Situated in a valley at an elevation of 164 m above sea level, where the Dinaric Alps from the south descend into the Pannonian Basin in the north, Banja Luka has a temperate continental climate with the prevailing influences from the Pannonian plain. It belongs to the Central European Time zone and has a temperate continental climate. Due to many of its green surfaces – parks and tree-lined roads, Banja Luka is also known as the city of greenery. It is also called a city of young people, sport and culture.
The present name of the city was recorded for the first time in the Charter of Hungarian king Ladislaus II of Jagiellon on February 06, 1494.
Discussions held by philologists and historians resulted in the finding that the city name consisted of an old adjective “banj” (ban's), which disappeared long time ago in our language, but has been preserved only in the name of the city. The noun “luka” (plain) was then added to the possessive adjective. This attributed the meaning ban's plain to the name of the city.
The first telegraph was put into operation in 1866, and the first railway along the Banja Luka-Dobrljin route had been officially set into operation in 1873, only two years prior to the Bosnian and Herzegovinian uprising, due to which it had to be put out of operation.
Under the Austro-Hungarian protectorate Banja Luka became an industry and craft center. The foundations of such a progress were laid by the monks of the Franciscan Monastery Trapisti, which was built during the seventies of the 19th century. They started the construction of a mill, a brewery, brickyard, a fabric factory, and the hydroelectric plant in Delibašino selo as well as the construction of industrial plants for pasta and the famous Trappist cheese.
Within the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenians Banja Luka underwent a period of genuine progress. It became the center of the Vrbas Banovina, the administrative unit ruled by ban, and got a significant geo-strategic position in the newly founded country.
The city ows its rapid growth and progress to the first ban, brisk and energetic Svetislav Milosavljević (Svetislav – Tisa Milosavljević, born on September 07, 1882 in Niš, Serbia).
The most severe calamity that befell the city in the post-war period was a disastrous earthquake, which struck the city in October 1969. With its consequences remedied, Banja Luka got its recognizable appearance.
In the wake of the Former Yugoslavia's break-up, Banja Luka was the second biggest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the tenth biggest one in Yugoslavia. According to the 1991 census, Banja Luka had 150 000 inhabitants.
The extremely favorable geographical position of Banja Luka makes it an ideal destination for many outdoor activities, recreation and adventure hikes, so whether you prefer water sports, climbing, hiking, or individual or group sports, there is no doubt that you will not find something for yourself. The nature of Banja Luka will make you remember this city and its incredible beauty.
Banja Luka is a city of sports. Thanks to the Vrbas River and its wild waters, you will experience Banja Luka in many ways, and most certainly you will not be able to decide whether your favourite option is rafting, kayaking, canoeing or dayaking.
Rafting
Rafting is something that makes Banja Luka special. This extreme sport on the Vrbas river can be a great experience for those who have never tried rafting, but also for those who already are and love to go down the rapids and beeches.
Dayak
Dayak is a symbol of Banja Luka. It is a part of the City coat of arms , and it is the only boat that rides upstream, where steersman pushes off with a stick from the bottom of the river. The very name of that stick is dayak, after which it got its name.
Hiking and running
The most famous location is certainly Banj Brdo, which offers a fantastic view of the city, while the hiking trail, which leads to the famous monument, is a favorite place of Banja Luka citizens for a quick walk and excursion, but also recreation because there are outdoor gyms along the way.
Climbing
The surroundings of Banja Luka abound in climbing areas of various heights and weight, where everyone can find something for themselves if they like this activity. Depending on the weight of the climbing area and your preparedness, you are able to choose between the minimum demanding ones, intended for beginners and those who want to try this sport for the first time, to the extreme ones for experienced and long-term climbers.
Horse riding
About ten kilometers from the city center, there is the best place for horseback riding. Equestrian club "Čokorska polja", with its six riding trails ranging from ten to fifteen kilometers, provides an opportunity for another experience to all lovers of this sport, but also to those who want to try it for the first time, visit the city on Vrbas river and try something new and different.
Cycling
The area of the city of Banja Luka is ideal for mountain biking, which has been recognized by many fans of this sport, both recreational and professional. Several bicycle routes of different lengths and weights, from 10 to 80 kilometers, will satisfy even the most demanding lovers of mountain adventure.
Sports, cultural, musical events, numerous exhibitions, events and festivals make Banja Luka a great location to enjoy these activities if you are its fan. Numerous visitors from the region and the world visit the city on the Vrbas River in large numbers every year to attend many events unique to Banja Luka, and in addition to the many dates you need to record during the summer, winter is not lagging behind, so you will enjoy Banja Luka throughout years.
Where to start than with festivals. What Banja Luka is perhaps best known for when we talk about the popularity of a place, are certainly music and sports festivals, which are not far behind numerous events closely focused on some of the activities.
