When to visit Tara?
Tara and its national park are among the most beautiful mountains in Serbia. Still beautiful and untouched nature, fresh mountain air, rich flora and fauna, unreal lookouts are more than enough reasons to visit this mountain all year round.
- During the winter - If you are a fan of skiing and mountain sports in the snow, Tara can be the right place for you during the cold, winter days.
- During the summer - If you like a healthy and active life, Tara offers you a variety of fun and varied attractions during the summer.
- During autumn and spring - If you want to enjoy all the beauties and charms of nature that is waking up and changing, Tara is a great choice for the whole family and society, even during the transitional periods of the year.
How to get to Tara?
Tara National Park is located in the west of Serbia, not far from Bajina Basta. If you decide to visit this beautiful mountain with your own vehicle, there are three directions:
- route Bajina Bašta - Kaluđerske Bare
- route Bajina Bašta - Perućac - Mitrovac
- route Kremna - Kaludjerske Bare.
If you are coming from the direction of the capital, the highway Miloš Veliki will take you to the city of Čačak, from where you have a turn for Užice and Bajina Bašta. Depending on the traffic jam from Belgrade to Tara, you would need 4 to 5 hours of driving.
Bus carrier to and from Tara
Buses from the Raketa AB agency regularly run to Tara, as well as to nearby villages around the mountain.
Bus carrier to and from Tara
Buses from the Raketa AB agency regularly run to Tara, as well as to nearby villages around the mountain.
- from Belgrade - the bus leaves every day at 9:00 and 11:25 (only on weekdays)
- from Kragujevac - the bus lines are also regular
- from Uzice - there are several lines throughout the day, and the first departs at 06:20
You can get bus transport Raketa AB by calling the number - 031 / 865-485
Activities for tourists on Tara
Tara is truly a very special mountain that offers a wide range of various activities and attractions for tourists of all ages. Tara is a place that has everything a person could wish for from an ideal, mountain vacation.
- Hiking - Tara is ideal for hiking and to explore all the hidden places and benefits of this mountain. There are over 20 marked hiking trails on Tara. Each of these trails is unique and will take you to special and secluded corners. The total length of the trail is over a hundred kilometers
- Kayaking - If you choose to try kayaking on the Drina and the surrounding lakes of Bajina Basta, be sure that you can get to know this area in a completely different way, from a completely different perspective. This is a real adventure for all tourists and one of the most popular activities on Tara. By kayaking, you will get to know that truly unique beauty of Tara. In addition to organized tours on Lake Zaovina and the Drina, from June 15, we offer daily kayak rental on Lake Perućac near the pontoon beach.
- Horseback riding - Horse and riding enthusiasts can really especially enjoy this mountain. In the offer of BC Dora you can find equestrian tours on Tara. In addition, this club has the most beautiful horses that are completely used to people. Horseback riding training is also available to all visitors, and there will be experienced guides by your side at all times.
- Rafting on the Drina - Rafting has become an increasingly popular sport among many generations and almost all ages. This activity is exciting and can be a real adventure for anyone who dares to try rafting. The Drina River is one of our most beautiful and cleanest rivers. As such, it is perfect for this sport. Rafting on the Tara is a favorite activity of many tourists and is an ideal combination of a healthy vacation and an adrenaline adventure.
Events and festivals on Tara
In addition to beautiful nature and unreal lookouts, Tara has a lot to offer with fun events. Almost all year round, Tara offers a fun and educational program. We have selected the most popular for you:
- Drina regatta - perhaps the most famous and certainly the most visited event, with the longest tradition, is the Drina regatta. As the word itself says, it is held every year on the Drina River, as well as every third week in July. This event represents a link between tradition and modern tourist trends. In addition, the Drina regatta is truly one of the largest tourist events in Serbia. The great descent across the river Drina traditionally takes place always on Saturdays. Apart from the famous descent down the Drina, this popular event always organizes educational, accompanying contents. On average, the Drina regatta attracts over 100,000 visitors each year. Therefore, this event is of great importance for the development of tourism in the entire region and our warm recommendation is to visit it as soon as possible.
- Garden Fest - Garden Fest is one of the most famous festivals with a long tradition and a large number of visitors every year. It is an international feature film festival. The main focus of the festival is on the cooperation of actors and directors, as well as on new, quality actors. Garden Fest is of great importance for the culture of the whole country and is one of the best educational programs in Serbia. This festival is, above all, of a competitive nature, and what is especially interesting is that the jury consists of young high school students from Bajina Basta. The festival is held during the summer months, usually in July.
- Nikola Tesla Days - this event marks the date of birth of one of the greatest Serbian scientists, Nikola Tesla. significant achievements. Days of Nikola Tesla, with the help of the Branch of Drina-Lim hydroelectric power plants, enables all participants in this event to visit mini hydroelectric power plants. Anyone wishing to apply should contact the Bajina Basta Tourist Info Center for any additional information.
