The thermomineral water of the Laktaši Spa has been known for its healing properties since Roman times; its modern development and use began in 1930. Alongside its thermal history, archaeological remains, culture, nature destinations and regional cuisine are among the highlights of a stay. The options range from the Roman bath to the trails in nearby Slatina.
Thermal history and archaeological traces
At the Roman Baths, the water and rooms were heated using a special hypocaust system. The discovered remains of the Roman public bath were conserved in 2008. The “Laktasi Spa” health and tourism complex is located in the city centre and is another landmark associated with the thermal baths.
Churches, history and culture
The Church of the Intercession of the Most Holy Mother of God stands in the centre of Laktaši. Built in 2007, it has an iconostasis with 66 icons. This links a specific construction date with a distinctive feature of the church.
Salon Stripa is an international comics festival in Laktaši. It takes place every year in mid-April at the gallery of the Centre for Culture and Education. If you would like to plan your stay around the festival, check the specific event dates before travelling.
The remains of the early Byzantine lost city of Balkis, dating from the 4th century, lie in nearby Bakinci, in the municipality of Laktaši. The nearby Balkis complex covers more than 100,000 square metres. Mahovljani is also close to Laktaši: the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi there was built in 1902 and designated a state-protected monument.
Nature and places to visit in Slatina
Nearby Slatina Forest Park has marked, gravel-surfaced trails. Seventy plant species have been recorded there, including species subject to national and international protection. The trails and plant diversity offer two different ways to enjoy a visit to nature: walking in the forest park and learning about its flora.
Slatina is a destination for day trips and tourism, with a long tradition of spa and excursion tourism. It has a thermomineral spring with a temperature of over 40°C. Pools with healing water are located in the centre of nearby Slatina. If you plan to visit the pools, please check the current access conditions in advance.
Within the municipality of Laktaši, BK Laktaši offers visitors bicycle rentals. It also offers guided tours or a guide service for recreational cyclists from outside the area. These services are useful to know about when planning a cycling trip; no connection to the trails in Slatina Forest Park is implied.
Regional cuisine
In Laktaši, you can try pogača, cornbread, fried dough balls, cheese, kajmak, cicvara and meat specialities. The local cuisine also includes dishes made with fresh vegetables from the fertile Lijevče Field, as well as homemade spirits from local distillers. This gives regional cuisine its own place alongside the thermal baths and cultural attractions of a stay.
Near the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi in nearby Mahovljani, tastings of Bonaventura wine and Trappist cheese are offered to organised groups. Please check the availability of these tastings before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Donje Vardište, Mišići, Ponir, Lukavica, Ugljevik, Dera, Šipovo, Vrhovina.
For the broader travel overview: Republika Srpska.
