10 Reasons to Visit Tara National Park on a Road Trip
Tara National Park is one of the most beautiful natural places in Serbia. Located in the western part of the country, near the Drina River and the Bosnian border, this park is full of forests, lakes, wildlife, and cultural heritage.
If you're planning a holiday in Serbia, consider taking a road trip to Tara National Park. The park is spread across nearly 25,000 hectares. Public transport is limited in the area, so it is much easier to rent a car in Serbia and drive at your own pace. Our Tara National Park travel guide will give you ten great reasons to visit. You’ll find out what to see, what to do, and why this destination belongs on your travel list.
Why a Tara National Park Road Trip Is Perfect for Nature Lovers
Tara National Park is about 4 to 5 hours from Belgrade. The drive may feel long, but the views, forests, and lakes make every kilometre worth it. Here are the top reasons to visit Tara National Park.
1. See One of Europe’s Most Stunning Viewpoints
Tara National Park is home to some of the most breathtaking views in the Balkans. One of the top things to do in Tara National Park is to visit the Banjska Stena viewpoint. At 1,065 metres above sea level, it offers panoramic views of the Drina River Canyon, Lake Perućac, and the forests stretching into Bosnia and Herzegovina.
You can reach Banjska Stena by car or take a pleasant 2-hour hike from Mitrovac. The viewpoint has benches and safety rails, so you can sit and enjoy the view without rushing. Early morning is the best time to go, when the sunlight falls gently on the canyon and the area is still quiet. Banjska Stena is not the only viewpoint worth seeing. Crnjeskovo, Osluša, and Sjenič also offer a different angle of the canyon, the lakes, or the monasteries below.
2. Discover the Magic of Zaovine and Perućac Lakes
No road trip to Tara National Park is complete without visiting its two most famous artificial lakes: Zaovine and Perućac. Zaovine Lake lies high on the southern slopes of Tara. It was created in the late 1970s as part of a hydroelectric system linked to Perućac, and it is today one of the most peaceful corners of the park. Zaovine reaches 110 metres at its deepest point, making it the deepest lake in Serbia. Its emerald-green waters, pine-covered slopes, and secluded coves create a magical setting. Visitors come here to swim, kayak, fish, or simply walk along the wild beaches.
Lake Perućac, on the other hand, has a lively and social atmosphere. It stretches for 54 kilometres and was formed by damming the Drina River. This lake is popular for floating houses, many of which can be rented overnight. Many floating houses also have small boats, BBQ equipment, and fishing gear.
3. Explore the Shortest River in Europe
One of the most fascinating things to do in Tara National Park is to visit the Vrelo River, also known as the “One-Year River.” At 365 metres long, it is often described as the shortest river in Europe. Its length matches the number of days in a year, so locals gave it this memorable name.
The river begins from a strong karst spring at the foot of Mount Tara in the small settlement of Perućac. Rainfall drains through the vast limestone plateau above, creating an endless underground reservoir. This means the river’s flow is constant and reliable, even during the hot summer when other streams may dry out. The water temperature stays at around 10°C. Despite its short length, the Vrelo River has all the features of a much larger waterway. Along its course, you will find a pond, a side stream, three wooden bridges, a traditional watermill, and a small hydroelectric plant.
4. Hike Through Forests Full of Wildlife and Rare Trees
Around 80% of the Tara National Park is covered in trees. As you walk along the trails, you’ll notice a mix of spruce, fir, beech, and pine. The park is most famous for the Pančić spruce. This species is millions of years old and survived the last Ice Age by retreating to Tara’s deep canyons and cool slopes. You can still see it in places like Zaovine and Crveni Potok.
Tara is also home to around 60 brown bears, the largest European predator. They live in the densest parts of the forest, and while they are shy, you can join guided bear-watching tours in safe observation posts. You might also encounter chamois, the agile goat-antelope that leaps across rocky cliffs, and more than 140 bird species, such as golden eagles and owls. The park also shelters foxes, deer, wild boar, and rare amphibians.