An event with a very long tradition, dating back to 1953, is becoming more and more popular and richer every year. During recent years, the festival was called "Carnival on the Vrbas" and in 1995 it changed its name to "Summer on the Vrbas" which remains to this date. The event lasts fifteen days, and it brings together Banja Luka during the period, as well as many sports fans, especially dayak, for which Banja Luka is widely known, but also lovers of art, culture and music, given that during the "Summer on the Vrbas"; there are many performances by musicians and cultural and artistic groups. The main events are the dajak boat race and jumps from the city bridge, and in addition to these, the event is marked with the selection of the most beautiful dayak, beach volleyball competition, divers' performances, kettle races, open-air cinema and numerous other activities.
In addition to its popularity for outdoor activities, Banja Luka is also known for numerous exhibitions of world and local artists, who have the opportunity to show their works to the citizens of Banja Luka, but also to all visitors to this city. The Museum of Contemporary Art of RS regularly organises art exhibitions, which are recognized by the people of Banja Luka and well attended.
Banski dvor is the cultural center of Banja Luka and the place of numerous events from various fields such as music, theater, monodrama performances, literary and cultural events, numerous workshops, congresses and symposiums. The representational interior of the Banski dvor preserves tradition, while the Concert Hall, the City Hall and the Ceremonial Salon have an authentic look, which gives even more importance to this cultural institution.
Banja Luka boasts numerous content from the world of drama and theater, with as many as 3 theaters for adults and one for children. The National Theater of the Republic of Srpska, as the largest and most developed, can be freely compared with some renowned European stages and the offer of performances it offers, considering that the quality and significance for culture and art do not lag behind in any way. Numerous award-winning performances are the pride of Banja Luka and Republika Srpska, and its repertoire offers performances and concerts of musicians from the country, the region and the world.
If you have ever been to Banja Luka, or if you are its resident, it is certain that, in addition to the natural beauties and sites that the city on the Vrbas river is rich with, the gourmet pleasure is always placed on the top of the list of things to experience here. Authentic Banja Luka cuisine will certainly not leave anyone indifferent – traditional dishes full of taste, fantastic aromas and tempting appearance, make the Banja Luka menu loved by anyone who decides to eat here. A large selection of dishes with the hospitality and cordiality of the people, are something that adorns this region as an ideal place for rest, enjoying nature and staying at interesting locations of cultural and historical significance.
Uniqueness is what makes the tastes and smells of Banja Luka – many dishes have the prefix of Banja Luka, and many of them are not prepared anywhere else except in Banja Luka and its surroundings. Kozaračka pita, pura, cicvara, kvrguša, ćevapi – these are just some of the delicious dishes on the list, which is too long and has a long history behind it, which the people of Banja Luka are proud of and which they keep even today. All dishes of Krajina, after which Banja Luka is also called Krajina beauty, are not only of good taste, but they are also decorated with some local stories that give a special flavor.
Banja Luka doesn’t lag behind in sweets either, so you will surely have a hard time deciding between apple pie, paws, baked apples in the oven, and if you do your best, in the kitchens of old Banja Luka residents, you can find Banja Luka candy, traditional fig, almond and chocolate cake. which was produced long ago, between the two world wars, in the Banja Luka settlement of Mejdan. Meat dominates the traditional menu of Banja Luka. All kinds of meat, prepared in various ways, with the addition of side dishes such as potatoes, rice, peas and salad. Abundant portions, to which foreigners may not be accustomed, are something that makes the Banja Luka table unique – on which all the prepared food is brought, and everyone gathers around the table to enjoy the prepared delicacies.
A variety of pies, pastries and breads – making the smell of fresh pastry far away and complete the gourmet experience. Bun, an indispensable addition to kebabs (ćevap), is a quick and easy dish that can be tried as a side dish but also as a breakfast dish, with hot butter and honey. Pies lumpy, crunchy – they all got their names from the look they have after baking.
Banja Luka kebab is the recognizable symbol of the city. It is special in everything – its appearance, taste, method of preparation and serving. According to the original, traditional recipe, it is made from beef and lamb with the addition of spices, salt, pepper and garlic, and is always prepared on the grill. Although it can be found in all restaurants, kebab shops or grills are places dedicated only to it and variations of grilled dishes.
Apart from traditional dishes, Banja Luka also boasts one traditional product – Trapist cheese. Trapist cheese has been produced in the Marija Zvijezda monastery since the nineteenth century, more precisely in 1872. The story behind it is very interesting, and it includes the process of making it was as it was closely guarded secret and the only one who knew the recipe was Father Tomo. Tomo shared the job with a dozen experts, but so that each does his part of the job, and does not know what the tasks of the other are during the making of this specialty. In that way, the recipe remained authentic and unique. Today, you can buy Trapist cheese in all stores, but it is recommended to go to the monastery because you will be sure to get freshly prepared cheese directly from the place of production.
One thing is for sure – you will not stay hungry in Banja Luka. A wide range for all tastes, and even if you do not like meat or traditional dishes, you will complete your experience of this city and all its uniqueness. Catering facilities of all types, from cafes and bars, through bars to restaurants and cocktail bars are something that characterizes the city on the Vrbas.
