Plan your visit
Plan your Tara National Park trip
Preparation is critical for this vast mountain park. Bring proper gear, download offline maps, and decide how you will get between viewpoints.
Getting there
Driving is the most practical way to explore the park.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car: Driving from Belgrade via Valjevo to Bajina Bašta, then ascending into the park. | 3.5 to 4 hours | Car rental and fuel | Having a car is highly recommended as the park is vast and public transport between trailheads and viewpoints is extremely limited. |
| Bus: Take a public bus from Belgrade to Bajina Bašta, then a local bus or taxi to park centers like Mitrovac or Kaluđerske Bare. | 4.5 to 5 hours | Approx. 1,500 - 2,000 RSD | There is no single official bus station inside the park; buses stop at key roadside points. |
| Tour: Book a guided day or multi-day trip from Belgrade or Novi Sad, often combining Tara with Mokra Gora. | 1 to 2 days | €100 - €400+ depending on group size | A stress-free option that covers the main highlights and includes transportation. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
The best months to visit are May through October. During this period, the hiking trails are clear and the viewpoints are safely accessible. Summer is ideal for swimming in Zaovine Lake or taking a boat on Lake Perućac.
What to bring
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The park features over 420 kilometers of cycling trails.
They are mapped out through the local 'Tarocikl' project.
How the day runs
Follow these structured routes to maximize your time.
A driving loop hitting the major lookouts and waterways.
- Banjska Stena
Hike to the park's most famous viewpoint.
- Mitrovac
Stop near the visitor areas and see the Red Creek reserve.
- Zaovine Lake
Relax by the artificial lake surrounded by rolling hills.
- Vrelo River
Walk the 365-meter river and see the waterfall.
Focus on the dramatic cliffs and cultural sites.
- Bilješka Stena
Visit this quieter overlook with an old wooden cabin.
- Osluša
Enjoy an accessible viewpoint equipped with benches.
- Rača Monastery
Explore this 13th-century Serbian Orthodox site.
- Stećci at Perućac
See the medieval tombstone graveyards right off the road.
Practical advice for hikers
Always stay on the designated and marked trails. This prevents you from getting lost and keeps you safe in an area populated by brown bears. Littering is strictly prohibited, so you must carry all your trash out of the park.
Mobile phone signals often drop out completely inside the deep canyons. Download offline maps to your smartphone before leaving Belgrade or Bajina Bašta. Pack plenty of drinking water and snacks, because amenities are sparse on the hiking routes.
Easiest way to do it
Full-Day Trip from Belgrade: Tara National Park & The Drina River Valley
10 h to 11 h 5.0 (253)
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- WiFi on board
- Bottled water
From$130per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
Do I need a car?
Yes, having a car is highly recommended. The park is massive, and public transport between the different trailheads and viewpoints is extremely limited.
What should I pack?
Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots. Mountain weather changes rapidly, so bring layered clothing and a rain jacket. A daypack with water and sun protection is essential.
Can I camp anywhere?
No. Camping is only permitted in explicitly designated campsites. Wild camping is strictly prohibited to protect the environment and avoid wildlife encounters.