Set between Tara and Zlatibor, Mokra Gora is a peaceful village with big surprises. One minute you’re cruising through quiet valleys, the next you’re hopping on a vintage train or walking cobblestone paths in Drvengrad. It’s a remote destination, so the best way to reach it is by renting a car in Serbia. Our guide will show you what the drive is like, what you’ll see, and why this spot deserves a spot on your Serbia road trip list.
Planning your Mokra Gora road trip starts with renting a car in Belgrade. Most travelers choose between two main pick-up points—Nikola Tesla Airport or a rental office in the city center. The airport is convenient if you’re flying in, while downtown locations are better if you’re already exploring the capital. Either way, booking online in advance is the easiest way to secure your preferred vehicle.
If you're heading into the mountains, go for a compact SUV or a car with strong brakes and handling. The roads to Mokra Gora are paved but can be narrow and winding, especially as you get closer to the village. A car with good grip and ground clearance will make the drive more comfortable, especially if you plan to explore nearby places like Tara National Park or Zlatibor.
You’ll need a valid driver’s license and passport to rent a car in Serbia. Most agencies accept foreign licenses, but also bring an International Driving Permit to be sure. Road signs are clear, and the main highways are in good condition. GPS apps work well here, but the signal may drop in mountain areas, so download your route in advance just in case.
The distance from Belgrade to Mokra Gora is around 250 kilometers and takes about 4 to 5 hours. Along the way, you’ll pass through Valjevo (100 km in), a charming town with riverside cafés, cobbled streets, and the best Serbian museums like the National Museum Valjevo and the Muselim’s Residence. Next is Užice (200 km in), a small city surrounded by hills with popular attractions like Stari Grad and Terzića avlija Ethno Park. A little further is Zlatibor (225 km), a popular mountain resort perfect for a coffee stop and quick stroll.
The scenery becomes stunning as you leave the highway and head toward Tara National Park. The last 30 kilometers are packed with mountain views, pine forests, and winding roads that lead you deeper into Serbia’s wilderness. You’ll want your camera ready.
You’ve made it to Mokra Gora. Now it’s time to explore! With clean mountain air, forest trails, and rich cultural landmarks, it’s no surprise that this village was recognized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization in 2021 as one of the “Best Tourism Villages” in the world. Here are nine must-see attractions when visiting Mokra Gora:
The Šargan Eight Railway is a historic narrow-gauge line in western Serbia. It stretches 15.5 kilometers between Mokra Gora and Šargan Vitasi. Built in the 1920s, its unique figure-eight design allows the train to ascend a 300-meter elevation by looping through 22 tunnels and crossing five bridges.
The train, affectionately known as "Ćira," features vintage carriages that transport passengers back in time. Along the route, passengers can explore the ethno-village of Drvengrad, constructed by filmmaker Emir Kusturica, and visit the Jatare station, which serves as a rest stop despite never having sold a ticket. The UNWTO recognizes the railway's path through the Mokra Gora Nature Park as one of the best tourism villages globally.
Nature Park "Šargan–Mokra Gora" is a village and protected natural area in western Serbia, located on the slopes of Zlatibor, Šargan, and Tara mountains. The park covers 10,813 hectares and includes gorges, steep peaks, and green valleys that shift in color each season.
The park is also home to over 700 plant species, many endemic to the Balkans. Among them are the rare Serbian ramonda (Ramonda serbica), known for surviving prolonged droughts, and Pančić's wormwood (Artemisia pancicii), which grows only in highland limestone areas. These plants are part of the park’s unique biodiversity.
Mećavnik, also known as Drvengrad or Küstendorf, is a unique ethno-village in western Serbia. It sits on Mećavnik Hill, between the Tara and Zlatibor mountains, within the Nature Park Šargan–Mokra Gora. Built by filmmaker Emir Kusturica for his movie ”Life Is a Miracle,” the village has become a cultural landmark. Every structure is crafted from wood, reflecting traditional Serbian architecture. The village features a church dedicated to Saint Sava, a library, a cinema named after Stanley Kubrick, and streets named after figures like Nikola Tesla and Diego Maradona.
