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Are you looking for a destination that will awaken you with its natural beauty? Look no further than Tara Nacionalni Park!
With its numerous highlights, three days are just enough to glimpse its wonders. Plan your trip now and get ready for an unforgettable experience! To start, check out the most beautiful viewpoints in Serbia.
With its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, this Nacionalni Park has something to offer everyone. Of course, this itinerary is just a suggestion, and you can tailor it to your interests and preferences.
Tara Nacionalni Park - All you must know before you go
Where is this National Park? Tara National Park is located in western Serbia, bordering Montenegro. It's a protected area encompassing over 300 square kilometers (115.8 square miles) of mountainous terrain, dense forests, and deep canyons.
National Park from Belgrade — Belgrade, Serbia's capital, is located around 210 kilometers (130 miles) northwest of Tara National Park.
How to get to Tara National Park?
Are you considering visiting this National Park but unsure how to get there? Here are some transport options, using Belgrade as a starting point.
- By Car: The easiest way to reach the park from Belgrade is to take the highway A2 to Valjevo, from where you have to drive to Bajina Bašta. Check this route on the map!
- Public Transportation: Travelers can also hop on a daily bus to Tara. The bus leaves early in the morning from Belgrade and stops in towns like Lajkovac, Valjevo, and Bajina Bašta. From there, you can call a taxi to reach one of the entrances at Tara National Park.
- Bus operator to and from Tar—Raketa AB agency buses run regularly to Tara and nearby villages around the mountain. They depart every day at 9:00 and 11:25.
Tara National Park from Belgrade
Where is the entrance to NP Tara?
Unlike other National Parks, NP Tara doesn't have a single entrance gate. You can access the park from several points, but the most common starting points are the visitor centers in Bajina Bašta and Mitrovac on Tara villages. Here, you can also purchase your park entrance ticket.
Before starting your trip to the National Park, use this map to locate the information centers. It also shows the distance between Bajina Basta and Mitrovac on Tara information centers.
Tourist organization Tara-Drina presents a wide range of attractions for tourists that you will not resist.
If you want to gather first-hand information about the tourist offer of Bajina Basta and its surroundings, visit the Tourist Information Center and the souvenir shop located at Kneza Miloša Obrenovića 28. in Bajina Bašta.
Moving inside the National Park
Exploring this expansive park can be challenging without a dependable mode of transportation. Without reliable public transport, getting from one attraction to another on foot can be daunting.
Having your own vehicle, be it a rental or a private car, is undeniably the best way to explore the area. You'll have the freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want, without having to worry about public transportation schedules or the availability of ride-sharing services.
Plus, having your own mode of transportation will allow you to discover hidden gems and scenic routes that you might otherwise miss. So why not make your trip an unforgettable adventure and rent a car or bring your own?
Don't forget to pick up the park brochures from the tourist offices. These brochures provide directions to essential landmarks and attractions. You can also look out for the park signboards but remember that most of them are in Cyrillic.
Entrance fee to the park
Did you know that there is no official entrance fee for the park? According to some sources, visitors are not charged to enter.
Visitor centers in Bajina Basta or Mitrovac are good starting points to explore the park, and you can purchase an entrance ticket there.
I recommend that you think about buying an entrance ticket, which costs 100 Serbian dinars per person, equivalent to less than 1 US dollar or 1 Euro. If you are traveling with a group of up to 10 people, the price is 250 dinars per person.
Camping inside the park is an experience not to be missed! And the best part? You can have it without breaking the bank. For just 30 dinars, you can rent a tent for a night and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature.
If you are planning a visit, contacting the park authorities in advance is best to confirm current entrance fees. You can find contact information for Tara NP here.
By paying the entrance fee to Tara National Park (if there is one), you'd be directly contributing to the park maintenance used to maintain trails, visitor centers, campsites, and other park facilities.
How many days should I stay in Tara NP?
As this national park is massive, I recommend spending at least three days in NP Tara to explore it fully.
If you have limited time, you can take a day trip from Belgrade, as many tours are available, like the ones listed here.
National Park from Belgrade
When is the best time to visit Tara National Park?
The best time to visit Tara NP depends on what activities you prefer:
- June to September is the most popular time to visit Tara National Park. The weather is warm and sunny, perfect for hiking, swimming in the lakes, biking, and enjoying the outdoors.
- April-May and October: These shoulder seasons offer pleasant weather for hiking and exploring the park without the summer crowds. You might also see some beautiful wildflowers in bloom during this time.
- December-March: Tara National Park transforms into a winter wonderland during this time. If you enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or other winter sports, this is the perfect time to visit. Just be sure to come prepared for cold weather and snowy conditions.