Exploring these forests is easier with over 30 marked hiking trails. If you want a gentle walk, try the Rača Trail, which starts at Rača Monastery and leads 2 km through a beech forest to the Lađevac spring. The path is peaceful, shaded, and filled with birdsong. For a trail with extra learning, follow the Banjska Stena educational path, where information boards explain the plant life before leading to one of the park’s best viewpoints.
5. Visit a Monastery That Protected Serbia’s Oldest Book
Rača Monastery was built in the 13th century by King Dragutin Nemanjić. This Serbian Orthodox site has stood for centuries as a symbol of faith, culture, and resilience. Despite being destroyed and rebuilt multiple times during Ottoman invasions and uprisings, it continues to serve as an active monastery and spiritual centre.
Nestled in a green valley near Bajina Bašta, Rača is shaded by forests and accompanied by the gentle flow of the Rača River. From here, you can take the Rača hiking trail, a gentle 2-kilometre path through a beech forest that leads to the Lađevac spring and waterfall. Along the way, you’ll pass wooden benches, hermit caves, and even the remains of a medieval scriptorium dedicated to St. George.
6. Try Canyoning and Water Adventures
Adventure seekers will find many exciting things to do in Tara National Park. One of the best activities is canyoning. With permission from local guides, you can explore steep river canyons such as the Raca Canyon and the Brusnica stream, climbing, swimming, and jumping through waterfalls. If you prefer water without the ropes, kayaking and paddleboarding opportunities are available at Zaovine and Perućac lakes. Kayak hire is affordable per day. Rafting on the Drina and participating in the Drina Regatta are also popular in summer.
7. Experience the Red Stream and Carpet Meadow
The Crveni Potok (Red Stream) reserve near Mitrovac is a unique area of the park. During heavy rain, the stream flows over red clay soil, turning the water a deep red. This area is home to rare peatland ecosystems and the famous Carpet Meadow.
The name comes from the soft peat surface that moves slightly under your feet, like a real carpet. While tourists can walk on designated paths, the central part is protected for scientific research. Fossilised pollen here gives clues about the climate and plants from thousands of years ago.
8. Enjoy Easy Drives and Scenic Stops
Even though Tara is a national park, many roads are drivable with regular vehicles. However, some routes, like the one to Banjska Stena, are best with an SUV. The streets offer scenic drives through forests and alongside cliffs, perfect for stopping and taking photos. You can enter Tara National Park for free without a single gate or ticket booth.
Entry to specific sites like Red Stream costs only about a hundred dinars. Along the way, you'll find viewpoints such as Zelenika, Crnjeskovo, Osluša, and Sjenič, each with different views of lakes, villages, and canyons. Ensure you have a paper map or an offline GPS, as the mobile signal may be weak in forest areas.
9. Relax in Local Lodges and Floating Houses
There are many cozy places to stay around Tara. You can rent floating houses on Perućac Lake, stay in traditional mountain lodges, or book small apartments in Mitrovac and Kaludjerske Bare. Some houses have private BBQ areas, boats, and even fishing gear. If you like comfort, there are well-rated hotels close to major sights. Accommodation prices in Tara are generally lower than in larger tourist areas like Zlatibor.
10. Visit Anytime
Tara National Park is beautiful all year round. In summer, it offers cool forest air and swimming spots to escape the heat. In autumn, the leaves change colour, making it ideal for photography. In winter, ski slopes near hotels use artificial snow if natural snow is low. Spring is perfect for hiking and cycling, with fresh green leaves and blooming wildflowers. Events like Nikola Tesla Days, Rača Days, and the Garden Fest are also held seasonally.
Takeaway
Exploring Tara National Park opens doors to emerald lakes, red peat meadows, ancient monasteries, and bear-filled forests. You can hike, kayak, take in viewpoints, or simply relax by the water. No matter the season, the list of things to do in Tara National Park never runs out. To enjoy the park at your own pace, rent a car in Serbia with Final Rentals. You can book online, choose from a wide range of vehicles, and pick up your car in Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport or Niš Constantine the Great Airport.
