Uvac Canyon is stunning with its winding rivers, sharp cliffs, and quiet views. For American travelers, it offers a peaceful break from busy cities and tourist traps. To see it all, renting a car in Serbia helps you travel freely. You can reach scenic lookouts, explore nearby villages, and take your time along the route. Our Uvac Canyon travel guide walks you through the best time to visit, top things to do, and helpful tips for your trip.
American travelers should stay on the right side of the road. Road conditions are generally good, especially on main highways and popular tourist routes. Signs are clear and posted in Latin and Cyrillic alphabets.
To drive in Serbia, American travelers need a U.S. driver's license and an International Driving Permit (IDP). The IDP is a translation of your license and is easy to get through AAA or other approved agencies before your trip. It’s often requested when renting a car or during routine checks by local police. U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Serbia for tourism or short stays. You can remain in the country for up to 90 days within 180 days. Upon arrival, border officials may ask for proof of return travel or accommodation details, so having those ready is a good idea.
Uvac Canyon is one of the top nature spots in Serbia, known for its winding river, steep cliffs, and rare birds like the griffon vulture. The area is part of a protected nature reserve, and you can explore by hiking or taking a boat tour. Here are the top things to do in Uvac Canyon:
Molitva Viewpoint offers the most complete and iconic view of the Uvac River’s meanders, which look like giant S-shaped curves cutting through the cliffs. The hike to reach it is about 7 kilometers roundtrip and takes around 45 minutes each way. The trail is easy to follow, and parts of it are shaded by forest.
Once you reach the top, you’ll see a broad open view of the Uvac Special Nature Reserve, including the green river, tall limestone walls, and the chance to spot griffon vultures. The area has benches and photo spots, so it’s a good place to rest and enjoy the view. If you will only visit one viewpoint in Uvac, this should be it.
A boat tour is one of the best ways to explore Uvac Canyon. The river's winding curves, known as meanders, are best seen from the water. Tours usually start at the Uvac Lake dam and last about 4 to 5 hours. You'll travel approximately 16 kilometers one way, passing through the canyon's most scenic areas.
The Ice Cave, or Ledena Pećina, is a standout feature of the Uvac Special Nature Reserve. Located within the expansive Ušak cave system, this cave extends approximately 2,000 meters and is popular for its limestone formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and towering columns that can reach up to 10 meters in height.
It is accessible only by boat, so you should embark on a guided tour that combines a scenic cruise along the Uvac River with a hike to the cave entrance. The cave maintains a cool temperature year-round, and the interior is adorned with glittering crystal formations and unique geological structures.
Beyond the Ice Cave, the Usacka Cave System stretches over 6 kilometers, which is one of the longest cave networks in Serbia. It forms part of the Uvac Special Nature Reserve and includes several connected caves shaped by the underground flow of the Uvac River over thousands of years.
Inside, you’ll see tall chambers, stone pillars, and long corridors filled with stalactites and stalagmites. Guided tours typically combine a boat ride, a short hike, and a walk through the cave. Not all parts are open to the public, but the parts you can visit are safe and well-marked.
Uvac Canyon is one of the best places in Europe to see griffon vultures in the wild. These large birds can have a wingspan of up to 3 meters, so they are easy to spot. The canyon is home to a protected population, and you can often see them circling in groups, riding warm air currents.
The best spots for viewing them are from high points like Molitva Viewpoint or during a boat tour, where the cliffs rise sharply from the river. These birds are scavengers and play an essential role in the local ecosystem. Bring binoculars if you have them. Early morning or late afternoon offers the best chance to see them in flight.
Camping near the Uvac River lets you enjoy the canyon’s quiet beauty after the crowds leave. There are several natural camping spots along the river and near viewpoints like Molitva. Campers here can wake up to birdsong, spot wildlife, and watch the early morning mist rise over the water. It can also come in handy during peak season, when budget-friendly accommodations fill up fast. If you plan to camp, check local rules and bring enough food, water, and warm clothes. Nights can get cold, even in summer.
