Mountains, deep gorges, clear lakes, and spectacular viewpoints – this is Tara National Park in Serbia.
An unexpected natural paradise, Tara National Park was the highlight of our Balkans Road Trip. It was our second stop in Serbia after the nearby village, Mokra Gora.
With scarce information on the internet, and just a handful of pictures on Instagram of Tara National Park, we didnโt know what to expect here. We were pleasantly shocked by the remote natural beauty and variety of sights that we encountered here.Traveling Europe by Campervan: Our Tips for โVan Life Europeโ
Tara National Park is in the west of Serbia and touches the border of Bosnia & Herzegovina. It is the location of the Tara Mountain of the Dinarides, the internal Dinaric Alps. The River Drina that originates in Montenegro creates breathtaking gorges here.
River Drina viewpoint in Tara National Park near Mokra Gora, Serbia
The best part about Tara National park is that it is heavily forested. In fact, 83.5% of the area in Tara is forested and for this reason, it is also known as the lungs of Serbia. With many mountains, hiking trails, rivers, meadows, lakes, waterfalls and forest – there is a lot to see in Tara National Park.
If you enjoy hiking, then youโd be happy to know that Tara National park has many trails. The most popular hiking trail is a 2-day hike that starts at Mitrovac, then goes to Predov, Krst and again back to Mitrovac. If you get a chance, then spend a week up in the mountains and explore the nature trails. You can also rent a cabin and stay inside.
Tara National Park is heavily forested and is called the Lungs of Serbia
The best way to experience this natural paradise is by renting a car and driving around – but literally, every signboard is in Cyrillic. Iโd recommend you pick up the park brochures from the tourist office and have them mark important landmarks for you on the map. Thatโs what we did after being lost for a few hours because even Google Maps showed us the directions in Cyrillic.
Most of the signboards are in Cyrillic in Tara National Park in Serbia
This park is massive in size. You will see a few villages with traditional houses inside the Tara National Park. Koziji rid on Crni vrh at 1591 meters about the sea level is the highest point here. This post will guide you so that you can figure out what to see there and how
What to see in Tara National Park
Zaovine Lake
Lake Zaovine in Tara National Park, Mokra Gora, Serbia
Zaovine Lake is on the border of Serbia and Bosnia & Herzegovina. The Zaovine village is next to it and one can even rent a place to stay here.
Zaovine Lake is massive and we drove around it for a while as we tried to figure out how to get close to it. It took us a while, but we eventually figured out a way to walk to the edge of this lake. We saw a few locals swimming inside and one even had a little boat. Thatโs all the encouragement we needed before jumping inside the blue water.
Swimming in Zaovine Lake, Tara National Park, Serbia
Swimming in Zaovine lake was the best thing that we did in Tara National Park. It was a hot summer day and the water helped us cool down. We also saw one boat here and some people fishing.
Swimming in Lake Zaovine in Tara National Park near Mokra Gora, Serbia
Banjska Stena Viewpoint
Banjska Stena is the most visited spot in Tara National Park and thereโs a reason for it. It is breathtaking and is just 6 KMs away from Mitrovac so is easy to reach.
Banjska Stena, Tara National Park in Serbia, near Mokra Gora
At 1065 meters above the sea level, Banjska Stena is a panoramic viewpoint from where you can see the canyon of Drina River, Perucac Lake, and steep cliffs. You can also see the beginning of the nearby Bosnia.
In order to reach Banjsta Stena, you have to first arrive at Mitrovac. From here, you can drive straight for 2 KMs and you will see signboards for Banjska Stena. Thankfully here the signboards were in English. You can either take your car very close to the top or just hike to the top. The hike will take you around 1.5 hours to reach up.
Banjska Stena Viewpoint in Tara National Park, Serbia
When you reach the top, you will see an area to sit with a few wooden benches. We had heard that this spot is usually crowded but San and I were alone when we went. We were here just before the sunset and loved the tranquil spectacle of nature.
Banjska Stena, Tara National Park, Serbia
We could see the bend of the river Drina in the middle of the mountains and the steep canyon. It looked even better as the color changed when the sun began to set.
