Above the City [Part 2/3]: Mountain Velez

In part two we visit the summit of mountain Velez. In part one we made the drive up to the plains above Mostar, and in this second part we drove further inland, closer to the mountain.

Velez mountain is a mountain in the south-central part of the Herzegovina region of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The three largest communities in the Mount Velez Region are Nevesinje, which is located in a secluded mountain valley; Blagaj, which is located near the source of the Buna River (click here to see that series); and Podvelezje which is situated below the summit of Velez (which we are visiting in this series). 

The mountain overlooks, Mostar. The Velez mountain was named after one of the old Slavic gods Velse. The highest Velez peak is called Botin and it is 1,969 meters high.

This is a multi-part series. Other parts include:
Part One: The Great Plains
Part Two: Mountain Velez
Part Three: Return into the Valley

click on the images for a bigger view

These parts are mostly barren landscapes, but this pine tree forest, located just along the road, was a welcome sight. We even saw a rabbit jumping happily along.

The first houses show up, just a couple of miles after you reach the plains. The harsh living conditions, caused by wind and snow, sometimes cuts these houses off from the rest of the world.

On top of this hill we found an old, run down structure, which I believe was a army base in the second world war (judging from the looks). If I find out more I'll let you know.

After visiting the mountain slopes of Velez, we took the drive back into the valley, where I made some of the best photos from this trip. But I'll share those in the final, third part!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great weekend.