National parks of Serbia: Tara National Park

Tara National Park was declared in 1981. It occupies a large surface of the Tara mountain (19.175 hectares), that is located in the western Serbia, at the very border with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
As for its altitude, mountain Tara belongs to medium high mountains whose average altitude ranges from 1.000 to 1.200 meters. Tara's highest peak is Kozji rid (1.591 m) and the lowest point is at the Perućačko lake (291 m) on the Drina river, above whom Tara stands. Many people assume that the triassic limestones on the northern side of Tara were genuine Pannonian Sea coast in the tertiary.

This is a typical forest area, and for its preservation and diversity of forest ecosystems (many of which are relict) is one of the richest and most valuable forest areas of Europe. On Tara dominate mixed forests of spruce, fir and beech (over 85% of forest area).
Around 1.156 species of vascular flora were identified on Tara, which makes 1/3 of total flora of Serbia. Due to the favorable climate and remoteness, on Tara survived relict and endemic species of the Balkan Peninsula - Serbian or Pančić spruce, as well as many other monuments of nature. In the forests of Tara there are more than 251 species of fungi, of which 3 are poisonous. One of them is the Amanita phalloides mushroom - most dangerous fungi in Europe, also known as the Death Cap mushroom.

Of the 53 species of mammals recorded on Tara, the most attractive are brown bear (this area is inhabited by the largest population of brown bears in Serbia) and chamois, that live even at the altitude of 290 m. Of the 135 species of birds, 43 are migratory. The ones that particularly stand out and are most endangered are eagles, hawks and other scavengers. The best-known species, something like a symbol of fauna of Mt Tara, is endemorelict Pančić's grasshopper (Pyrgomorphella serbica).

Pančić spruce the brown bear

There are several artificial lakes at the foot of Mt Tara and their main purpose is electricity production, but they are of great tourist value as well. The ones that stand out are already mentioned Perućačko lake, particularly vivid in the summer season due to the fishing, bathing and rowing boats and Zaovine lake, above whom rises a beautiful and famous viewpoint.

Perućac lake

Zaovine lake and its viewpoint

Due to the limestone formation, water precipitation does not linger long on the surface, but appears in the form of wells and springs. The most attractive and most profuse karst spring is Perućačko spring, situated at the altitude of 265 m. The spring forms the short river known as 'The river of the year' (the shortest river in Serbia), which through its attractive waterfall flows into the river Drina.

River of the Year and its waterfall

House in the middle of the Drina river near the town of Bajina Bašta

The area of Mt Tara is rich in archaeological sites dating from the Neolithic period to the Middle Ages. Of some interest is necropolis with tombstones at Perućac and the one in Rastište, both nominated for UNESCO World Heritage List. Then, remnants of medieval fortification Solotnik and Rača Monastery, founded by King Dragutin Nemanjić in the 13th century.

tombstones at Perućac Rača Monastery

For visitors interested in recreation, there are 18 hiking trails with a total length of 120 km. For these trails, it is recommended to use hiking maps, that can be found at tourist centres - Kaluđerske Bare and Mitrovac.

Mitrovac

There are also 27 cycling paths with length of about 420 km, a football pitch and small outdoor sports fields, among other facilities. In the winter, the ski slopes and two ski-lifts are available, a 150 m-long one for children and beginners and a 450 m-long one for amateur skiers, located at 1000 m above sea-level.