Have you heard of the Lenard effect? This effect is also known as the waterfall effect. In places where water falls from the rocks, a large amount of negative ions is created in droplets, which have a beneficial effect on the human body. Maybe that’s why I feel more relaxed than anywhere else when I’m next to a waterfall. There are many waterfalls in Serbia, especially in the east. They do not stand out in size, but they are really beautiful and unique and the search for them is always a real adventure.
This is Ripaljka, a waterfall on the river Gradašnica, about 16 meters high, located on the mountain Ozren, one of the most famous and most visited waterfalls in Serbia. It has long been believed to be the highest waterfall in Serbia, but a waterfall on Stara Planina was discovered relatively recently, which has remained unmeasured and unexplored for a long time due to its inaccessibility.
It is difficult to reach the Kaludjerski skokovi waterfall, which is over 200 meters high, but that is why everyone can visit Ripaljka. The path to the waterfall is steep but short, so that from the asphalt road to the waterfall can be reached quickly by an easy walk. As you can see in the photos, the access to the waterfall is nicely arranged and in harmony with the surroundings.
When I mentioned the surroundings, let me add that the mountain Ozren, where the waterfall is located, is a mountain where there is a spa for lung diseases because the climate here is very favorable. The Romans are the creators of the spa cult in this area, which has developed to this day. It is the same at the foot of this mountain, where the Sokobanja spa is located, with springs of healing water, which were also used by the Romans. There is almost no fog in this spa, and also at that place gases that are suitable for the respiratory organs come out of the ground. Also, the river Gradašnica on which it is located is known for many cascades, so it is also called the river of mills, because in the past on its short course (about 4 km) there were many mills. Today, two are preserved and arranged for tourism.
Roughly, the same rule applies to Ripaljka as for most waterfalls in this region, it is best to come when it is spring because spring is rainy. Unfortunately, it is without water in summer, because there is an accumulation at the very source of the mentioned river, which supplies water to nearby Sokobanja.
We visited Ripaljka a couple of years ago, and we really enjoyed the time spent next to this beautiful waterfall. The weather was fantastic, even though it was the beginning of summer, there was still water. We were the only visitors, so the feeling was fantastic. It’s like I’m separated from all the problems, without the city noise and rush.
And indeed, waterfalls are a real elixir for the soul and body of each of us, which is scientifically and proven, as I already stated at the beginning of this story.
Unfortunately, Serbia is a country where investments are made without pardon for nature and its beauties. Eastern Serbia is full of beautiful waterfalls and mountain rivers that are put in pipes, with the goal of producing electricity. The price for such a small production is too high, which the people saw, so environmental protests are very frequent. The people organized themselves and with hammers and tools, they finally broke the pipes. For now, the situation is calm and nothing is happening, but the question is what will happen. Attention is currently focused on western Serbia, where the controversial multinational company Rio Tinto would start exploiting lithium.
We enjoyed the beauty and proximity of this waterfall and hope to preserve the amazing and unique nature of this region. It's worth fighting for!
Regards to all!
Your Snežana
Manu Chao, a wonderfully talented man, musician, and philanthropist, who in his own way is fighting to make this world a more beautiful and humane place, visited Eastern Serbia and supported environmental protests. Here is his symbolic contribution to this struggle.
My entry for Amazing Nature Contest-April 2021-#02 ❤️