Visitors can explore art galleries, dine in local restaurants, and enjoy homemade treats at the village's cake shop. Drvengrad hosts the Küstendorf Film and Music Festival each January. Its location provides easy access to nearby attractions like the Šargan Eight railway and the Iver ski resort.
Bele Vode Viewpoint is a peaceful spot in Mokra Gora, Serbia. It is located within the Nature Park Šargan–Mokra Gora and offers views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Nearby, there's a mineral spring called "Bele Vode," meaning "White Waters." Locals believe the water has healing properties, especially for eye ailments. Visitors often come here to relax and cure their eye ailments. You can hike through marked trails that wind through the forest to reach the viewpoint.
The Wooden Church of Saint Sava is a serene landmark in Drvengrad, a traditional village built by filmmaker Emir Kusturica. Located on Mećavnik Hill in western Serbia, the church was constructed between 2003 and 2004 and is dedicated to Saint Sava, the founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
Its design reflects the stle of Russian wooden churches, featuring pine wood construction, a shingled roof, and a bell tower, all resting on stone foundations. A notable feature is the intricately carved wooden door, a gift from the town of Višegrad, adorned with a mosaic of Saint Sava above the entrance.
Inside, the church houses a hand-carved linden wood iconostasis, crafted by artisans from Belgrade in the traditional Serbian-Byzantine stle. The icons were painted by Vesna Golubović, an artist trained in both Serbian and Russian techniques.
After a full day of scenic drives and exploring, you’ll need a cozy place to rest. Here are some of the best places to stay in Mokra Gora that offer comfort, great views, and easy access to the area’s main sights.
Surrounded by mountain views, Mecavnik blends rustic tradition with modern comfort. You'll find a pool, spa, fitness center, gift shop, and even a small cinema within the grounds. It’s a great spot to slow down, breathe fresh mountain air, and experience a timeless cultural side of Serbia.
This hotel is also the best base for exploring the top attractions in Mokra Gora. Šargan Eight Railway, Drvengrad, and the Nature Park are all nearby. After a day out, relax in the sauna or enjoy a quiet drink on the terrace. Families will like the game room and babysitting options. Couples can enjoy peaceful evenings and mountain views. While the comfort level may vary by room, the setting is the main reason people return.
Motel Šargan Eight sits right beside the Šargan Eight Railway. You can watch the old steam train roll in from your room or the restaurant terrace. The location is peaceful and scenic, with green hills and wooden railcars just steps away. It’s also budget-friendly, with clean rooms, free parking, and a cozy atmosphere.
This motel is simple but convenient. You'll find an on-site restaurant serving traditional Serbian meals, plus basic amenities like free Wi-Fi and housekeeping. The staff are friendly and helpful, and the train station is next door. If you’re planning to ride the historic train or explore nearby spots like Drvengrad and Nature Park Mokra Gora, this stay puts you in the heart of it all.
Apartments Milev is a peaceful stay just steps from Mokra Gora’s top attractions. It is located about 100 meters from the Šargan Eight railway. Each wooden cabin blends with nature and includes a kitchen, bathroom, and two bedrooms upstairs, ideal for families or groups. The space is cozy, with a private terrace, fireplace, and simple comforts that make you feel at home in the mountains.
What sets Apartments Milev apart is its friendly, hands-on service. You’ll be within walking distance of Mećavnik, Bele Vode Springs, and hiking paths. With free Wi-Fi, parking, and a quiet natural setting, this is a great place to unwind, cook your own meals, and explore Mokra Gora at your own pace.
After exploring mountain roads, riding old trains, and walking peaceful trails, you’ll understand why the road trip to Mokra Gora from Belgrade is worth it. Every stop is worthwhile, from Drvengrad and the Šargan Eight Railway to healing springs and forest views.
However, you need your own car to make your trip convenient. With FinalRentals, you can easily rent a car in Serbia. You can pick up your vehicle at Nikola Tesla Airport in Belgrade or Niš Constantine the Great Airport. Booking is simple and fast. Once you confirm, you’ll get an instant confirmation. There are no hidden fees, and you can cancel if plans change.
