we have truly had examples of people who gradually pushed the limits they had set for themselves and, through regular participation in our activities, overcame that fear over time,” Katarina Vujučić of the “Ponir” Speleological Society told SeeSrpska.
During the programme at the City Bridge, speleologists demonstrated rope descent and climbing techniques and presented the equipment they use in underground exploration, while a lecture was held at Kastel on speleology, the natural treasures hidden in the underground world and the exploratory achievements of speleologists.
New content enriches “Summer on the Vrbas”
Minja Kovačević Šurlan, director of the Banja Luka Tourist Organization, said such content has multiple benefits.
“The activities of speleologists, besides being attractive to our fellow citizens and visitors, are also a kind of invitation for people to join them in this beautiful discipline, to get to know speleology, and through such attractive presentations to capture the attention of tourists,” Kovačević Šurlan told SeeSrpska.
She added that this year’s edition of “Summer on the Vrbas” has been enriched with numerous new and attractive activities that were not part of the programme in previous years, with the aim of offering visitors more diverse content and further promoting the natural beauty and tourism potential of Banja Luka.
Exhibition at Kastel open to visitors
The exhibition of photographs and speleological equipment at Kastel remains an opportunity for anyone who wants to glimpse a world most people never get the chance to see and to learn more about a discipline that combines adventure, exploration and nature conservation.
Source: See Srpska
