Rtanj

Rtanj is a mountain located in eastern Serbia and represents a natural phenomenon of karst relief. The mountain rises abruptly from the plain and ends in an almost completely regular limestone pyramid. The highest point of Rtnja is the peak of Šiljak, 1561 m above sea level.

Due to its specific appearance, various legends are being woven about Rtnje, and some scientists are trying to prove that it used to be a pyramid.

Rtanj is one of the most popular mountaineering destinations in Serbia. This mountain attracts mountaineers throughout the year, both beginners and experienced mountaineers who are here in good condition preparing for more serious ascents around the world. It is possible to reach the top by marked paths from different sides, even without the help of a guide. However, climbing in winter conditions is not recommended for beginners, mountaineers without experience and equipment.

Staying at the top provides an unforgettable atmosphere. With good visibility from Rtnje, it is possible to see the mountains from one end of Serbia to the other.

At the very top of Šiljak, there are the remains of a chapel built by Greta Minh in 1934 in honor of the late husband of Julius Minh, the then owner of a coal mine at the foot of Rtnje. The material for the construction of the chapel was delivered to the top on donkeys, and the workers of the then mine participated in the construction. The chapel was mined and demolished by vandals in the 1990s, believing that it contained hidden treasures.

The most popular mountaineering events on Rtnje are the republican actions "Christmas ascent" which is held in January organized by OPSD "Dragan Radosavljević" from Zaječar and "Night ascent" which is held in July organized by the mountaineering club "Šiljak" from Boljevac, and every year these the events attract up to a thousand mountaineers from across the region.

Mount Rtanj is also popular for its medicinal herbs that grow on the slopes of this mountain and from which the popular Rtanj tea is made. All the water from higher altitudes flows into the foot of the mountain through a large number of cavities within the mountain itself, which are a feature of the karst relief, so there are a large number of sources of drinking water in the foothills.