Plan my Serbia route
Home › Western Serbia › Tara National Park

Western Serbia • Protected nature • Mountain air

Tara National Park: Hiking, Drina Canyon Viewpoints and Visitor Tips

Serbia’s greenest escape — deep forests above the Drina Canyon, viewpoints that stop time, and mountain air that makes you slow down on purpose.

Best for viewpoints Best for hiking Family-friendly base Cool summer air Back to Serbia guide
Why Tara feels special Tara National Park sits above the Drina canyon in western Serbia — a plateau of dense conifer forest, broad viewpoints, and quiet village roads.
Banjska Stena
Zaovine Lake
Drina Canyon
Mitrovac
Bajina Bašta

Tara National Park is a forested mountain park in western Serbia above the Drina river canyon. Its best-known viewpoint is Banjska Stena, overlooking the emerald Drina and the Perućac reservoir. The park protects the rare Serbian spruce and offers hiking, viewpoints, boat trips on the Drina canyon, and the small Drina river house landmark.

Updated

Tara in one minute

Tara is a national park in western Serbia, founded in 1981 and covering around 220 square kilometres on a forested plateau above the Drina river. The park sits roughly 250 km southwest of Belgrade, near the towns of Bajina Bašta and Mokra Gora.

Tara is best known for the Drina Canyon viewpoints — Banjska Stena and Crnjeskovo are the most photographed — for dense spruce and fir forest, and for the endemic Serbian spruce (Picea omorika). Most visitors come for two or three days of hiking, viewpoints, and short canyon trips, often combined with Mokra Gora or Zlatibor.

For the wider region, see the Western Serbia Travel Guide.

Last checked: 2026-05-27. For corrections, contact us.

Where Tara National Park is—and why people linger

Tara National Park occupies a plateau in western Serbia above the deep bends of the Drina River, which forms the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina along much of this stretch. The park covers roughly 220 square kilometers of largely unbroken forest — predominantly silver fir and spruce — with open meadows and rock viewpoints at the plateau edges.

The name Tara refers both to the mountain massif and the national park established in 1981. The park's most visited point is the Banjska Stena viewpoint, which looks out over the Drina's canyon bends and the blue-green Perućac reservoir. Zaovine Lake, an artificial reservoir within the park formed in 1966 when a valley was flooded, has become a focal point for summer visitors. The village of Mitrovac, near the center of the park, serves as the main mountain access point, while Bajina Bašta at the foot of the mountain provides the nearest town-level services.

The book notes that Tara's forests and plateau road scenery give it a character resembling the landscape used for Western film productions — lush grazing lands, dense woods, and mountain terrain that would not look out of place in classic American genre cinema, though the actual Yugoslav Western productions were filmed mainly in what is now Croatia rather than Serbia.

Tours and activities in Tara

Hand-picked guided experiences from local operators — booked through GetYourGuide with free cancellation on most.

We earn a commission on bookings — at no extra cost to you.

Why Tara feels different from the rest of Serbia

Serbia is rich in canyons well beyond the Iron Gates — the Drina's canyon is one of the country's most compelling. The Perućac reservoir, created when the Bajina Bašta hydroelectric dam was built in the 1960s, flooded a valley and submerged old villages, but the resulting lake's turquoise-blue color against forest slopes has made it one of the most photographed scenes in the western part of the country.

The forests of Tara carry their own story. The pančić spruce (Picea omorika), a relict species surviving from before the last ice age, grows in the park and nowhere else in Serbia — its conservation was one of the founding reasons for the park's protected status. The dense cover of silver fir, spruce, and beech holds a quiet that is increasingly rare in the more visited parts of Serbian mountain country.

The valley of the Drina below the plateau adds a further layer. The river forms the national boundary here, and looking across from the Serbian bank you see Bosnian territory on the other side — a border that runs through what is otherwise a continuous mountain landscape, and that gives this stretch of the Drina a particular resonance.

Where to stay: Mitrovac or Bajina Bašta?

Mitrovac is the mountain choice: stay here for easy access to forest trails, the Banjska Stena walk, and the quiet of the plateau in the evening. Accommodation ranges from mountain lodges to small guesthouses. The village is small and services are limited — bring what you need or stock up in Bajina Bašta before the drive up.

Bajina Bašta offers a wider choice: hotels, restaurants, shops, and a direct connection to the Drina riverside and the Perućac reservoir. It is the better base if you want services and a lower-altitude resting point between days in the park. The town itself is modest but functional, and the Drina riverside walk provides a pleasant evening option.