There are many other viewpoints in Tara National Park and the tourist board mentions 4 other panoramic viewpoints – Crnjeskovo, Osluลกa, Vidikovac Sjeniฤ and Biljeลกka Stena. We didnโt go to the other 4 but if you go, please show us your photos!
Carpet Meadow
San on the path to Carpet Meadow, Tara National Park, Serbia
Carpet Meadow is not just a place to see, but an experience that’s unique to Tara National park. It is a part of the parkโs natural reserve Red Creek and is not far from Banjska Stena.
Carpet Meadow, Tara National Park, Serbia
This meadow is airy and it gives a feeling of walking on a soft carpet because the feet slightly sink in. It literally just breathes under the feet as you walk on it. It happens so because of water preserved under the first layer of soil and many peat layers.
Info about Carpet Meadow, Tara National Park, Serbia
Do not disturb the Carpet Meadow by digging the ground or poking a stick inside. It took years to reach its current state. It is easy to reach Carpet Meadow from Mitrovac. It is at the entry of Nature Reserve Red Creek and is an educational trail.
Peruฤac Lake
Peruฤac lake and Dam in Tara National Park, Serbia
There is a dam thatโs created on Drina River where it bends and the result is Peruฤac lake. You can see this river from the famous Banjska Stena viewpoint. However, in this point, Iโm talking about another viewpoint where you can see the Peruฤac lake on one side and Drina curving like a snake on the other.
Peruฤac lake in Tara National Park, Serbia
This spot on the picture is an unmarked viewpoint on the road that goes towards Mitrovac from the river Vrelo. The road here was broader than the normal, so it was easy to stop here to admire the view.
Raฤa monastery and Traveling Europe by Campervan: Our Tips for โVan Life EuropeโHiking Trail
Raฤa monastery is 7KMs away from Bajina Baลกta town in Tara National Park. This medieval monastery was built in 1282. There is a 2KMs long hiking trail that starts from here, it is called Raca hiking trail.
Raca hiking trail goes up Raca river and ends at Ladevac thermal springs and Racanska Sljivovica preserve.
Lonely House on River Drina
Tara National Park’s Lonely House on River Drina near Bajina Basta, Serbia
The Lonely House on river Drina is one of the most photographed spot in Tara National Park. It is near Bajina Basta and is also called the Drina house. It gained popularity after it was featured on the National Geographic in 2012 as the photo of the month. There is a restaurant that overlooks the Drina River House where you can enjoy a meal.
This house was once a spot where a few boys took a rest from their swim. They enjoyed the spot so much that they built a house here the year after.
River Vrelo – the Shortest River
River Vrelo – the Shortest river – Tara National Park, Serbia
The Vrelo is called โthe shortest riverโ, Iโm not sure if it is the shortest in Serbia or the world. It certainly did not look like a river to us, but more like a stream. Rover Vreloโs length is only 365 meters because of which, it is also called Godina (the Year).
Information about Vrelo River, Serbia
There is a lovely waterfall at the end of this river that goes into the Drina river. Sadly the natural beauty of this 26 feet high waterfall has been spoiled by a restaurant thatโs on top. It is called Restoran Vrelo and it is literally on top of the waterfall.
Entrance Fee for Tara National Park
San on top of a cliff in Tara National Park, Serbia
We did not see even a single spot which could have been the official entrance. We never had to pay anything anywhere, except when we drove from Tara National Park to Mokra Gora and then to Bosnia border. At that moment we paid a small fee that was less than 1 euro per person.
How to Reach Tara National Park
Us in Tara National Park near Mokra Gora, Serbia
If youโre driving to Tara National Park from Belgrade by car, the journey will take you 3 – 4 hours, depending on the traffic. From Belgrade to Tara, You will have to cross Uzice, Zlatibor and then you can stay in the nearby Mokra Gora for a night or two.
Zlatibor’s green hills and empty spaces, Serbia
You can also reach Tara National Park from Montenegro or Visegrad in Bosnia & Herzegovina very easily. This park is literally on the border.
If youโre not renting a car, then you can also get on the train that goes from Belgrade to Bar. The nearest station to Tara National Park is Braneลกko Polje.