Escape the crowds and experience the serene beauty of Tara National Park during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October).
The weather is just as pleasant during these times, and you'll have the park's stunning scenery all to yourself.
With fewer visitors, you'll be able to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy all the park has to offer without the hustle and bustle of the peak season. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to discover Tara National Park peacefully and uniquely.
The best viewpoints on Tara NP
Don't miss out on the breathtaking Tara mountain views of Tara National Park! Visiting the park is incomplete without exploring its stunning viewpoints, so add this experience to your itinerary.
This nature paradise is renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views of the Drina River canyon and lakes.
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Tara National Park from some of the best viewpoints available. Don't miss out on the opportunity to witness the stunning scenery firsthand. Check out our list of recommended viewpoints below:
Banjska Stena viewpoint
An unavoidable spot for visitors, Banjska Stena is the most famous panoramic viewpoint in the park. It is just a short drive from Mitrovac, making it easily reachable.
One thousand sixty-five meters above sea level, Banjska Stena offers majestic views of Perućac Lake and the canyon of the Drina River.
Oslusa viewpoint
At 964 meters above sea level, the Osluša Lookout Tower offers stunning views of the Drina River. Visitors can relax on benches, tables, and a gazebo. Paragliding is also a popular activity at Osluša.
Crnjeskovo viewpoint
Crnjeskovo is a viewpoint situated on a 980m high cliff not far from Kaluđerske bare. From this point, you can observe the Rača River Gorge, the Drina Valley, and Bajina Bašta.
The best way to reach the viewpoint is by car on State Road 170. From there, it takes a 15-minute walk through the forest.
Top things to see
This stunning National Park in Serbia boasts breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a rich cultural tapestry, making it ideal for adventurers and nature enthusiasts seeking serenity.
Here's a glimpse into the park's top attractions:
Zaovine Lake
Zaovine Lake, one of the favorite spots in Tara NP, covers approximately 15 sq. km and is situated just beside the village of Zaovine, where you can find places to stay.
If you want to stay on the lake, a few tiny floating houses are available for rent. You can enjoy your stay right on the water's edge. During the summer, this artificial lake is perfect for water activities such as swimming, fishing, and paddleboarding.
Perućac Lake
Perućac Lake, located alongside the Drina River in western Serbia, is known for its beautiful surroundings and small tourist complex. It offers a pontoon beach, accommodation, restaurants, and bars.
Are you looking for the perfect lakeside getaway? Look no further! Lake's floating houses are the ultimate choice for accommodation on this stunning artificial lake.
With private boats and BBQ equipment at your disposal, you can experience the lake like never before.
There are also plenty of thrilling activities, including kayaking, swimming, and organized boat tours to ensure you maximize your stay. Don't wait. Book your stay today and prepare to be amazed!
Drina House
Experience the wonder of Drina House, a unique structure built in the middle of the Drina River. It is not only a marvel of architecture but has also come to symbolize the beauty of Bajina Bašta and Mount Tara.
Discover a charming, unique red house with a striking green roof, standing proudly on a solitary rock in the tranquil Drina River.
Discover the breathtaking location that has captured the hearts of countless admirers. Join the ranks of those who have witnessed its wonders and make your own unforgettable memories. Your adventure awaits!
The legend of the Drina house is connected to the famous hero Marko Kraljević. It is believed that he wanted to cross to the other side of the riverbank, but since he didn't want his horse Šarac to get wet, he threw a rock into the middle of the Drina and of course crossed the river.The legend even says that hoofprints of his horse can be found on this rock.
Recently featured in the renowned National Geographic magazine, this unique structure has become a must-visit destination for travelers from all over the world.
Don't miss the chance to witness this incredible human ingenuity and natural beauty feat.
top recommended places to eat in Tara National Park
You absolutely must try the mouthwatering Serbian cuisine at National Park. It features locally sourced, fresh ingredients expertly prepared using traditional cooking methods.
Here's what you can expect:
- Mountain regions are known for filling fare, and Tara NP is no exception. Expect dishes like “Pečenje” (barbecued meat), especially lamb or pork, cooked over open flames.
- “Sarma” (stuffed cabbage leaves) and “Punjene Paprike” (stuffed bell peppers) are other delicious options, often served with creamy yogurt or sour cream.
- Be sure to try “Pršuta,” a dry-cured ham similar to prosciutto, and “Kajmak,” a thick milk cream identical to clotted cream.
- “Čobanac” is a hearty stew traditionally made with mutton or lamb, potatoes, vegetables, and spices – a perfect way to warm up after a day of exploration.