Kaluđerske Bare, within the park, has a handful of accommodation options for those who want to stay at higher altitude without being in the busier Mitrovac area.

[5]

Local food: simple mountain cooking, done well

Tara's food follows the logic of mountain cooking: grilled meats, trout where available, hearty bean soups, kajmak (a fresh cream cheese spread), hard cheese, and potato dishes. Most kafanas in the area work within this range and do it reliably. Bajina Bašta has a broader restaurant selection. At Mitrovac, meals are largely tied to where you are staying — restaurant choice is limited, which is a reason to plan meals in advance or eat where you sleep.

Getting around Tara National Park

A car is the easiest way to move around Tara. The distances within the park are not large, but the roads are narrow and winding. There is a bus connection between Belgrade and Bajina Bašta, but getting further up into the park from there requires a car or taxi. Some guesthouses at Mitrovac can arrange transfers from Bajina Bašta on request. Walking between park sites is possible on marked trails; allow full half-days for the longer routes to the viewpoints.

When to go: Tara in every season

Spring brings fresh forest growth, good visibility from the viewpoints, and fewer visitors. The plateau roads are generally clear from April. Summer is the busiest period — Zaovine Lake and the Banjska Stena attract the most visitors between June and August, and accommodation fills quickly on weekends. Autumn turns the forests amber and brown from September; the crowds thin and the light on the Drina canyon is at its clearest. Winter covers the plateau in snow and some access roads become impassable — the park remains open but requires appropriate tyres and planning. Snowfall can arrive as early as November and persist into March.

Itineraries that actually work

Choose the pace that matches your trip length. Tara is best when you leave room for views, weather, and a long lunch.

The viewpoint sampler
  • Base yourself in Bajina Bašta.
  • Drive to Banjska Stena for the signature panorama.
  • Add the House on the Drina and a short river-side stop.
  • Return via a relaxed dinner in town.
Best for a quick add-on
The classic Tara weekend
  • Night one in Mitrovac or Bajina Bašta.
  • Day one: Banjska Stena, forest walks, and a sunset viewpoint.
  • Day two: Zaovine Lake, scenic roads, and a town lunch.
Best for first-timers
Slow western Serbia escape
  • Add longer hikes and extra village stops.
  • Spend one morning just by the lake or in the forest.
  • Use Bajina Bašta as the practical base and Mitrovac as the mountain base.
  • Combine Tara with nearby western Serbia scenery.
Best for hikers and photographers
If you only remember one thing: Tara rewards early starts. The park feels bigger, quieter, and more cinematic before other day-trippers arrive.

What Tara is best for

Viewpoints that stop time
Banjska Stena and the ridgelines around it offer the classic Tara panorama: forest in the foreground, the Drina far below, and mountains fading into blue distance.
Lakes and quiet water
Zaovine Lake is the park’s softer side—calm, photogenic, and ideal for a relaxed loop by car or a low-effort afternoon out of the forest.

Best stay styles

Guesthouses and cabins
Best for a warm, personal stay. Expect simple rooms, home cooking, and hosts who know the mountain roads and weather quirks.
Small hotels and apartments
Best for flexible arrivals and easier logistics in Bajina Bašta. A smart choice if you want restaurants and shops nearby.

What to try

Mountain breakfasts
Fresh bread, cheese, cream, eggs, and maybe ajvar or ham. Ideal before a hiking day.
Grilled lunch after viewpoints
Ćevapi, pork, chicken, or trout with potatoes and salad. Simple food that fits long driving days.

Transport options

Self-drive
The best option for flexibility, sunrise starts, and lake-to-viewpoint loops.
Bus + local taxi
Works if you stay in Bajina Bašta and only need a few key stops.

Season-by-season advice

Best overall: autumn
Clear air, strong colors, and fewer people. A fantastic time for photography and slow driving.
Best for hiking: spring and early summer
Milder temperatures and fresh forest growth make trail days more comfortable.

Map: Tara National Park highlights

Use this as a trip-planning reference for Banjska Stena, Zaovine Lake, Mitrovac, and Bajina Bašta.

Quick facts for Tara

Best base

Bajina Bašta or one of the lodges and ethno-villages inside the park.

Best time to visit

Late May to early October for hiking; September for clear canyon views and lower crowds.

Getting around

A car is the practical option; some sections are reachable by local buses from Bajina Bašta.

Top viewpoints

Banjska Stena and Crnjeskovo over the Drina Canyon and Perućac Lake.

Good for

Hiking, photography, slow nature stays, and short canyon or rafting trips.

