Montenegro - translated from Latin means “the country of the black mountains” and sometimes replaces the more familiar name of the Balkan state Montenegro. And indeed, most of this picturesque country is occupied by mountains overgrown with perennial forests, cutting through the sky.
One of the famous landmarks for which Montenegro is famous is the Tara River, which flows in the northwestern part of the country. The canyon forming in its valley, which belongs to the Durmitor National Reserve and is one of the deepest canyons in Europe, brought great popularity to the river.
Description
Montenegrin River Tara has a source in the Komovi mountain range on the border of three settlements: Podgorica, Andrievitsy and Kolashin. It is formed the confluence of two small rivers Opasnitsa and Verushi, descending from the peaks. Its designation derives from the name of the ancient settlement of Illyrians, autarians, for whom Montenegro was the home of the IV-V centuries.
The flow of Tara extends 144 km from west to north of the country and continues in Bosnia and Herzegovina (the total area of the basin is more than 1,800 km2). There the river Tara, uniting with the river Piva, turns into the Drina and flows into the Sava. This whole water chain belongs to the Danube River basin and flows into the Black Sea. On its way, it is fed by the waters of medium-sized mountain rivers (Lyutitsy, Sushitsy, Draghi, Vashkovskaya) and the Baylovich Sige waterfall, descending from the Butsevice cave from a 30-meter height.
Almost throughout Tara, a powerful current prevails, under which there are many dangerous rapids, but there are also quiet coves formed by river bends. The largest part of Tara flows among the huge mountain slopes and inaccessible rocks, there it is raging and noisy. Near the place of association with Piva Tara calms down and slows down. Through diamond-clear water one can see pebbles on the bottom. Shades of water Tara shimmer from bright green to pearl foam.
The water in the river remains cool and does not exceed the mark of + 12 ° С even on the hottest summer days, and in the frosty winter it never freezes.
The ecological purity of the water in the river allows it to quench its thirst without harm to health, for this reason Tara is called the “tear of Europe” and is the largest storehouse of purified drinking water.
Scenic area
In its middle reaches, the Tara River creates the largest European canyon, its abyss goes deep into 1,300 m, and its length is more than 80 km. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The canyon is divided by the alpine ridges of Zlatni Bor and Lyubishney from one direction, and Durmitor and Synyaevina from another.
The splendor of the canyon is not without reasons attracts the views of travelers and tourists. Along it opens a view of pebble and stone ledges, shrouded in density of coniferous forests, high mountains, small backwaters and sandy beaches, as well as mountain lakes.
The ancient settlements that lived in the valley of Tara, also left a piece of their history. Necropolis, burial grounds, monasteries, fortresses, old mills and other elements of architectural structures remained on the mountain plains.
On the mountain slopes near the river there are about 80 different caves, many of which have not yet been fully explored. The Shkrk Cave, which is located near the Black Lake, is the deepest in Europe. Its length goes 800 m deep into the rocks. And at an altitude of 2040 m near the peak of the Head is located Ice Cave.
Its depth is only 100 m, but it is known for the fact that it maintains a constant subzero temperature that forms ice stalactites and stalagmites, which delight everyone with their unusual beauty.
It is impossible to ignore the diverse flora and fauna, especially the most unique part of the canyon - the ancient forest of pines Crna Poda. The black pines of this area are older than four hundred years, and they stretch up to fifty meters up. Many rare deciduous trees have taken root on the mountain slopes, some of them are protected by the reserve. The fragrant forests in the valley of the Tara River are home to a huge number of animals and birds, and the waters of Tara are filled with different kinds of fish.
Unique bridge
At an altitude of over 100 m, a wonderful 5-arched bridge was erected above the Tara River, which became the region’s visiting card. It was built in 1940 in the town of Dzhurdzhevich designed by Miyat Troyanovich by designer Lazar Yaukovich. Bridge proudly rises above the waters of Tara and fits perfectly into the landscape.
During World War II, in order to block the path of the enemy, an engineer L. Yaukovich developed an optimal plan for undermining the bridge. It consisted in the explosion of the central arch of the bridge so that after the war, the bridge was easy to restore. As a result of the operation, the bridge was undermined and the enemy was stopped. For the organization of the explosion of the bridge, engineer L. Yaukovich was shot.
After the war, in 1946, the Dzhurdzhevich bridge was completely restored, and the hero L. Yaukovich was erected a monument at the place of his death.
In those days, the Dzhurdzhevich bridge was the only connection between the southern and northern parts of Montenegro. The total length of the bridge is about 360 m, and the height of 135 m is one of the largest arched bridges in Europe.
At present, it is difficult to freely cross the bridge due to the numerous groups of tourists.
Tourist value of the canyon
The most common type of tourist holiday that Montenegro is famous for is mountain river rafting. This type of tourism is a rafting of the rapids of Tara (there are more than 40 of them) on inflatable rafts. In early spring, Tara becomes full-flowing and more turbulent, which ignites the thirst for adrenaline among extreme tourists. During this period rafting on the river reaches 3-5 points on the complexity of the route.
Fused must be accompanied by a professional instructor with the use of appropriate equipment.
Mountain peaks of Durmitor attract a huge number of groups of tourists and climbers. Mountain biking on a variety of bike trails are common in this area. For lovers of hiking, there are also a lot of rocky paths, as well as camping sites. However, it is not recommended to make independent trips on a personal or rented car, as the routes are very complex, contain many serpentines, tunnels, bottlenecks and dangerous turns.
Fans of fishing will also be able to find something to do on the Tara River, where fishing tours are organized throughout the year.
For thrill-seekers, there is an opportunity to go down the zip-line from the Djurdzhevich Bridge. Depending on the duration of the route, the flight over Tara lasts from 40 to 80 seconds. At the moment of flight over Tara at an enormous height, incredible mountain landscapes, views of the canyon, the river, and the forest open up. The nature in the valley of Tara is incredible, amazing, and it can leave many bright moments in memory.
The northern part of Montenegro is a unique natural fount of incredible values. The peculiar climate, animal and plant world are definitely worth the attention of travelers. Located among the cliffs, the river Tara is a unique, not man-made creation of nature. Picturesque places in its valley, preserving the virgin beauty, will be appreciated by all lovers of ecotourism and just lovers of relaxation and natural beauty.
Tara Canyon is one of the wonders of the world, which is definitely worth seeing!
Then watch the video review of the Dzhurdzhevich Bridge and the Tara River Canyon.
