Tara River Canyon

Europe's Deepest Canyon - A Montenegrin Natural Wonder

Overview

The Tara River Canyon, also known as the Tara River Gorge, is a breathtaking natural formation in Montenegro and partially in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Carved by the Tara River over millennia, it stands as Europe's deepest canyon and one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the Balkans. Protected within Durmitor National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the canyon offers unparalleled natural beauty and a haven for biodiversity.

Quick Facts

  • Location: Northern Montenegro and southeastern Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Length: 82 kilometers (51 miles)
  • Depth: Up to 1,300 meters (4,300 feet)
  • River: Tara River, a tributary of the Drina River
  • UNESCO Status: Part of Durmitor National Park UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 1980)
  • Notable Feature: Đurđevića Tara Bridge, spanning the canyon at 172 meters (564 feet) height
  • World Ranking: Second deepest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon
  • Local Nickname: "Tear of Europe"

The canyon's dramatic landscape features steep limestone walls, dense forests, clear turquoise waters, and numerous rapids and waterfalls. Its pristine environment has earned it the nickname "Tear of Europe," reflecting both its beauty and its pure waters.

"The Tara cuts through the mountains like a knife through butter, creating a perfect union of water and stone, a harmony that has remained undisturbed for millennia."
— Montenegrin nature poet Vitomir Nikolić

Geography and Geology

The Tara River Canyon represents a remarkable geological formation, shaped by natural forces over millions of years.

Formation and Structure

The canyon began forming during the Quaternary Period, approximately 2 million years ago. The primary geological process involved the Tara River cutting through predominantly limestone terrain, a process accelerated by:

The canyon walls consist primarily of limestone and dolomite formations. These limestone features have contributed to the development of numerous karst formations throughout the region, including caves, sinkholes, and underground streams.

The Tara River

The emerald-green Tara River originates from the mountains near the Kosovo border and flows approximately 146 kilometers (91 miles) before joining the Piva River to form the Drina River. Key features include:

Geographic Highlights

The canyon features several distinctive geographic formations and sections:

Canyon Sectors

Rafting guides typically divide the canyon into three main sectors:

  • Upper Canyon: From Splavište to Brštanovica (challenging rapids, Class III-IV)
  • Middle Canyon: From Brštanovica to Đurđevića Tara Bridge (moderate, Class II-III)
  • Lower Canyon: From the bridge to Šćepan Polje (gentler, Class I-II)

Biodiversity and Ecosystems

The Tara River Canyon is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, hosting numerous endemic species and well-preserved ecosystems.

Flora

The canyon harbors an impressive variety of plant species, with over 1,300 documented plant species, including:

Fauna

The canyon provides habitat for numerous animal species, including:

Endemic Species

The Tara River Canyon is particularly important for biodiversity conservation due to its high number of endemic species, including:

  • Dinaromys bogdanovi (Martino's snow vole) - a rare endemic rodent
  • Telestes metohiensis - an endemic fish species
  • Proteus anguinus (olm) - found in some cave systems connected to the river
  • Several endemic aquatic invertebrates and insects
  • Various endemic plant species adapted to the specific limestone environment

Ecosystems

The canyon encompasses multiple interconnected ecosystems:

Activities and Experiences

The Tara River Canyon offers a wide range of recreational and adventure activities, attracting nature enthusiasts from around the world.

White Water Rafting

Rafting is the most popular activity in the canyon, with trips ranging from a few hours to multiple days. The river offers exceptional rafting experiences with:

Rafting Section Distance Difficulty Duration Starting Point
Full Canyon 82 km Class I-IV 2-3 days Splavište
Upper Canyon 18 km Class III-IV 3-4 hours Splavište
Middle Canyon 36 km Class II-III 4-5 hours Brštanovica
Lower Canyon 28 km Class I-II 3-4 hours Đurđevića Tara Bridge

Hiking and Trekking

An extensive network of hiking trails offers access to spectacular viewpoints and remote areas of the canyon:

Other Activities

Activity Price Guide (2025)

  • White water rafting: €50-80 per person (day trip), €150-300 (multi-day trips)
  • Zip-lining: €20-35 per person
  • Guided hiking tours: €25-50 per person
  • Jeep safari: €45-70 per person
  • Fishing license: €20 per day
  • Canyoning: €70-100 per person

Prices may vary by season and operator. Booking in advance is recommended during peak summer months.

Conservation and Environmental Protection

The Tara River Canyon enjoys multiple levels of protection and faces various conservation challenges.

Protection Status

Environmental Challenges

Despite its protected status, the canyon faces several environmental threats:

The Buk Bijela Dam Controversy

One of the most significant conservation battles involving the Tara Canyon was the proposed Buk Bijela hydroelectric dam project. Initially planned in the early 2000s, the project would have flooded portions of the canyon. After significant public opposition and environmental campaigns, the project was formally abandoned in its original form in 2005, marking an important victory for environmental protection in the region.

However, modified versions of hydroelectric development on the Tara and its tributaries continue to be proposed periodically, requiring ongoing vigilance from conservation organizations.

Conservation Initiatives

Several ongoing initiatives aim to protect the canyon's unique ecosystem:

Visitor Information

Getting There

The Tara River Canyon is accessible from several points in northern Montenegro:

Major access points include:

Best Time to Visit

Accommodation Options

Practical Tips

  • Book rafting trips and adventure activities in advance during peak season
  • Bring cash as ATMs are limited in the area and many smaller operators don't accept cards
  • Pack layers even in summer as temperatures can vary significantly between day and night
  • Wear appropriate footwear for hiking on potentially slippery limestone terrain
  • Respect all environmental regulations, including proper waste disposal
  • Purchase a National Park entry permit (approximately €3) when entering Durmitor National Park sections
  • Consider hiring local guides who can share cultural and natural knowledge of the area

Local Communities

Several small communities exist within and around the canyon, maintaining traditional lifestyles:

These communities often offer authentic experiences including traditional cuisine, local handicrafts, and cultural insights for travelers interested in more than just adventure activities.

Cultural and Historical Context

Beyond its natural significance, the Tara River Canyon has played an important role in the human history and culture of the region.

Historical Significance

Cultural Heritage

The canyon region preserves distinctive cultural elements:

Significant Structures

Key man-made landmarks include: