Trudelj – Rivers, Ostrvica and Local Traditions

Trudelj lies in the upper valley of the Kozeljica; in this section, the river is called the Trudeljska reka. Ostrvica reaches an elevation of 758 metres and lies northwest of Trudelj. The Zagrađe–Trudelj area and Ostrvica form a contiguous volcanic massif. The elevation refers to the individual mountain, while the geological classification links it to the named area. Part of Trudelj has the mildest subhumid climate in the municipality.

Location and River Landscape

The Kozeljica is called the Trudeljska reka in this section; this river is formed by the streams Kasamovac, Crna reka and Bunaja. The Begovska reka rises in Trudelj below Topovište, at an elevation of 609 metres. The Careva Voda spring lies in the forest of the same name, below the Crna reka. The waterway details differ according to what they refer to: for the Trudeljska reka, the streams that form it are named; for the Begovska reka, its source location and elevation are given; and for Careva Voda, its forest and location are specified.

The houses of Trudelj stand on mountain slopes and along the sides of their ridges, on level ground. Several communal village forests lie on the slopes and peaks of the surrounding mountains. Beech trees predominate there, along with sessile oaks, maples and ash trees. The climate description concerns part of the settlement and compares it with the municipality as a whole, not with any particular elevation.

Ostrvica: Access and Walking Time

Near Trudelj, access to Ostrvica follows the local paved Rudnik–Varnice road to the foot of the mountain. From there, it takes less than 30 minutes to walk to the summit. The distinction is important for planning your time: the road is part of the approach, while the stated walking time applies to the footpath from the foot of the mountain. The 758 metres, by contrast, refers to Ostrvica’s elevation.

Local Traditions and Place Names

One local tradition explains the name Trudelj with a story that pregnant women from the village carried stones to build Ostrvica. Another local tradition links the name of the hamlet of Varnice to the lime kilns and fires that burned there during the construction of Ostrvica. Both stories connect place names with the building of Ostrvica, but focus on different motifs: the Trudelj tradition on carrying stones, and the explanation of Varnice on lime kilns and fires.

The river Staroselska reka and the hill Bošnjačko Groblje also have names that recall an earlier settlement. Trudelj’s village Zavetina takes place on the Sunday before the feast of Young Saint Nicholas.

Accommodation in Trudelj

Vila Milica is a four-star holiday home in Trudelj.

Discover more destinations: Gornja Trepča, Ozrem, Ivanjica, Riđage, Leušići, Kušići, Ovcar Banja, Gornji Banjani

Go to the overview of the wider region: Moravica District.