- Given abundant rivers and lakes, Tara National Park boasts delicious freshwater fish dishes. Savour char-grilled trout or carp, often seasoned with local herbs and spices.
- Mushrooms are a common feature in Serbian cuisine, and Tara National Park offers various wild mushrooms incorporated into multiple dishes. Berries are also used in jams, desserts, or even liqueurs.
No Serbian meal is complete without fresh bread and cheese. Bakeries within the park or surrounding villages often serve crusty bread loaves perfect for dipping in creamy cheese spreads.
Remember that the specific culinary highlights may differ based on where you choose to dine or what restaurant you'll choose within Tara National Park.
Recommended restaurants
Are you planning to visit Tara National Park and wondering where to eat? Look no further! I have compiled a list of the top recommended restaurants in the park, categorized according to your cravings.
Whether you're in the mood for a quick bite, a hearty meal, or a sweet treat, I've got you covered with restaurants serving local Serbian cuisine:
- Restoran “Kod Bana”: This restaurant in Zaovine is a visitor's favorite for its traditional Serbian cuisine. It offers a wide range of grilled meats, hearty stews, and homemade dishes like “proja” (cornbread) and “ajvar” (a roasted red pepper spread). The restaurant also has a lovely outdoor seating area for the mountain views.
- Restaurant Tara: In Bajina Bašta, Restaurant Tara is another great option for classic Serbian fare. It is known for its succulent veal and lamb dishes and other regional specialties.
- Restaurant Tarsko Jezero: This family-friendly restaurant on Zaovine Lake is the place to go if you're looking for fresh fish. As the name suggests (“Tarsko Jezero” translates to “Tara Lake”), it specializes in dishes featuring locally caught trout and other freshwater fish. The menu also offers a variety of alternatives.
Nacionalna Kuća Jeremićak: This restaurant within the Hotel Tara complex offers a more international menu with Serbian specialties alongside European dishes. It's a good choice if you're looking for something a bit more varied.
Where to stay in Tara NP
To ensure a fulfilling experience at Tara National Park, it is imperative to select the most suitable accommodation option carefully.
What is the typical type of accommodation in Tara National Park? Are they hotels or apartments?
The typical type of accommodation in Tara National Park leans towards cabins and wooden lodges, surrounded by the beauty of nature. This perfectly complements the outdoor experience that the park offers. Here are some details:
- Wooden cabins: These cozy abodes are perfect for nature enthusiasts seeking a rustic escape. Imagine waking up to crisp mountain air and the sweet chirping of birds. Many cabins have fireplaces, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere. Here, you can find the best offers!
- Holiday house rental: For larger groups or families, spacious holiday houses provide ample living space and a more homely feel. These houses often have fully equipped kitchens, allowing you to prepare and enjoy meals together. Here's the list of the best offers!
- While hotels are not the most common accommodation, you might find a few options, particularly near the park entrances or in nearby towns. Check out some of the best hotel deals!
must-have gear when hiking Tara National Park!
Here's a list of must-have gear to bring when hiking at Tara National Park:
- Comfortable hiking boots or shoes: The trails in Tara National Park are well-maintained but can be uneven and rocky in some sections. Proper footwear with good ankle support is essential for preventing slips and injuries. Look for boots with good traction to handle various terrains. Here are some suggested hiking boots or shoes!
- Daypack: A comfortable daypack is crucial for carrying your essentials during your hike. Choose a backpack with a size suitable for the length of your hike and the amount of gear you plan to bring. A good rule of thumb is to choose a pack between 20-30 liters for day hikes. Don't miss these comfortable backpacks!
- Water reservoir or water bottle: Staying hydrated is vital on any hike. Bring a reusable water bottle or a hydration bladder to carry enough water for your entire hike. Aim to bring at least 2 liters of water, especially during summer.
- Navigation: A map, compass, or GPS device is essential for navigating the trails in Tara National Park. Even if you download a digital map on your phone, it's always a good idea to have a physical backup in case of battery failure. You can opt for a GPS watch!
- A lightweight tent can be a good idea for a Tara National Park expedition, but it depends on your specific plans and preferences. With a lightweight tent, you're not restricted to designated campsites with amenities. You can set up camp almost anywhere where there's suitable space, allowing you to experience the park's remote beauty.
- Packaging a basic first-aid kit that includes essential supplies like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and medications is crucial. Don't forget to prepare it before embarking on any adventure or trip.
Packing these essential items will prepare you for a safe and enjoyable hike in Tara National Park. Remember that weather conditions can change quickly, so always check the forecast before you head out and adjust your plans accordingly.
