Novakova pećina (Novak’s cave) is named after the old folk hero Starina Novak, a historical figure from the second half of the 16th century, originally from Smederevo. He roamed as a hajduk (outlaw) across Serbia and Herzegovina, but spent the longest time on Romanija, leaving a deep mark on the people, unlike any other individual. In 1926, Novak’s remains were transferred to a communal tomb beside a church in Pale in 1914. The cave is situated at an altitude of 1523 meters above sea level. Beneath Novak’s cave are Careve vode, the most famous spring of drinking water in a wide area. Next to the spring, ran the Carigradski drum, which at one time was one of the most important routes of the Ottoman Empire in Bosnia. The tourist destination begins at the hunting lodge on Majdan or the mountain home in Stajna, only 4-5 km from Pale.

Our planned route and the trek leads from hunting lodge Srndać (fallow deer) on Majdani, where you may also find accommodated. Near the hunting lodge we enter a forest realm of peace and relaxation. The path is well-marked and not too difficult. It leads first to Novak’s Spring, a large mountain basin, where we may take a short break for breakfast and refill our water flasks. They say that washing in this basin makes you five years younger.