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Hidden deep within the heart of the Balkans lies a secret waiting to be discovered. Picture this: a rugged canyon carved by the meandering river Uvac, nestled between Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Imagine standing at the edge, feeling the rush of the wind as the sun sets – magical!
Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see the sunset when I visited Uvac Canyon. Only one or two rays of sunshine found their way trough the thick clouds when I arrived. And still, even with storm clouds in the back and the sound of thunder far away it ways a day I will never forget!
In this blog post I will tell you what to expect, where to find the best viewpoint in the canyon and where to stay if you decide to stay overnight. Just a heads-up before we dive in: as you browse through this post and navigate the site, you might come across some ads, affiliate links, and search widgets.
Feel free to click on them for your future travels – it won’t cost you anything extra, and here’s the coolest part: half of the commission I earn goes directly to charity. Much appreciated! Thanks!
Uvac Canyon in Serbia: A Hidden Gem in the Heart of the Balkans
Uvac Canyon in Serbia is a real hidden gem in the heart of the Balkans. Let me tell you, when I first visited, I almost missed it. But when I stood there at the viewpoint, I was absolutely blown away. It quickly became one of my favorite spots in Serbia and the entire Balkan region!
Located in Serbia, Uvac is a natural reserve with a stunning canyon and a deep riverbed. The river Uvac, originating from the mountain Jadovnik, flows through this picturesque setting. It also serves as a natural border between Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, adding to its unique charm.
The meanders of the canyon, some towering up to 100 meters (330 feet) high, create a breathtaking landscape that will leave you in awe. This place is home to the rare Griffon vulture, a protected species that thrives within the canyon’s boundaries.
Covering 7,543 acres (30.5 km²), with altitudes ranging from 760 m (2,490 ft) to 1,322 m (4,337 ft), Uvac features meanders sculpted by the river piercing through limestone rock. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered Griffon vulture, Golden eagle, mountain puzgavac, owl, kingfisher, bats, and otters.
If you’re looking for a place that offers both natural beauty and tranquility, Uvac Canyon is the perfect destination. Now I will tell you a bit more about my personal journey to this amazing hidden gem.
My Trip to Uvac Canyon
So, my girlfriend and I found ourselves in Belgrade for a few months, craving a break from the city buzz. We decided to escape to Tara National Park near Mokra Gora, just a two-hour drive north of Uvac Canyon. What was meant to be a quick weekend getaway turned into a whole week of bliss. This unexpected extension gave us the chance to venture out to Uvac Canyon.
On our way to Uvac Special Nature Reserve, we made a pit stop to check out the Gostilje Waterfalls. It was a slight detour, about an hour from Uvac, but the falls were alright, surrounded by some lovely scenery. We discussed whether to keep going as we faced a challenging 20-30 km (12-19 mi) gravel road to Uvac or to turn back, but our adventurous spirit pushed us to continue.
Arriving at the Uvac Viewpoint a tad late but just in time for the sunset, we were greeted with a breathtaking sight! Despite missing out on spotting vultures, the view was nothing short of spectacular. With a storm brewing in the background, it felt like a scene from a dream. Uvac Canyon quickly claimed a spot as one of my favorite places in Serbia and the whole Balkans.
This trip to Uvac Canyon was truly special, full of unexpected beauty and tranquility. Moments like these make travel so memorable, uncovering hidden gems like Uvac that really leave a lasting impression.
Where is the Uvac Canyon Viewpoint and How to Get There
When you’re heading to Uvac Canyon, you’ll find it’s easiest to drive there, just like you did. The drive from Belgrade to Uvac covers about 258 kilometers, taking approximately 5 hours. It’s possible to do it in one day, but I’d suggest to either go for an extended trip and spent a few days in the surroundings, or to spent at least a night near Uvac Canyon to not have the hustle of driving all the way back to Belgrade the same day.
As you make your way, the best viewpoint to aim for is ‘Vidikovac Molitva’ on the eastern side of the canyon. The roads are in great condition, but be ready for plenty of those twisty hairpin curves along the route.
Many blog posts on the internet talk about gravel roads leading to this viewpoint, but those information are outdated. Serbia has been putting quite some effort into improving their infrastructue in recent years, and fortunately, that road is brand new and not a gravel road anymore.
Once you arrive, drive to ‘Parking Uvac vidikovac,’ which is just about a 15-minute drive from the main road. Park your car there, and then it’s just a short 10 to 15-minute stroll along a well-trodden path to reach the viewpoint. Keep in mind, there aren’t any gas stations nearby, and you’ll find limited restaurants along the way.
How to Get to Uvac River Canyon, Serbia (If You Dont Drive)
If you don’t drive and want to get to Uvac River Canyon in Serbia, here’s how you can do it. Unfortunately, there isn’t public transport straight to Uvac, so your best bet is to head to either Zlatibor or Novi Pazar first. From Novi Pazar, you can arrange a ride to the village of Sjenica. Local tourist offices or online booking can help you sort out transportation.
For a hassle-free experience, consider booking a tour through operators like Serbian Adventures. They offer transport to the starting point of the hike towards Uvac viewpoints for around 25 EUR per person. Some tours might even include a boat ride down the river to see a cave, but double-check to ensure the hike to the viewpoints is part of the package.
If you’re coming from Belgrade, there are full-day tours available that can take you to Uvac Canyon. It’s a unique opportunity to explore this hidden gem in the heart of the Balkans and discover the beauty of Uvac River Canyon!
Where to Stay Near Uvac Canyon
When you’re planning your trip to Uvac Canyon, you’ve got some great options for places to stay near this beautiful spot. If you’re looking for a cozy retreat, the Uvac Griffon House in Nova Varoš could be just what you need. This holiday home offers 2 bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a fireplace to keep you warm. You can enjoy walking tours and even a children’s playground there. The view of the lake and mountains adds to the charm, making it ideal for couples seeking a peaceful getaway at €58 per night.
For those who prefer a city vibe, Art in Nova Varoš might be more your style. With modern accommodation offering city views and easy access to a casino, this place has free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries, all for €22 per night for a double room.
If you’re looking for a serene setting, Apartmani NINA Zlatar in Nova Varoš could be your perfect match. These apartments come with private bathrooms, some with fully equipped kitchens, and a delicious breakfast with local specialties each morning. With free WiFi and a picnic area with barbecue facilities, this spot offers a relaxing stay near the mountains for €32 per night.
Each of these accommodations caters to different preferences and budgets, ensuring you find the right place to stay near the breathtaking Uvac Canyon.
Conclusion
Uvac Canyon in Serbia truly is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. it is nestled in the heart of the Balkans, and let me tell you, it’s a place of pure peace and calm that’s hard to come by anywhere else. When I think back on my time exploring this amazing spot, I’m blown away by how beautiful our world truly is.
These moments make me realize how important it is to go out and explore, to step outside our usual routines and discover the incredible things that are out there. So, if you ever feel like you need a real break from the daily grind, Uvac Canyon is the place to go. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
If you are now eager to plan a trip to Uvac Canyon (or anywhere else in the world), I’d be happy if you would consider booking your travel essentials such as hotels, flights, rental cars, and more with Giving Getaway.
With each completed booking, Giving Getaway earns a commission, 50% of which will be used to organize charity events like the 2021 Christmas gift drive for kids and teenagers in a children’s home in Montenegro.
So not only will you have an amazing trip, but you’ll also make a difference with Giving Getaway!
