Visočka Banja: A Natural Wonder in the Canyon of the Veliki Rzav

Hidden in the rugged hills of the village of Visoka, on the slopes of Mount Zlatibor, Visočka Banja holds one of western Serbia’s most extraordinary natural treasures. At the foot of the Veliki Rzav canyon, thermal springs erupt from the earth at a constant temperature of around 27°C. These waters flow directly into the cold mountain river. It forms natural pools that have been attracting and healing travelers, the sick, and the curious for centuries. The water here needs no cooling or heating—it emerges from the rocks already perfectly suited for the human body.

Healing Properties and Traditional Use

The water from these springs is classified as low-mineral homeothermal, rich in potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, and bicarbonates. Thanks to its chemical composition, it is especially helpful for treating rheumatic conditions, sciatica, neuralgia, vision problems, and post-traumatic conditions.

There’s no need for expensive infrastructure. Nature itself has created the therapeutic environment. Treatment consists simply of spending time in the water, with rest periods in between. Many people report significant pain relief and improved mobility after just a few days in the spa.

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Legends and Historical Significance

Folk tales surrounding the spa give it an almost mythical status. The most famous tells of a wounded horse during World War I that was left to die near the Rzav, only to miraculously recover after spending several days in the warm water. Some believe that even the warriors of Kosovo sought healing in these waters after battle. In times when folk healers were the only option, Visočka Banja was a secret refuge where both mystics and wounded soldiers, peasants and warriors, came to heal.

Tourist Offerings and Accessibility

Although not yet fully commercialized, Visočka Banja is becoming increasingly popular among those seeking authentic experiences. It is accessible by paved road, and the last hundred meters are equipped with wooden walkways and galleries that ease the approach to the springs themselves.

Curiosities You Won’t Find in Brochures

In summer, around noon, the spa water emits heat and vapor, creating a misty haze above the surface—an almost fairytale-like scene. Many visitors claim to feel immediate peace upon entering the canyon, as if nature itself takes over their worries. In winter, when snow blankets the surroundings, the steam rising from the springs creates a view reminiscent of Iceland’s thermal wonders. But with the soul of the Balkans.

Another interesting fact is that, according to local tradition, the water was once used for “healing baths” for newborns, especially when there were fears of curses or weakness. It is an old custom practiced by the village’s eldest women.

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