It has natural beauty, deep traditions, and cultural landmarks. It is an ideal destination for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, enjoy nature, and experience the local culture.
Why visit Western Serbia and which attractions to see?
Zlatibor
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Serbia, Zlatibor is known for its vast meadows surrounded by mountains and fresh air. You will never get bored here, as there are activities for all kinds of visitors, regardless of the season. In summer, Zlatibor is perfect for hiking, cycling, and nature excursions, while in winter it becomes a popular ski destination. You can rent quads and go horseback riding, and Zlatibor’s “Golden Gondola,” which climbs to the 1,496-meter-high peak, spans nine kilometers, making it the longest gondola ride of its kind in the world. It’s fascinating to watch the landscape change as you travel to the top of Tornik. A gondola cabin can be rented for families or a romantic ride. The lake in the center of the town is the hub of all activity.
Many hotels offer wellness and spa centers, making it a popular spot for tourists seeking relaxation and rest. Apartment complexes are ideal for family vacations. The gastronomic scene is rich, and the nightlife is equally lively. Zlatibor is the perfect choice for families, couples, nature lovers, and those looking for an active holiday.
Tara National Park
Tara is a mountain in western Serbia, and Tara National Park attracts visitors with its untouched nature and rich flora and fauna. Located along the Drina River, Tara offers opportunities for various activities such as hiking, cycling, rafting on the Drina, and fishing.
Viewpoints like Banjska stena offer spectacular panoramic views of the Drina Canyon and Perućac Lake. One of Tara’s most famous attractions is Lake Perućac, suitable for boating, fishing, and swimming in the summer. From the shore, you can embark on a fascinating cruise through the Drina Canyon to Višegrad in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Tara is also home to the endangered brown bear, which draws wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers to the area.
Uvac Lake
One of western Serbia’s most famous natural wonders is the Uvac River. This area is known for its dramatic meanders, forming a winding river course that creates one of the most picturesque landscapes in Serbia. Uvac is also home to the griffon vulture, a rare and protected bird species, making this canyon a perfect place for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. There are about 600 vultures here, well cared for by the staff.
A boat cruise on Uvac Lake and a visit to the Molitva viewpoint, offering spectacular views of the canyon, are must-do activities for all visitors. Many come to experience the peace, quiet, and magnificent nature. The boat ride lasts about three hours. You can also visit the Ice Cave, home to colonies of bats. The boat trip was the highlight of our three-day stay in this region. Uvac had long been on my bucket list, and I was thrilled to finally visit it.
Historical and Cultural Attractions
Sirogojno – Open-Air Museum
One of the unique cultural attractions of western Serbia is the ethno-village of Sirogojno. This open-air museum represents an authentic 19th-century village, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience the traditional way of life.
In Sirogojno, you can see old wooden houses, traditional craft workshops, and museum exhibits that showcase the daily life of the area’s inhabitants. In addition to the museum, the village is famous for its hand-knitted sweaters and wool products, which have become a highly sought-after souvenir of the region.
Visitors can enjoy a meal in an authentic restaurant and taste traditional specialties such as homemade cream (kajmak), smoked ham (pršut), and pies. Some various workshops and events revive old knowledge and customs.
Stopića Cave
One of the most visited speleological attractions in western Serbia is Stopića Cave. Located near Zlatibor, this cave offers an impressive experience with its vast halls, underground streams, and unique “tufa tubs,” natural stone basins filled with water.
What makes the cave special are its dimensions—it is about 18 meters high, and the total length of the explored sections exceeds 2 kilometers. Visitors can walk along the well-maintained paths and admire the fascinating stalactite and stalagmite formations created by natural processes over thousands of years. The cave is a must-see destination for nature lovers and speleology enthusiasts, offering a unique opportunity to explore the underground beauty of this region.
Drvengrad and Šargan Eight Railway
Drvengrad, also known as Mećavnik, is a unique ethno-village designed by the famous filmmaker Emir Kusturica. Located in Mokra Gora, Drvengrad is built in a traditional style, with wooden houses that resemble old Serbian villages. The buildings are mostly relocated from nearby areas. The village, originally a movie set, has become a hotel, tourist attraction, and cultural center, hosting various events, film festivals, and cultural gatherings.
Near Drvengrad lies the Šargan Eight, a historic narrow-gauge railway that winds through mountainous terrain. A train ride along this route takes you through spiral tunnels, offering spectacular views of the scenery. The Šargan Eight is one of the most beautiful train journeys in Europe and a must-see attraction for history and railway enthusiasts. The round trip lasts about two hours, and during the tourist season, it’s essential to book and purchase tickets in advance.
Bajina Bašta and the Drina River
Bajina Bašta, a small town located along the Drina River, is a favorite destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking for recreation. This town is known for its proximity to Tara National Park and the unique “House on the Drina,” which has become a symbol of the region and one of the most famous photos from Serbia. This small house, built on a rock in the middle of the Drina River, attracts the attention of visitors from all over the world and has become a real tourist attraction.
The Drina River is also popular for rafting, fishing, and boating. Every year, Bajina Bašta hosts a traditional regatta that gathers thousands of visitors and water enthusiasts from across the Balkans, making it one of Serbia’s most famous tourist events.
Local Culture and Gastronomy
Mileševa is one of the most important Serbian Orthodox monasteries, renowned for the fresco “White Angel,” a masterpiece of Serbian medieval art. Located near Prijepolje, the monastery was built in the 13th century and serves as an important spiritual center. The Sopoćani Monastery is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Western Serbia is renowned for its rich gastronomy, which includes traditional dishes such as komplet lepinja (a local bread dish), homemade cream (kajmak), smoked ham (pršut), and various cheeses. Zlatibor and Sirogojno are particularly known for their local specialties, prepared in an authentic manner using local ingredients. You cannot leave this region hungry, and it’s common to gain a few pounds after just a three-day stay. Naturally, along with great food comes excellent rakija (fruit brandy), which is abundant here.
Western Serbia is the perfect destination for lovers of nature, history, and culture. Whether you’re seeking peace in the mountains, adventure on rivers and canyons, or want to explore the rich tradition and culture of this area, western Serbia has much to offer. Zlatibor, Tara, Sirogojno, Stopića Cave, Drvengrad, Bajina Bašta, and Uvac Canyon are just some of the top attractions worth visiting, and you should plan to stay a few days to truly experience them.
We stayed at the Olimp Hotel in Zlatibor and Borovi Hotel near Sjenica. We had excellent meals at Krčma in the village of Sirogojno, Koliba by Milunka in Zlatibor, and Vila Jelena near Uvac. To visit these attractions, you need at least three days, but it’s a good idea to add a few more days to relax at 1,000 meters above sea level in Zlatibor and let the fresh air revitalize your body.
I thank the Tourist Organization of Serbia for the excellent organization of this fam trip.
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