Unless youโre very adventurous, donโt mind getting lost and have a lot of days on your hand – Iโd recommend a rental car. Renting a car in Serbia isn’t expensive. You can find the car rental costs here for your needs. If you’re thinking of doing this trip on your camper van, then be sure to read our guide to exploring Europe on a van.
Important Info and Safety Tips
Tara National Park is one of those places where I highly recommend you visit the tourist information center as soon as you enter. It is so because most of the signboards are in Cyrillic and it is very important to pick up the updated information when youโre in the wild.
The friendly folks at the tourist info center speak English too, so make the most of your visit. They will help you book a place to stay inside if you need one. The tourist office closes at 5 pm, so arrive before that.
Brown Bear Warning in Tara National Park, Serbia
As a general rule of thumb, be careful of your surroundings when youโre hiking. Donโt hike when it is dark because of the brown bear sightings in Tara National Park.
Green pupavka, the most dangerous mushroom in Europe is found inside Tara National Park. The scientific name is Amanita phalloides and is also called the Death Cap. Just half of it is enough to kill an adult human. Be careful.
- Travel Guide for visiting Tara National Park, Serbia
- Drina River from Banjska Stena viewpoint, Tara National Park, Serbia
- Green Hills in Tara National Park – the lungs of Serbia
- Zaovine Lake, Tara National Park, Serbia
Where to Stay in Tara National Park
Here are some top rated places to stay in Tara National park:
Mitrovac:
Bajina Basta:
Zaovine:
- Rajski pogled (Heavenly view)
- Brvnare Krstigora
Most of the listings above are full fledged apartments with kitchen, living room and toilets.
One of our favorite things about traveling in Serbia was that it was very easy (and affordable) to find full apartments for a day or two, instead of just regular rooms. Because of this, we always had the flexibility of making our own meals instead of eating every meal outside.
Everything is amazing Sonal and Sandro. I love all of your photos.
Thank you Agness ๐
I stumbled upon this while searching in the web for information on Tara. Your article is so much help … Thank you and best wishes …
Hi Bijan, thank you! Yes, we couldn’t find much information about this lovely Tara National Park before visiting. Most of the information that’s online is in Cyrillic.
Hey hey..
Lovely page! Thank you very much!
I wanted to ask if there are trails for trekking around 3-5 days in this place? Marked trails etc.
Is camping with a tent allowed?
Thank you so much again!
ืืกืฃ ืืื, ืื ื ืขืื ืืื ืืืื ืืืฆืืช ืืขืฉืืช ืืจืง ืืืืืจ.. ืืกืืฃ ืืฆืืช ืืฉืื??
Hello, thank you for information! Just a question, do you think it’s possible to visit the park just for one day (early morning and coming back at the end of the day) from mitrovac ?
If not, can we sleep inside the park?
Thank you for your help! ๐
Hi Sarah, we did that too! We visited the National Park from Mokra Gora and then at the end of the day, drove off to Viลกegrad in Bosnia. It is possible to do this if you have your own car. Mitrovac is so much closer (and literally inside the park), barely 5-6 kms away from the super famous Banjska Stena viewpoint. You can also stay right next to Zaovine Lake inside Tara National Park too. I have suggested some places to stay up above in “Where to Stay in Tara National Park” section. ๐
“Iโd recommend you pick up the park brochures from the tourist office and have them mark important landmarks for you on the map.” Do you still have the brochure? Can you maybe make a photo to it and send me some pictures with an english trail map?
Yes I do have the brochures of Tara National Park somewhere ๐ and I can dig them out for you. Not today but tomorrow. Works?
Thank you for nice article about Tara park! I live here and love this area. I am guide and can guide future visitors. Tara will show her best to you! Welcome, find me at Instagram world_art_heart ๐
I love this post! We are thinking about visiting this place in summer with a van… Do you maybe have map of your road?
thank you! halped a lot, you guys are graet!!!
Thanks for this excellent post and photos! My wife and I have traveled through much of the Balkans and are excited to finally get to visit Tara for the first time this summer.
I’ve never heard anyone say they had a lousy time in Serbia! Monuments, history, clubs and bars, nature, sights, everything!