Tara National Park in Serbia is the perfect destination for hikers and nature lovers.
Often overlooked by tourists, this stunning region is located in the western part of the country, not far from the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Tara is known for its dense forests, dramatic gorges, and crystal-clear rivers. It’s also home to Serbia’s only native population of brown bears.
In this guide, we’ll look at the top things to do in Tara National Park, as well as where to stay, how to get there, and some safety tips. So, let’s dive right in!
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Why visit Tara National Park?
Tara National Park forms part of the Dinaric Alps in western Serbia, covering about 220 square kilometres.
It’s named after Mount Tara, which stands at 1,000 to 1,590 metres above sea level.
The park has everything from rugged cliffs and deep canyons to peaceful meadows, making it a great spot for hiking, cycling, and wildlife spotting.
One of the coolest things about Tara is its incredible biodiversity. Over 1,000 plant species thrive here, and it’s a sanctuary for many endangered animals, including the European brown bear, golden eagles, and lynx.
Where to stay in Tara National Park
You have a mix of options when it comes to accommodation in and around Tara National Park. Here are a few recommendations:
- Perućac. The lakeside village of Perućac is a great base if you’re planning on doing water activities. There are some lovely guesthouses and wooden cabins here.
- Mokra Gora. This is a good option if you also want to explore the famous Šargan Eight railway. There are plenty of traditional-style lodgings in Mokra Gora, including the wooden buildings in Drvengrad; a mountain village built by filmmaker Emir Kusturica.
Alternatively, you could stay in Zlatibor, a town just outside Tara National Park.
This mountain resort is known for its fresh air and lush greenery, and some of the hotels have therapeutic spas.
Travelling from Belgrade to Tara National Park
It’s about a 3-4 hour drive from Belgrade to Tara National Park, depending on traffic and your route.
The easiest way to get there is by car, and the drive will take you through some beautiful countryside.
Follow the E763 highway from Belgrade and take the turnoff toward Bajina Bašta (the closest town to Tara National Park). It’s a straightforward route, and most of the road is in good condition.
If you don’t have your own wheels, there are regular buses from Belgrade to Bajina Bašta. Once you’re there, you’ll need to get a taxi or bus to get to the park (or your accommodation).
Best things to do in Tara National Park
Tara National Park has something for everyone, whether you’re an avid hiker or photographer, or just looking for some relaxation.
Here are some top activities to make the most of your visit.
1. Hike to Banjska Stena
Tara is a hiker’s paradise with over 290 kilometers of marked trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes.
Popular routes include the trail to the Banjska Stena viewpoint. From here, you’ll get a breathtaking view over the Drina River and its winding canyon.
It’s an easy hike to reach the viewpoint, making it a must-see for visitors of all fitness levels.
You could also hike the Predov Krst trail, which takes you deep into the forested heart of the park. If you’re lucky, you might spot a deer or even a golden eagle.
2. Explore the Drina River
The Drina River is the lifeblood of the park and creates one of Europe’s deepest canyons.
It runs for 346 kilometres through the Balkans and forms a large portion of the border between Bosnia & Herzegovina and Serbia.
You can go kayaking, canoeing, or even rafting through the canyon.
3. Relax by Perućac Lake
This artificial lake on the Drina River is ideal for swimming, boating, or just lounging by the water.
There’s also a nearby waterfall that’s known as the “One-Year-Long River,” since it’s so short it flows only about 365 meters.
Another lovely spot is Zaovine Lake, which was created in the early 1980s and covers an area of 15 square kilometres on the southern slopes of the Tara Mountain.
4. Take a Ride on the Šargan Eight Railway
Located just outside Tara, the famous Šargan Eight railway offers a nostalgic train ride through the spectacular mountain scenery of Mokra Gora.
The historic narrow-gauge railway makes a figure-eight loop through 22 tunnels and across five bridges. The journey is about 2.5 hours and there are several photo stops along the way.
While you’re here, you can walk up to Drvengrad. This is a traditional mountain village built by Serbian film director Emir Kusturica for his film Life Is a Miracle.
The streets in the village are named after individuals that Kusturica admires, including Nikola Tesla, Che Guevara, and Ivo Andrić.
There’s a library, cafe and cake shop, a theatre and cinema hall, a Serbian restaurant, and more.
5. Visit Rača Monastery
Dating back to the 13th century, Rača Monastery is a serene Serbian Orthodox monastery nestled in the forest.
It’s one of the cultural highlights of the region and offers a peaceful break from hiking or exploring. The monastery is still active, and the surrounding grounds are ideal for a quiet and refreshing walk.
Tips for visiting Tara National Park
Tara National Park is a wonderful destination all year round.
Summer is perfect for hiking and enjoying the lakes, while autumn offers incredible foliage. And winter is a great time to visit Tara National Park if you enjoy snow sports.
Remember to pack for the weather. Tara can get pretty cold, especially at higher altitudes. Bring layers and waterproof gear if you plan to do any hiking in Tara National Park.
Even if you’re visiting Serbia in July, rain and thunder is not uncommon.
The park has plenty of marked trails, and it’s best to stick to them, especially since the terrain can be tricky, and there’s wildlife around.
While seeing a brown bear is rare, it’s still a possibility. Keep your distance from any animals you encounter, and don’t leave food out in the open.
