🗻 Spomenik Kosmaj in snow and fog
One spring we stopped by to see the Yugoslav Spomenik on Kosmaj, and after that I couldn't shake the thought: I absolutely had to see it in winter — in the snow, against a white background. And yesterday, when Belgrade was blanketed in thick fog that turned everything into a real Silent Hill, it became clear: there'd be no better moment.
What can I say – the Kosmaj Spomenik turned out to be completely cosmic in the thick fog, bound in ice and snow. Ignoring the icy wind and the approaching dusk, we spent a couple of hours there. We froze the drone, it fell three times – luckily into the snow. On the way down, the lights came on. We had to climb back up to see the "alien spaceship" in all its strange, otherworldly beauty. Gestalt 100% closed.
And for those hearing about this place for the first time, a bit of history.
The Spomenik borcima Kosmajskog odreda (Monument to the Fighters of the Kosmaj Detachment) stands on top of Mount Kosmaj, about 50 km south of Belgrade, on the Mali Vis peak (about 576 meters above sea level). It's one of the most impressive Yugoslav monuments.
It was unveiled in 1971 and dedicated to the fighters of the Kosmaj-Posavina Partisan Detachment. Fierce battles were fought on these very slopes, and many gave their lives for freedom here.
The composition consists of five concrete "wings" about 30 meters high, radiating from the center like a flash or a star — a symbol of struggle, sacrifice and faith in the future.
Seen from above, the monument resembles a five-pointed star — one of the key symbols of the Yugoslav resistance.
Spomenik Kosmaj looks especially unreal in fog or snow — as if it's not a monument but an object that came from another world.
#thisisthebalkansbaby #serbia #yugoslavbrutalism #spomenik #winter
Published January 11, 2026 · Open post in Telegram ↗
What can Kosmaj offer in winter, besides its amazing Spomenik?
We honestly expected to find white silence on Mount Kosmaj: a completely empty slope and quiet. But reality turned out to be more fun: in winter the Kosmaj slopes turn into the main local attraction. Crowds of happy people with sledges and snow tubes, children's laughter and great runs — that's Kosmaj in winter.
By the way, you can slide down right from the spomenik, especially if you come armed with a sled or a snowboard.
There are 2 types of runs: one for sledders and gentler ones for those who prefer snow saucers. Of course, we tested them ourselves — and it was fire! (or rather snow 🌨️)
And once you've had your fill of the Spomenik and the sledding, it's time to warm up and grab a bite. And here I have just one recommendation — Kabinet brewery .🍺 It's just 5 minutes from the mountain, and everything there is just as it should be: a cozy interior, great service, tasty food and their own craft beer (yes, yes, exactly what you need after winter adventures).
The only downside — dogs aren't allowed inside 🐶
Bottom line: if you want snow, slopes, adrenaline and a tasty beer finale — Kosmaj in winter 💯 is worth your weekend, unless, of course, winter is over by next weekend😂.
#thisisthebalkansbaby #serbia #Kosmaj #winterfun #weekend
Published January 11, 2026 · Open post in Telegram ↗
Photo exchange, October 4 — chilling and relaxing on Kosmaj
Our day began with a sacred event… Somewhere on a country dirt road on Kosmaj, we saw an unbelievably beautiful burgundy vintage convertible speeding toward our bus.
And behind the wheel — Emir Kusturica!
We squealed with delight so loudly that I think we scared the bus driver half to death. No photos, naturally. But it was 100 percent him! Who else could drive through a Serbian village in such style?))
And that was it. After a start like that, the day simply had no right not to be a success!
Part of our group set off to conquer Mount Kosmaj on foot. They made it to the spomenik, looked at the archaeological excavations — in short, walked to their hearts' content.
The rest cheated and rode the bus up to the spomenik, then headed off to chill on the lawn of the Kabinet brewery.
Today was also Teya's hiking debut! 🐾 It was our first trip with our four-legged friend — and Teya seems to have immediately realized that hiking is wonderful, especially when there are so many people around ready to pet you.🐶
On the lawn, of course, we tried different beers 🍺 and different food. Everything was delicious, honest! By the way, we highly recommend the gin and tonic cocktail, it's just !
We just lay around and chatted. And you know, it turned out to be so good. Not going anywhere. Not looking at the clock. Not thinking about what else needs to get done. Just lying on the grass, basking in the sun, laughing, talking about everything under the sun and being happy that these particular people are right here with you.
And then we remembered that we had FOUR badminton sets with us.
And we held a battle.
We made a ton of plans for future trips. Now we just need to figure out where to get enough weekends to fit it all in))
We watched the sunset and headed home.
It turned out to be a really, really good day.
Thank you for making it that way!🫶🏻🤗 Don't forget to share your photos)
And as our Serbian brother Emir said:
"Happiness is when you do what you love and don't ask others whether you're doing the right thing."
Which is pretty much exactly why we travel.
Published October 5, 2026 · Open post in Telegram ↗
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