In search of a unique inner journey and inspired by her connection to the Balkans, editor Ana decided to join a retreat in Visoko, Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is a special place, known for its mysterious pyramids and healing energy. Alongside a group from the Netherlands, she travelled to Visoko, hoping to experience the power and tranquillity of this place for herself.
Where is Visoko, how do you get there, and why did you want to visit this place?
‘Visoko is located in Bosnia and Herzegovina, about a 30-minute drive from Sarajevo Airport. Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from the Netherlands, so it’s convenient to first fly to Germany, for example, to Bonn/Köln Airport, and then take a direct flight to Sarajevo.
My connection to the Balkans is very strong, and after many seaside holidays, I wanted to experience the untouched nature. I had heard some things about Visoko and its pyramids. It is said to be a special power spot that attracts many visitors, including the famous tennis player Novak Djokovic. This piqued my interest, and I wanted to see for myself if it really is such a unique energy place.’
Can you tell us about the pyramids there? Which ones did you visit?
‘Certainly. I went on a retreat to Visoko with a group from the Netherlands. We had a loosely planned itinerary, which allowed us flexibility in our activities. The pyramids in Visoko were discovered by chance in 2005. In total, five pyramids have been identified, connected by an underground network of tunnels extending for kilometres. The measured energy is said to be very healthy and healing. For instance, the Sun Pyramid emits a pulsating frequency of 28 kHz. Did you know that the three pyramids (the Sun, the Moon, and the Dragon) are positioned in an equilateral triangle of 2170 meters? All the pyramids are covered with earth and vegetation, so they don’t look like pyramids at first glance.
We visited the two largest and most well-known pyramids: the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. I found the Pyramid of the Sun particularly impressive. It is the only pyramid with a distinctly triangular shape. From a distance, it resembles a large hill or mountain due to the vegetation. You can climb to the top of the pyramid; I recommend doing this early in the morning and wearing sturdy walking shoes. We were there in June, and it wasn’t crowded. Once at the top, you get a magnificent view and can meditate in peace, as there are almost no visitors if you go early.
We visited the Pyramid of the Moon by car. The last few kilometres are on an unpaved road, so keep that in mind. We had a lovely meal outdoors there. The owner, Senad, has a fascinating story that I’d be happy to share later.’
What did the retreat programme look like, and what surprised you the most?
‘The programme was quite flexible, as we were a group from the Netherlands and I didn’t know the others beforehand. On the one hand, this was a bit exciting, as you wonder if you’ll get along well. However, it all went very naturally. You know that people who come here are also open to spiritual experiences and believe in powerful energy spots.
Our mornings often began with a meditation session in the Ravne tunnels. Again, I recommend arriving early to avoid the crowds. After meditation, we returned for a delicious Bosnian lunch prepared with fresh local ingredients.’
‘In the afternoon, there was usually an activity planned, such as a visit to one of the pyramids or another interesting site. For instance, we explored the mysterious spheres in Zavidovici.
What surprised me the most was our visit to the energy circle near the Dragon Pyramid. It was an incredibly unique experience, almost beyond words. The energy at that location is incredibly powerful, and it’s something you really need to experience for yourself to understand.’
There is also a tunnel you can enter. What was it like to walk through such a tunnel?
‘Indeed, there is a tunnel you can enter, known as the Ravne Tunnels. This tunnel complex is renowned for its healing energy and pure air. On your first visit, you are guided by a tour leader, but on subsequent visits, you can explore the tunnel at your own pace.
The first time I entered the tunnel, it was a bit disorienting. It’s quite dark and narrow, and there are small spaces where people rest, meditate, or pray. The tunnel extends about 300 metres deep, and in some places, the electromagnetic frequency has been measured at 7.83 Hz, which matches the Earth’s natural frequency.
After spending some time in the tunnels, I began to experience a sense of calm, but this is very personal and may vary for each individual.’
Your group also received a welcome talk from none other than Dr. Semir Osmanagic. How was that?
‘We had the privilege of receiving a welcome talk from Dr. Semir Osmanagic, the discoverer of these pyramids and a prominent figure in the research of this site. It was special to meet him, someone who has always believed in this discovery and made it his life’s work.
On the day, Semir gave us a presentation right next to the tunnel. There is a small museum there with photos and interesting findings. One notable point Semir mentioned was the importance of measurement for gaining insights. For example, he highlighted the remarkable drop in blood sugar levels in people before and after entering the tunnel, from 7.8 to 5.1.
Semir also spoke about the many volunteers who have contributed to the research and excavations. It’s a massive undertaking, and much of the work is still ongoing. During the summer and the solstice (June 20 this year), various events and concerts take place around this extraordinary location.’
What did this week bring you? How did you enter it, and how did you come out?
‘This week brought me peace, both mentally and physically. The energy at this place was extraordinarily high and felt like coming home, which is not surprising given my departure from Bosnia at a young age. It also stirred emotions I hadn’t felt in a long time.
I entered the week with many thoughts and worries, particularly about my career, but this changed significantly during my stay. I was able to let go more and view things with greater confidence. Once back in Rotterdam, I decided to pursue freelancing full-time.’
Did you meet any special people or locals?
‘Absolutely, meeting the local people made my experience in Bosnia even more special. At the Pyramid of the Moon, we encountered Senad, with whom I could easily communicate as I also speak Bosnian. His decision to open a restaurant in such a remote location, where there is no running water, is truly admirable. Senad not only provides a place to recharge and stay overnight but also offers delicious food. We were treated to an extensive dinner featuring traditional Bosnian dishes such as ćevapi (minced meat rolls) and potatoes with veal, accompanied by strong drinks like rakija or local wines such as Žilavka and Vranac Vilarov. During a quiet moment, Senad shared his story about starting this restaurant nine years ago on his father’s land, defying all odds. His perseverance is rewarded with weekly visits from tourists, despite not having a website and relying solely on word-of-mouth.
Another remarkable person I met was our guide Igor, who was also the coach of the week. Originally from Sarajevo, Igor spent twenty years living in San Francisco after the war. Following a divorce and a motorbike accident, he decided to make a radical change in his life. He now resides back in Sarajevo, where he works as a life coach, is an author of children’s books, and an international bestselling author.’
Who is this retreat for, and what should you not expect?
‘This retreat is ideal for anyone who appreciates unspoiled nature and prefers a more authentic experience over large resorts. The accommodation is simple, which adds to its charm. If you’re more inclined towards luxurious yoga retreats on Ibiza, then this retreat may not be for you.’
Is there anything special that stood out to you and that you’d like to share?
‘At the Ravne Tunnels, we met Serif, a vendor of crystals and souvenirs. After a chat, we decided to visit his home, where he sold larger crystals. Once there, Serif took us to a special power spot known as the ‘Dragon’s Nest,’ where the energy was palpable and ideal for meditation. It’s difficult to put into words, but the energy there was powerful and healing.
Afterwards, Serif shared intriguing stories with us, and his sincerity was evident. As a memento, we received a crystal, which served as a beautiful reminder of this unique experience.’
For more information about the retreat in Visoko, click here. Also, read our previous article on the mysterious pyramids of Visoko here.
