Tara (mountain) Mountains

Tara is a forested mountain massif in western Serbia that forms part of the Dinaric mountain system and includes Tara National Park. It is notable for deep river canyons, extensive mixed forests and karst landscape.

The area offers a network of hiking trails, viewpoints such as Banjska Stena, and river scenery along the Drina including the Perućac reservoir; these features draw walkers, birdwatchers and nature visitors. The mountain supports important native woodlands and endemic species.

Protected as a national park, Tara has long been valued for its natural resources and scenic character. The park and surrounding settlements have developed small visitor facilities and trails to manage tourism and conservation.

Tara sits in western Serbia near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, occupying a high, wooded ridge above the Drina River valley; access is typically from nearby towns and mountain resorts.

• Serbian spruce and forests: The mountain supports populations of the Balkan endemic Serbian spruce and extensive beech-fir forests, important for biodiversity.
• Hiking and viewpoints: Several marked hiking trails and lookout points provide short to multi-day routes through the national park terrain.

What to See#

• Banjska Stena viewpoint: A high limestone and forested ridge offering viewpoints over the Drina River canyon and surrounding valleys, popular with hikers and nature observers.
• Drina River canyon and Perućac area: The Drina River canyon and adjacent riverside areas including the Perućac reservoir, noted for steep cliffs and river scenery.
• Mitrovac and local mountain settlements: Small mountain villages and the Mitrovac resort area that serve as bases for trails and visits into the national park.

• Approach Tara from the Bajina Bašta or Perućac side to access the park's main trails and the best viewpoints (for example Banjska Stena) without long, rough backroads.
• Plan visits for early morning or late afternoon when the light on the Drina valley is best and midweek visits if you want to avoid weekend crowds that gather at the main viewpoints; ask locally about lesser‑known viewpoints and family-run guesthouses.