- Epiphany swimming - the municipality of Bajina Basta, together with the tourist organization Tara - Drina, organizes the famous Epiphany swimming for the Holy Cross every year. Epiphany is a great, Christian holiday that celebrates the baptism of Jesus Christ. Only those over the age of 18 can apply for this popular event, and the winner of the Holy Cross received a gold medal and a trophy. Every year, a large number of people gather to watch this interesting competition and celebrate this great holiday together.
- Tribalion - Tribalion is one of the newer manifestations that is held on the territory of the municipality of Bajina Basta. It is a sports race with obstacles. Something like this is completely new in Serbia, but it is very important for the development and progress of tourism. Competitors must successfully cross various obstacles on a 20km long, mountainous terrain. The obstacles are really difficult and numerous. Participants have the task to cross as many as 35 obstacles and move through water, mud, hilly terrain and dust.
- Rača Days - These are Spiritual festivities that are held every year, for the last 25 years. Rača Days have a long, well-established tradition and are very important for the cultural heritage of this area. This event offers all visitors a rich and varied program in the field of art music, acting and literature. The program ends with the announcement of the winner of the prestigious and significant award, the Rača Charter.
Facilities for children on Tara
If you decide to spend your stay on Tara with children, this mountain has a rich content that will interest your little ones and make your vacation a real, family pleasure.
- Tara National Park Visitor Center
This educational center is located in the heart of Tara and can be the right place where children can learn many interesting things about the beauty, nature and animals of Mount Tara. Nearby is a large wooden statue of a bear, one of the most famous symbols of Tara. next to which many little ones like to take pictures. Also, another interesting thing for children that this center offers is the screening of a short film about the national park and all its resources and natural resources. In the center of Mitrovica, there is a great educational exhibition dedicated to brown bears and rich mountain forests.
- Observation of brown bears from the observation post
In Tara National Park, there are two observatories that receive two to three people and an experienced guide. This can be a real adventure for children, which they will remember for a very long time. At the same time, this can be a unique opportunity for the youngest to see a wild animal for the first time, from a safe distance, in its natural environment.
What to see in Tara?
Mount Tara and its national park are full of beauty and unreal viewpoints that are really worth seeing. The biggest tourist attractions on the mountain are, of course, its natural benefits, and Tara really has a lot to offer. Beautiful lakes, preserved natural wealth and hospitable hosts, are just some of the things you should see and experience on this mountain.
- Lookout Banjska stena - Perhaps the most popular lookout that, over time, has become a real cult and unavoidable place for all visitors to Tara. It is located only 10 km away from Mitrovica and the road to this popular lookout is clearly marked and very nicely landscaped. There are benches as well as a security fence. A spa rock is a healing rock from whose source hot and healing, spa water flows. From this lookout point there is an unreal view of Lake Perućac, as well as the canyon of the river Drina and all the beautiful nature of Tara.
- Osluša Lookout Tower - An equally beautiful and popular lookout point, Osluša is located 7 km from Mitrovica on the Tara. Osluša is located at 964 meters above sea level. The view from Osluša is unreal and a real pleasure for all tourists. It offers a view of the Drina and Bajina Basta. One of the interesting things about this lookout is that it has been used as a starting point for paragliders for some time.
- Lake Perućac - This artificial lake has become one of the favorite summer resorts in western Serbia, as well as one of the most beautiful natural places. The peculiarity of Lake Perućac is that it is located on the border of the Bajina and Višegrad fairies, at 290 meters above sea level. During the summer season on Lake Perućac you can rent boats and kayaks or sign up for one of the organized boat tours. This will allow you to experience Tara in a very special way and from a different perspective.
- Lake Zaovine - This lake has become one of the recognizable symbols of Tara and is certainly an unavoidable place for many foreign and domestic tourists. It is interesting that Lake Zaovine is one of the rarest lakes in Serbia because it was created by an accumulative path, by pumping water from the Drina River and Lake Perućac. The surroundings of this lake are ideal for enjoyment and for walking, and the nature that surrounds it is as beautiful as the lake itself.
- House on the Drina - Many call the house on the Drina a real, small miracle that was made in the middle of the river Drina. Also, over time, it became a symbol of Bajina Basta and Mount Tara. This small, red house with a recognizable, green roof, was built on a lonely rock located on the river Drina. The house is located in such an amazing place, that it attracted the attention of many. The well-known magazine Nacionalna Geografija dedicated one issue to the House on the Drina, and thus this place attracted a large number of foreign tourists.