Visit the Veliki Vrh viewpoint for amazing views of the Uvac River’s curves. It stands over 1,100 meters above sea level and offers a clear view of the canyon's wide river loops and steep cliffs. The trail to Veliki Vrh takes about 30 to 45 minutes to hike and is suitable for most travelers. It's less crowded than Molitva. The Janja Monastery is another peaceful place to visit nearby. It’s located near the river and surrounded by forested hills. While it's not as high as the main viewpoints, the walk to it is calm, and the setting offers a good break from outdoor activities.
After a day of hiking or boating, a good local meal is the perfect finish. Villages like Sjenica, Nova Varoš, and Zlatar offer warm hospitality and home-cooked food made from fresh, local ingredients.
One of the most famous local products is Sjenica cheese, a soft, white cheese made from sheep’s milk. It's rich in flavor and often served with bread, peppers, or as part of a light snack. You can also try grilled or oven-baked trout, caught fresh from nearby rivers and lakes. Another favorite is pečenje, slow-roasted lamb or veal, often cooked on a spit for several hours. These meals are typically served with potatoes, fresh salads, or seasonal vegetables.
Local restaurants are usually family-run, with recipes passed down through generations. You’ll often find that meals are simple but flavorful and made with care. Some places even offer homemade rakija, a strong fruit brandy, to enjoy after your meal.
For a more active and peaceful way to explore the canyon, try kayaking on Uvac Lake. This adventure covers around 12 kilometers through the most scenic parts of the canyon. You’ll paddle through calm waters, enter a natural cave, swim in clear lake sections, and even climb to one of Uvac’s most famous viewpoints for an incredible view of the meanders.
The kayaks are built for comfort and are suitable for beginners. Each kayak fits one or two people and is stable and easy to control, even if it’s your first time. With every rental, you’ll receive a paddle with two blades and a safety vest, which must always be worn while kayaking.
Just a short drive from Uvac Canyon, the Sopotnica Waterfalls are a hidden gem in the nearby mountains. The area features a series of small cascading waterfalls surrounded by green forest, moss-covered rocks, and wooden walkways. These falls flow down a steep hillside and form natural pools and streams. The view is especially stunning in spring and early summer, when water levels are high and the surrounding landscape is lush and colorful.
There are several easy to moderate hiking trails leading to the waterfalls. Along the way, you’ll pass old mills, stone houses, and picnic spots with wooden benches. It’s a great side trip to take a break from canyon hikes and enjoy a different landscape.
Just a short drive from Uvac Lake, Zlatar Lake is a peaceful spot surrounded by pine forests and mountain views. Unlike the steep canyon walls of Uvac, Zlatar offers a more open landscape, which is ideal for a relaxing break after hiking or kayaking.
The lake is man-made, created by damming the Uvac River, but it has become a popular place for swimming, fishing, and family picnics. There are several flat areas around the lake where you can lay out a blanket, enjoy local food, or just unwind by the water. Small restaurants and guesthouses nearby also offer local dishes, including fresh trout and Sjenica cheese.
Fishing is allowed with a permit, and the lake is home to various freshwater species. The calm waters are also suitable for paddleboarding and canoeing, especially in the early morning when the surface is still and the air is cool. For those staying overnight, the area has several eco-lodges and mountain cabins.
The best time to visit Uvac Canyon is from May to September, when the weather is sunny and the trails are dry. During these months, the canyon is easily accessible and enjoyable for outdoor activities. May and early June bring blooming wildflowers and high river levels, and boat tours are more scenic. The fresh greenery and calm weather are perfect for photography.
July and August are the warmest months, with temperatures between 25 and 30°C. These months are great for hiking, camping, and wildlife spotting, but can also be crowded. September is ideal if you prefer a quieter visit. The weather is still mild, the summer crowds have gone, and the canyon is painted with golden autumn colors. It’s a peaceful time for sightseeing and walking the trails at your own pace.
Uvac Canyon is full of great views, fresh air, and outdoor fun. You can hike, take a boat tour, or visit local villages. Rent a car with Finalrentals to explore Uvac Canyon on your terms. We offer affordable deals, easy booking online, and reliable cars to make your trip to Uvac Canyon smoother and more flexible.
