Information
Landmark: Tara CanyonCity: Pljevlja
Country: Montenegro
Continent: Europe
Tara Canyon, Pljevlja, Montenegro, Europe
Overview
Tara Canyon ranks among Montenegro’s most breathtaking sights, and on the Pljevlja side, the cliffs rise sharp and untouched above waters as clear as glass.Tara Canyon draws visitors with its rugged beauty-sheer cliffs, rushing water-and holds deep ecological and geological importance.It’s a top spot for nature lovers, thrill‑seekers, and anyone eager to explore Montenegro’s wild rivers and mountain trails.Tara Canyon cuts deep into the earth-over 1,300 meters in places-making it Europe’s deepest and the world’s second deepest.It follows the winding Tara River through Montenegro and into Bosnia and Herzegovina, where the water glints silver in the sun.The Pljevlja side is the stretch of canyon lying north and west of the town of Pljevlja, one of Montenegro’s northernmost towns.The Tara River and its canyon belong to Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its rare beauty and rich biodiversity.Over millions of years, the river cut through layers of pale limestone and rugged dolomite, leaving the dramatic Tara Canyon we see today.Sheer cliffs drop into shadowy ravines, where winding river channels glint in the sun, and the canyon and its outskirts shelter a rich mix of plants and wildlife.This region is famed for its untouched beauty, where vast stands of black pine and fir stretch for miles and the air smells faintly of resin, home to bears, wolves, and wild boar.The Tara River, often called the “tear of Europe” for its crystal-clear waters, winds through a canyon that’s a jewel of Montenegro’s natural heritage.Its currents shelter trout darting in the shade and otters slipping quietly along the banks, while the surrounding forests and waterways brim with life essential to the country’s biodiversity.The river ranks among the cleanest in Europe, so clear you can see smooth pebbles on its bed.Its fast currents and wild rapids draw white-water rafters looking for an unforgettable rush.Rafting trips through Tara Canyon let you soak in its breathtaking cliffs while steering through frothing, fast-moving rapids.On the Pljevlja side, where the path feels wilder and the air carries only the sound of rushing water, visitors find a quieter, untouched stretch of the canyon.From here, the canyon opens wide, revealing jagged cliffs and pockets of deep green forest.Spanning the gap, the graceful Đurđevića Tara Bridge stands as one of its most famous landmarks.Though it sits nearer to the border of Žabljak, a nearby Montenegrin town, it’s still a spot you can’t miss when exploring the bright, rushing waters of the Tara River.Built in 1937, the bridge stretches across the Tara River, offering a breathtaking view of the canyon and the silver thread of water far below; on the Pljevlja side, quieter corners invite hikers, birdwatchers, and photographers alike.Many visitors take to the river for guided rafting trips through its churning rapids, while others follow winding trails to catch sweeping vistas of the surrounding wilderness.The area’s rich mix of plants and animals makes it a prime spot for spotting birds or catching a glimpse of shy wildlife in the trees.Thick forests shelter golden eagles, griffon vultures, and brown bears, while the jagged cliffs and sweeping vistas of Tara Canyon draw photographers eager to frame both the vast horizon and the delicate curve of a wildflower’s petal; as part of Durmitor National Park, the canyon remains carefully protected.Work to protect the canyon centers on keeping its waters clear and its wildlife thriving.Conservation programs guard against overuse of resources while aiming to balance visitors’ footsteps with the fragile needs of its rare ecosystems.On the Pljevlja side, the Tara Canyon unrolls in sweeping cliffs and rushing turquoise currents, one of Montenegro’s most breathtaking sights.Whether you’re chasing the rush of white-water rapids or wandering through forests alive with birdsong, Tara Canyon delivers an experience you won’t forget.Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and celebrated for its striking geology, rich ecosystems, and deep cultural roots, it stands among Montenegro’s most unforgettable natural wonders, where jagged cliffs rise over clear, green water.
