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Tara
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River
The Tara is a river flowing through Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, renowned for its spectacular canyon. With a depth reaching up to 1,300 meters, the Tara River Canyon is the deepest in Europe and the second deepest in the world, surpassed only by the Grand Canyon. The river is formed by the confluence of the Opasanica and Veruša in Montenegro and travels approximately 144 kilometers before merging with the Piva to form the Drina. Its water is so exceptionally clear and pure that it is nicknamed the 'Tear of Europe' and is safe to drink directly from the stream. The region is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is shared between Durmitor and Sutjeska National Parks. The Tara is world-famous for white-water rafting, particularly on the stretch that forms the border between Bosnia and Montenegro. The biodiversity along the river is immense, featuring numerous endemic plant species and a healthy population of fish, including the Huchen or Danube salmon.
- Location: Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Nearby: Sutjeska National Park (13 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -2 | -1 | 3 | 7 | 12 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 13 | 9 | 4 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 89 | 87 | 86 | 74 | 86 | 101 | 65 | 55 | 84 | 92 | 108 | 100 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The magnificent river is mostly and best accessed directly from historic towns like Foča, or through widely available, specialized riverside rafting camps that are wonderfully situated closely along the immense canyon near the scenic Montenegrin border.
Best season
The beautifully bustling late spring and warm summer months are definitely the prime times for visiting, especially for thrilling rafting adventures, exactly when the river's water levels are highly exciting and the regional weather is consistently warm enough for prolonged water activities.
Terrain & paths
The local natural environment is known to be incredibly rugged and extreme, spectacularly featuring Europe's very deepest canyon with overwhelmingly steep, dramatic rocky cliffs and densely forested mountain slopes rising vertically and directly from the rushing emerald water.
What to bring
For exciting rafting trips, all specialized safety gear is usually fully provided by professional operators; however, if you are hiking nearby, always wear sturdy supportive boots and cleverly pack warm, fully waterproof clothing due to the canyon's highly unpredictable microclimates.
Parking
Private vehicles are typically and safely parked at designated operational bases, secure tour operator sites, or hospitable local guest houses situated in the surrounding gateway villages well before visitors enthusiastically embark on their guided river tours.
Safety
Thrilling river rafting should absolutely only be undertaken with properly licensed, highly experienced professional guides; meanwhile, any independent hikers must constantly stay far back from the notoriously unstable, sheer vertical edges of the magnificent canyon.
Time needed
A highly typical, professionally guided rafting excursion easily takes anywhere from half a day to a very full day of adventure, while those choosing to safely explore the dramatic canyon rims on foot should definitely also allocate a highly substantial, unhurried portion of their day.
Geography
Facts
- The canyon is the deepest in Europe at 1,300 meters.
- The river has a total length of approximately 144 kilometers.
- Known as the 'Tear of Europe' due to its extreme purity.
- UNESCO World Heritage site since 1980 (as part of Durmitor).
- The iconic Đurđevića Tara Bridge stands 172 meters high.
- Merges with the Piva River to form the Drina River.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Tara (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where can you go rafting on the Tara?
The most popular tours start at Brštanovica and pass through the deepest part of the canyon.
How deep is the Tara Canyon?
With a depth of up to 1,300 meters, it is the deepest canyon in Europe and the second deepest in the world.
Is the water of the Tara drinkable?
The Tara is often called the 'Tear of Europe' because its water is extremely clean and often drinkable directly.
When is the best time for rafting?
For adrenaline in May/June (high water level), and for relaxed tours from July to September.
Do you need experience for rafting?
No, beginners can participate in guided tours as professional skippers steer the boats.
Tara: where is it located?
Tara is located in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Tara: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Tara: why is it worth visiting?
The Tara is a river flowing through Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, renowned for its spectacular canyon.
Nearby cities
Lukavica
Lukavica is an administrative center in Republika Srpska, which forms a large part of East Sarajevo.
East Sarajevo
East Sarajevo is a city in Republika Srpska adjacent to the city of Sarajevo.
Briješće
Briješće is a settlement in the Novi Grad municipality, a suburb of the capital Sarajevo.
Ilidža
Ilidža is a municipality in the Sarajevo Canton and a major health resort.
Visoko
Visoko is located northwest of Sarajevo at the confluence of the Bosna and Fojnička rivers.
Konjic
Konjic is located on the Neretva River, roughly halfway between Sarajevo and Mostar.
Foča
Foča is located in the east of the country at the confluence of the Drina and Ćehotina rivers.
Bileća
Bileća is located in eastern Herzegovina on the artificial Lake Bileća.
Kiseljak
Kiseljak is located in central Bosnia and is famous for its natural mineral water.
Milići
Milići is located in the east of Republika Srpska in the Birač region.
Vogošća
Vogošća is a municipality north of Sarajevo and a key industrial suburb of the capital.
Tihovići
Tihovići is a small settlement near the capital Sarajevo.
Stolac
Stolac is located in southern Herzegovina on the Bregava River.
Pale
Pale is located east of Sarajevo at the foot of the Jahorina Mountains.
Nevesinje
Nevesinje is a city in Republika Srpska in the Herzegovina region.
