The mountain
shaped like a pyramid
Seen from the plains, Rtanj is an almost perfect triangle. It has drawn hikers, photographers, researchers, spiritual seekers and storytellers for generations. Our village sits at its foot, in Ilino.
A natural pyramid
Rtanj is a natural mountain with a remarkably symmetrical silhouette. From the surrounding plains its faces meet in one point: Šiljak, 1565 m.
That outline gave the festival its name, and the logo its form.
What people say, and what is still open
Rtanj collects stories. Some may one day be proven. We leave the door open.
Is it a man-made pyramid?
Some theories say Rtanj hides an ancient structure.
Geologists read it as a natural mountain. No one has proven otherwise yet, and the question still sends people up the slopes.
A place of energy
Many believe the shape concentrates natural energy, and come to meditate and heal.
No instrument has measured it yet. Many who come say they feel it anyway.
Fiery spheres in the sky
Stories of glowing spheres and unidentified objects are part of modern Rtanj folklore.
Still unexplained. Accounts keep coming, so the night sky over Rtanj is worth watching.
Gold under the mountain
Legends of hidden gold have sent treasure hunters up the slopes.
No gold found so far. The search was real: treasure hunters badly damaged the chapel on the summit.
Forests, meadows, rock and Rtanj tea
The slopes move from forest and meadow to exposed rock, rich in aromatic and medicinal plants. The best known is Rtanj tea, part of local tradition for generations.
Some species are protected. Look, photograph, and leave them growing.
The Chapel of St. George
On the summit stand the ruins of a chapel built in the 1930s by the family connected with the former Rtanj mine. It was later badly damaged by treasure hunters looking for the legendary gold.
Today it is one of the most recognisable landmarks of Rtanj, and the goal of the sunrise hike.
Sunrise from Šiljak
Several routes lead to the summit through forest, open grassland and rocky terrain. The night ascent to watch dawn over Eastern Serbia is the classic Rtanj experience.
Season
Spring to autumn. Winter ascents are far more demanding.
Night climb
During the festival, the night climb to Šiljak is an Adventure Ticket. Times: at the info desk.
Bring
Water, a headlamp, a warm layer and proper shoes.
Tell someone
Let a friend know your route and when you expect to be back.
Stay a few days longer
Bogovinska cave
One of the longest caves in Serbia: underground halls and rock formations, cool on hot days.
Rtanjsko Vrelo
The spring at the foot of the mountain, visited by pilgrims and travellers for generations. Our VRELO zone is named after it.
Towns & monasteries
Sokobanja, Boljevac and Zaječar, and the monasteries and historic sites of Eastern Serbia.
Staying under Rtanj outside the festival? Pyramid Eco Village is open all year: Pyramid Eco Village →
