Last weekend, on March 30, 2025, our Starlight community went on a fascinating hike along the Gornja Brca – Vrelo potok – Dumetići route, located in the picturesque surroundings of Bar, Montenegro. This route combines natural beauty, historical monuments and rich flora, making it ideal for lovers of active recreation and exploration of the surrounding world.
Start: Gornja Brca
Our journey began in the village of Gornja Brca, which is famous for its traditional stone houses and narrow streets that reflect the spirit of old Montenegro. The hills of the village offer breathtaking views of the Adriatic coast, making this place especially attractive for photographers and lovers of natural landscapes. For more information on Gornja Brca, see our previous articles.
Vrelo Stream
The Vrelo River flows along the village of Gornja Brca. Of course, all settlements are located near water sources. I would like to note that we have been on this river twice – in the fall and literally a month ago. And in both cases there was no flow, the riverbed was completely dry. This time everything was different. Quite a powerful flow gave maximum extreme to our walk when crossing the river. The name “Vrelo” in Serbo-Croatian means “source”, which emphasizes the importance of this reservoir for local residents. Along the banks of the stream you can find various species of plants and animals typical for this region.
Village of Dumetići
The final point of our route was the village of Dumetići, known for its historical roots. According to local legends, in the 19th century, participants in the uprisings against the Ottoman Empire took refuge here. Old stone buildings and narrow streets of the village preserve the memory of those times, allowing you to touch history and feel the atmosphere of the past.
Meeting with Orchis papilionacea
One of the highlights of our hike was discovering Orchis papilionacea (Anacamptis papilionacea). This is a rare orchid species, distinguished by its large, bright flowers. Its petals really do resemble fluttering butterflies, which is where the name comes from. Orchis papilionacea grows in Mediterranean countries and prefers dry meadows and light forests. The species is included in the Red Books of many European countries due to the decline of its population.
In addition, we encountered Ophrys hydrangea, and the primroses were already finishing their bloom.
Historical background
The area through which our route ran is rich in historical events. Montenegro has been the scene of the struggle for independence for centuries, and many villages, such as Gornja Brca and Dumetići, witnessed these events. Old stone houses, churches and other buildings serve as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Conclusion
The hike along the Gornja Brca – potok Vrelo – Dumetići route left unforgettable impressions for the members of the Starlight community. The combination of natural beauty, historical sites and rare flora makes this route unique and recommended for all lovers of active recreation and learning new things.