Accommodation in Tara
On the mountain you can find different types of accommodation units, so you can spend your vacation in accommodation of different structures, prices, as well as equipment. In the following text, we have selected some of the most popular accommodation facilities on this mountain:
- Hotels - Omorika, Beli bor, Turist
- Hostels - Dve lipe, Mystic river
- Motels - Holidays on Drina, Belvi
- Villas - Bajka, Dodji, Nadja
Accommodation prices differ from the equipment and luxury amenities, and for the selection of safe, tested and comfortable accommodation you can find on the site apartments Tara.
Important telephones and information in Tara
Below are the most important phones you may need during your stay on Tara:
Services and institutions
- Health center - 031 / 865-966
- Ambulance - 031 / 865-994
- Police - 031 / 865-092
- Fire Service - 031 / 865-093
- Mail - 031 / 865-485
- Tara National Park - 031 / 863-644
Hotels and resorts
- Hotel "Beli bor" - Kaludjerske Bare - 031 / 593-598
- Hotel "Omorika" - Kaludjerske Bare - 031 / 593-901
Where to eat in Tara?
In addition to beautiful nature, lakes and lookouts, Mount Tara offers its guests a multitude of facilities where you can enjoy real, gourmet specialties, surrounded by nature and mountain ambience.
- Restaurant Vrelo - According to many tourists, this restaurant is one of the best and most visited. It is located in a really beautiful place, on the waterfall of the river Vrelo, which falls into the river Drina at that place. The tables are placed above the waterfall, so the ambience of the restaurant is absolutely unique and unreal. The garden of the restaurant is almost always crowded, especially during nice days. Dense tree canopies rise above the garden, providing shade, but also a magical environment.
- Restaurant Kod Pece - Located in a traditional, mountain environment where wood and stone dominate the space, this restaurant offers you the best specialties of local cuisine. It is best known for its excellent fish specialties, and most for its top-quality fish soup.
- Restaurant Turist - This restaurant is located within the eponymous hotel. It is decorated very luxuriously and modernly. On the restaurant menu you can find the best selection of local specialties, but also international dishes. The choice is really diverse and the restaurant staff is always happy to meet all the guests.
Where to go out in Tara?
Given that Tara is constantly building and developing its tourism, it is not too surprising that all visitors to Tara can enjoy a great night out. We have singled out several popular cafes on this mountain where you can take a break from mountain activities, taste refreshing drinks and make your vacation on this mountain even better.
- Cafe 1907 - Not far from Tara, on the main promenade of Bajina Basta, there is this cafe. The atmosphere is warm and pleasant, but it attracts the most visitors, as well as the opportunity to see a panorama of pictures of Bajina Basta in the cafe.
- Cafe Hermes - This cafe has a long tradition and has been operating successfully for 20 years. It is also located in the heart of Bajina Bašta and in its assortment it offers many delicious cakes, as well as very good draft beers.
- Cafe Breza - Cafe Breza is proud of its authentic, traditional ambience and diverse offer of drinks. For all fans of good live music and parties, this is a real cafe.
- Casper Cafe and Playroom - If you have decided to spend your vacation on Tara with your children, then Casper Playhouse is the ideal place for you. Be sure that your little ones will be in good and safe hands, while parents can relax in the cafe and listen to music in peace and enjoy a rich assortment of drinks.
Transportation and taxis in Tara
When it comes to transportation on this mountain, perhaps the best advice would be to, if you are able, come by your own transportation. There is still no official taxi service on Tara, although there are plans to create conditions for that soon.
However, if you need the services of a taxi service, there are several taxi agencies from Bajina Basta that you can always call. We have singled out a few of the most popular:
However, if you need the services of a taxi service, there are several taxi agencies from Bajina Basta that you can always call. We have singled out a few of the most popular:
Plus Taxi Bajina Bašta, 065/861-9991,Tina Taxi 031/864-111, Naxi taxi 031 866 55
Parking and public garages in Tara
Most hotels and apartments, as well as private accommodation on the mountain have private parking for their guests, large public garages and parking on Tara, officially, still do not exist. The reason is that Tara is one of the last mountains that managed to preserve its true, wild and untouched nature.
However, there are parking spaces near the lookout, and if you are looking for accommodation on this mountain, be sure to ask the owner for a free parking space. In addition, the hotels Omorika and Beli bor have a large number of parking spaces in their vicinity.
However, there are parking spaces near the lookout, and if you are looking for accommodation on this mountain, be sure to ask the owner for a free parking space. In addition, the hotels Omorika and Beli bor have a large number of parking spaces in their vicinity.
Surroundings of Tara
During your tours and excursions around Tara, which is as beautiful and popular as Mitrovica itself, you should not miss the following locations:
Meadow carpet - This is a very special attraction of this part that always attracts the attention of all tourists. Not far from Mitrovica is the Carpet of Meadows, which is known for its soft soil, whence its name. The soil is so soft that it bends underfoot, and the reason for that is the surface water that stays in this soil for a long time.