Typical stay

2–3 days in the park; 4 days if combining with Mokra Gora and the Šargan Eight railway.

At a glance

At a glance

  • Best base: Bajina Bašta for town services; Mitrovac for mountain access and forest walks.
  • Signature sights: Banjska Stena viewpoint, Zaovine Lake, Perućac reservoir, Drina canyon views.
  • Park size: Approximately 220 km².
  • Distance from Belgrade: Bajina Bašta approx. 150 km; Mitrovac approx. 175 km by road.
  • Season: Accessible year-round, though some access roads become difficult in winter.
Plan smart before you arrive

Plan smart before you arrive

Tara is straightforward to visit but easier with a car. Bus connections reach Bajina Bašta from Belgrade, but getting up to Mitrovac and the plateau viewpoints requires either a car or a local taxi. Drawing on Matthias Pasler's Serbia Travel Pocketbook, the most rewarding approach to the park is to allow at least two nights: one based lower at Bajina Bašta for the Drina canyon side and one higher at Mitrovac for the forest trails and the Banjska Stena walk. Single-day visits from Belgrade are possible but leave little time for the plateau road and lake stops.

Distance reality check

Distance reality check

Tara is green and undisturbed partly because it sits far enough from Belgrade to filter casual visitors. From Belgrade, Bajina Bašta is roughly 150 km by road — approximately 2 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic through Valjevo or Užice. The plateau road between Bajina Bašta and Mitrovac adds another 20–30 minutes. Driving between viewpoints within the park takes time because the roads curve and descend; allow half a day if you want to cover Banjska Stena, Zaovine, and the lower Drina viewpoints properly.

Booking tip for Tara

Booking tip for Tara

For summer weekends and holiday periods, book accommodation at Mitrovac well in advance — particularly if you want a cabin with a forest view. Bajina Bašta has more flexibility but is also busier during the main season. Spring and early autumn offer better availability and prices across the board.

Frequently asked questions about Tara

How many days do I need in Tara National Park?

Two days is enough for the main viewpoints and Zaovine Lake. Three to four days is better if you want hikes, slow drives, and time in Bajina Bašta or Mitrovac.

Is Tara good for families?

Yes. The park works well for families who want easy scenic stops, short walks, and peaceful lodging rather than a packed city schedule.

What is the best base for Tara?

Bajina Bašta is the most practical base town. Mitrovac is better if you want to stay higher in the mountains and start early on the trails.

Can I visit Tara without a car?

You can, but it is harder. Base in Bajina Bašta and plan local transfers or a guided day trip for the main sights.

What should I not miss in Tara?

Banjska Stena, Zaovine Lake, the Drina canyon, the House on the Drina, and at least one forest walk among the Serbian spruce trees.

Sources

Authoritative references for the facts on this page. Last reviewed 31 May 2026.

  1. Tara (mountain) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org Official
  2. Tara (mountain) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org Official
  3. Serbia Info / Encyclopedia / Explore Parks arhiva.serbia.gov.rs Official
  4. The Tara National Park with the Drina River Canyon - UNESCO World Heritage Centre whc.unesco.org Official
  5. Nationalpark Tara – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org Official
  6. Mountain Tara hotelitara.mod.gov.rs Official

Last checked: . For corrections, contact us.

Reviewed by the Serbian Travel editorial team. Researched and fact-checked from on-the-ground travel guides.

Some links are affiliate links. We only recommend places and services we would use ourselves.

Rolling hills, scattered red-roofed houses, and patchwork fields in Tara Valley under cloudy skies

Tara Valley Hills

Rolling green hills and scattered farmhouses spread across the Tara landscape under a cloudy sky

Pine trees overlooking Lake Perućac and the Drina canyon in Tara National Park

Pine Trees Over Canyon

Pine trees frame a broad view of Lake Perućac and the Drina canyon from Tara National Park

Drina River winding through forested mountains and valleys in Tara National Park

Drina River Gorge View

A wide view of the Drina River winding through Tara National Park, with forested slopes and distant mountains in Tara

Floating cabins on a calm mountain lake beneath forested cliffs in Tara National Park

Floating cabins on lake

Floating cabins sit on calm blue water beneath forested cliffs in Tara National Park near Tara

Wide river valley in Tara National Park with blue water, forested slopes, and patchwork farmland

River Valley Panorama

A steep river valley winds through Tara National Park, with blue water cutting between forested mountains and patchwork fields

Travel essentials

Stay connected in Serbia

Quibity 5% off · ROCZXIII Compare all eSIMs →