Are you looking for water adventures in Serbia? The country has many activities available, but this blog post focuses on rafting in Serbia. Rafting is an experience that combines natural landscapes with the thrilling rush of navigating wild rivers.
Whether you’re an experienced rafter looking for your next challenge or a beginner willing to try something new, Serbia’s rivers offer a range of experiences suitable for every level.
Join me as I guide you through the best rafting spots in Serbia, providing tips, insights, and everything you need to know to make your adventure unforgettable.
Table of Contents
Rafting in Serbia: Ibar River
The Ibar River’s beautiful gorge is open for rafting all year round. The exciting rapids start in Usce, a town in central Serbia, south of Kraljevo. While rafting, you will pass by the Valley of Kings, where many Serbian kings ruled during the medieval era. The entire rafting experience lasts for around three hours.
For those interested in combining adventure with history and Serbian culture, there are two places to visit after the rafting experience. The first one is the Maglic Fortress, built in the 13th century. The fortress is at the top of a hill near the Ibar River. It is possible to hike to the top of the hill and experience some of Serbia’s history and medieval vibes.
Other interesting places for history lovers near the river are the Zica and Studenica Monasteries. The Studenica Monastery was established in the late 12th and is on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
The Ibar River has a few wild rapids that present excellent challenges for adrenaline seekers. However, it also offers gentle and moderate rapids, ideal for a peaceful adventure that suits the less adventurous.
Rafting in Serbia: Lim River
Rafting on the Lim River offers varying difficulty levels, making it suitable for beginners and experienced rafters. The 220 km-long river flows through Serbia and Montenegro.
As you navigate through the rapids, you’re surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Serbian landscape, creating a perfect mixture of natural peacefulness and adventure.
I went to Lim in June, at the beginning of the summer. The river was very calm at that time. Lim proved to me to be a perfect opportunity for someone who had never tried rafting before. The serene waters of the river allow a beginner to concentrate on the basic moves and learn the required techniques correctly.
The rafting lasts 2-3 hours, and you will feel the adrenaline rush of rafting on the Lim River. There’s much more to explore in the surrounding area. One of the nearest attractions is the Sopotnica waterfall, located near Prijepolje.
Another picturesque and interesting place to visit in the area is the Sirogojno village, famous for its open-air museum showcasing the knitting culture of women from the Zlatibor region.
For those interested in exploring further with a beginner’s hike, the Uvac Special Nature Reserve is a must-visit. Known for its river of the same name, stunning canyon, and the largest population of griffon vultures in Serbia, the reserve offers hiking, bird-watching, and boat tours.
Journey Through Serbia: The Ecotourism Travel Guide You Need
Get your hands on the ultimate travel guide to uncover the hidden gems of ecotourism in Serbia. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore the country like a local!
Rafting in Serbia: Tara
The Tara River is the most famous rafting option in Serbia. The views of the Tara Canyon are picturesque and impressive. The last 30 km of the river border with Bosnia and Montenegro, so you need to bring your passport for this experience.
The best time of year for adrenaline seekers to go rafting in Tara is in April, May, and June. The rapids are more potent and wilder due to the increased water flow from the winter’s melted ice.
I loved staying in the rafting camps, listening to Serbian music, and trying local food. It’s a great opportunity to connect with other Serbs; they are very open and kind people.
Read about more activities in the area:
Yes, this rafting experience is technically not in Serbia but is included in this article because several tours are organized from Belgrade to the rafting camps. Since it is a common activity in Serbia, you will find many Serbs in the camps.
Once you’ve experienced the thrill of conquering the Tara River’s rapids, the adventure continues with numerous attractions and activities in Tara. ATV rides, Canyoning, Jeep Safari, and hiking are available options.
Tara Mountain is renowned for its forests, rich biodiversity, and panoramic viewpoints, such as Banjska Stena, from which breathtaking views of the Drina River valley are available. Another gem near the Tara River is the Đurđevića Tara Bridge, where adventurers can get an extra dose of adrenaline doing a zipline crossing the canyon.
Rafting in Serbia: Drina
The confluence of the Piva and Tara rivers in Šćepan Polje forms the Drina River. This experience is less demanding even though the water on the Drina can be powerful and dangerous. The water flow in the river can increase due to a hydroelectric power plant in the area.
The once wild river, always rich in water, has had its flow decreased due to three hydropower plants (Višegrad, Perućac, and Zvornik). In the section between Višegrad and Perućac (52 km), the Drina canyon is among the deepest in the world, with a depth of between 700 and 1000 meters.
The rafting experience includes seeing the famous house on the Drina, built on a rock in the middle of the river. The highlight of this experience is the opportunity to explore the Drina Gorge and the area around Perucac. If you are just looking to explore the area or for a chill activity, this experience is for you!!
In July, the most well-known event in the area takes place in the river. It’s a festival called Drina Regatta, and 20,000 visitors attend the event each year. Barbecue, music, and swimming competitions are among the activities at the festival.
Where to book?
Now that you know which places to go rafting in Serbia, you must be wondering where to book these activities. There are a couple of agencies offering these tours, mostly from Belgrade and Novi Sad. I had great experiences with Explore Serbia and Rafting Tara tour agencies.
There are other companies where you can book these tours as well. Following is the list with their names and links:
Conclusion
After reading this article, I hope you now understand where to go rafting in Serbia and which option is the best for you. This incredible activity mixes adrenaline with nature exploration, but in Serbia, you also have the opportunity to explore other attractions nearby and get into their culture.
Serbia’s nature is very rich and untouched, and I feel like the country is underrated by many. This is the main reason why I love to write about this country, which continues to fascinate me each time I find a new place to explore.
That’s it for today! I hope you enjoyed this article. In the comments, let me know about your experience rafting in Serbia. Also, take a few seconds to share this article with someone who might find it useful.
See you all on the next adventure!! Bye!!