Raca Monastery - This important monastery is located 6 km from the center of Bajina Basta and dates back to the 13th century. The monastery is a very important cultural and historical monument for Serbia. The architecture of the monastery itself is spectacular, as is its surroundings. This monastery is one of the most important places in the Serbian past.
Log cabin church in Dub - Only 10 km away from Bajina Basta, there is this special and very authentic church which irresistibly reminds us with its appearance of old, Serbian log cabins from the Middle Ages.
Solotnik - This archeological site is also located in the immediate vicinity of Tara and Bajina Basta and is ideal for family excursions. It offers a beautiful view, and the ruins of the old castle attract the attention of domestic and foreign tourists. Solotnik used to be a typical medieval castle, and today it is a popular attraction for many visitors.
Meadow carpet - This is a very special attraction of this part that always attracts the attention of all tourists. Not far from Mitrovica is the Carpet of Meadows, which is known for its soft soil, whence its name. The soil is so soft that it bends underfoot, and the reason for that is the surface water that stays in this soil for a long time.
Raca Monastery - This important monastery is located 6 km from the center of Bajina Basta and dates back to the 13th century. The monastery is a very important cultural and historical monument for Serbia. The architecture of the monastery itself is spectacular, as is its surroundings. This monastery is one of the most important places in the Serbian past.
Log cabin church in Dub - Only 10 km away from Bajina Basta, there is this special and very authentic church which irresistibly reminds us with its appearance of old, Serbian log cabins from the Middle Ages.
Solotnik - This archeological site is also located in the immediate vicinity of Tara and Bajina Basta and is ideal for family excursions. It offers a beautiful view, and the ruins of the old castle attract the attention of domestic and foreign tourists. Solotnik used to be a typical medieval castle, and today it is a popular attraction for many visitors.
History of Tara
- The ancient history of Tara - Tara is one of the oldest, Serbian mountains which, according to tradition and legend, got its name from the Old Slavic god Tara. The first data on the population of these areas date back to the feudal period, as evidenced by the remains of Solotnik.
- Significant for the history of Tara - The year 1875 is one of the most important years for the history and further progress of this mountain. That year, the famous Serbian scientist and inventor, Josif Pančić, discovered Pančić's spruce in the village of Zaovine, a rare, endemic species that can only be found on Tara.
Geography and climate in Tara
- Geography of Tara - Tara is located in the western part of Serbia, along the river Drina and along the border with the Republic of Srpska. This gives it a specific geographical location. The highest peak of Tara is Koziji rid with an altitude of 1591 m above sea level, while the average altitude of Tara is a spectacular 1200 m above sea level. Here you can find the most famous endemic Pančić spruce, which grows only on this mountain. It is a narrow coniferous plant, up to 40 m high. Tara National Park covers an area limited along the Drina, between Visegrad and Bajina Basta, and is characterized by a multitude of coniferous forests, lakes and mountain peaks.
- Climate of Tara - The climate of Tara is crucially influenced by its geographical position. The climate of this mountain belongs to the type of continental, mountain climate which has a slightly higher degree of humidity. The central annual precipitation is 977.3 mm. Summers are moderately warm, while spring is the rainiest period. The average thickness of the snow cover is 100 cm and the snow can stay on Tara for a long time. The thickness of the snow cover and the length of its duration are directly determined by the amount of snowfall.
Demography of the Tara area
- 7432 adult inhabitants live in the settlement of Bajina Basta
- The average age of the population is 36.1 years
- There are 3014 households in the settlement
Tradition and culture of Tara
Tara is characterized by a long tradition and culture that is constantly advancing and evolving. These are some of the leading and most famous features of the culture and tradition of this area:
- Livestock - Livestock has been a tradition for centuries and the main occupation of the inhabitants of Tara and the Tara region. The meat, milk, cheese and cream produced here are of the healthiest, organic origin.
- Tourism - All natural beauties and resources, as well as the richness of flora and fauna significantly affect the development of tourism in this region. Tourism on Tara is still in its infancy and many more attractions are planned on this mountain in the future.
- National Park - When it comes to everything you should see on this beautiful mountain, its national park is something that goes without saying. Whether you decide to walk or hike, Tara National Park offers you the most beautiful nature possible, which, in certain areas, is still wild and untouched. This mountain is simply rich in natural beauty and you can always find new places that can't wait to be explored. There are as many as 18 hiking trails on Tara, and each one takes you to the most beautiful parts of this mountain. There are more than 251 species of fungi in the forests of Tara, while the protected area of Tara is more than an incredible 25,000 hectares. Enjoy your discoveries of all the beauties of this national park.