Tajan

Natural Monument Tajan, located at the tri-border of the municipalities of Zavidovići, Kakanj, and Zenica, covers an area of 50 km² and represents a region of exceptional natural beauty and diversity. This area is characterized by numerous geomorphological formations, including canyons, caves, waterfalls, and lakes, which together create a unique landscape ideal for various forms of recreation and tourism.

Tajan is renowned for its wealth of speleological sites, with over 100 explored caves and pits. Among the most significant are Lukina Cave, the Cave in Srednja Stijena, and Omladinska Pit. Lukina Cave, located at the base of the vertical cliff of Srednja Stijena, is accessible even to amateurs, while the Cave in Srednja Stijena is known for its impressive cave decorations, including a stalagmite resembling a figure of a mother with a child.

The flora of Tajan includes several endemic plant species of the Dinaric region. Notably, Gregersen’s Spurge (Euphorbia gregersenii), which grows exclusively in this area, is listed on the international red list of endangered plant species. Also found here is the Bosnian Lily (Lilium bosniacum), a symbol of Bosnia and Herzegovina's natural heritage.

The fauna of this area is exceptionally rich, including numerous mammal species such as bears, wolves, foxes, deer, hares, wild cats, and boars. Particularly significant are cave-dwelling species of insects, spiders, and reptiles that inhabit the many underground cavities. Fossil remains of the cave bear (Ursus spelaeus), cave hyena (Crocuta crocuta spelaea), and red deer (Cervus elaphus), dating back up to 15,000 years, have been discovered in the caves.

This area offers visitors a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, rock climbing, cave exploration, kayaking on the Gostović River, and enjoying natural attractions such as waterfalls and Lake Mašica. This lake was formed in 1985 due to a landslide that blocked a stream. It is rich in brown trout and crayfish and is surrounded by dense forests, providing visitors with an ideal place for relaxation and recreation.