The Taor Springs are located at the foot of the Povlen Mountains, in the western part of Serbia, near the Donji Taor village. The cascades formed by the springs on the limestones create a pleasant and beautiful view that made the place famous.
Unfortunately, the area suffered through the years after water supply works started in the 80s during the former Yugoslavia. This place was compared with the famous Plitvice Lakes in Croatia due to its beauty.
This article presents facts about Taor Springs and available activities in the surrounding area. It also shows an interesting hiking adventure exploring a bit of the Povlen area and Taor springs.
A bit of history
Taor Springs was once a popular tourist destination, similar to the Plitvice Lakes in Croatia. In the past, the area was home to 12 watermills. However, today, only a few remain and are in poor condition.
If you continue past the watermills, you will reach a flat area that leads to a large rock. Underneath the rock is a spring, but the area is not open to the public. There is a cave where the water flows but it is sealed off. The Taor Springs originates on the slopes of the Mountain Povlen and flow into the Skrapež River. From the river, it ends in a 4.5 meter high waterfall.
Unfortunately, the neglect this place suffered in the past caused its oblivion to happen. The water course was altered to provide water to the surrounding villages. Despite no longer looking as it once did, Taor Springs still attracts visitors for its natural beauty. When we first visited the springs, we were curious because we had never heard of them before.
Our Airbnb host in Valjevo recommended we check them out, and we were pleasantly surprised by their beauty. However, something felt off, so we started an investigation, and after learning more about the history of the springs, everything became clear to us. It is a shame that such a beautiful place has been overlooked and mistreated.
How to get there
The easiest way to reach the Taor Springs is by car from Valjevo, taking the road towards Kosjerić and turning towards the village of Radanovci. We made the mistake of relying solely on the fastest route on Google Maps and ended up on a small, poorly maintained road south of Taor village. We had to park at a spot where the road ended and walk for 10-15 minutes to reach the springs.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to directly reach the Taor Springs by bus. The best option is to take a bus to Valjevo and then hire a taxi to take you to a parking lot close to the springs. From there, it is just a short walk to the destination.
If you prefer to travel by train, the railway from Valjevo passes through the Gradac River gorge and you can disembark at the Drenovački Kik station. From there, it is about a one hour walk to the village of Radanovci.
Where to stay
If you are visiting from Belgrade or Novi Sad, it is possible to do a day trip to Taor Springs and return on the same day. It will take about 2-3 hours to get to the Springs from both cities.
We chose Valjevo to be our base because our goal was to explore the surrounding areas, including Divcibare and Taor. For nature lovers, it is a good idea to spend a few days exploring Divcibare and Povlen.
Hiking Tour
Hiking is a popular activity in the Povlen region, offering a chance to explore the natural beauty of the area and get some exercise. Whether you are an experienced hiker or new to the activity, there are several trails in the Povlen area to choose from. Enough options to cater to different ability levels and interests. You can find more information about the trails in Povlen here.
We completed a trail that started a few kilometers east of the Donji Taor village, passing along the Skrapez River and ending at the Taor Springs. It is a beginner-friendly hike with a distance of 13 kilometers and a small elevation gain of 354 meters.
We hiked the trail in April and were blessed with lush, green surroundings. The weather was a bit chilly but still enjoyable. It was a great experience to explore the trails around Donji Taor and the Skrapez River.
During the summer of 2021, we visited Taor Springs for the first time. And we had an opportunity to try some delicious Elderflower juice from a small cabin at the Springs. If you visit the springs, be sure to give it a try!
This hiking tour is suitable for all levels, as the elevation gain is minimal and the trail itself is relatively easy. The bonus is the stunning nature of the Povlen area, which you will have the opportunity to enjoy along the way. Feel free to follow this route and experience the beauty of the Povlen region for yourself.
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Conclusion
The Taor Springs remains a stunning and picturesque destination today. During our two visits, we couldn’t help but wonder how the place must have looked in the past, as it has often been compared to the famous Plitvice Lakes in Croatia.
In addition to Taor, the mountain region of Povlen is also known for its natural beauty, making it a great place to combine a hiking tour with a visit to the springs.
If you have ever visited the Taor Springs, we would love to hear about your experience in the comments. What did you find most impressive or memorable about the place?
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