The Grand Canyon of Europe
At 1,300 metres deep and 82 kilometres long, the Tara River Canyon is the deepest gorge in Europe and second in the world only to the Grand Canyon. The canyon sits in the north of Montenegro, within Durmitor National Park, and the only practical way to see it properly is by car.
Most visitors drive up from the coast in a single day, stop at the Djurdjevica Bridge for photos, and drive back. That works, but spending a night in Zabljak turns the trip into something much better. You get golden hour light on the canyon, an evening in a mountain town, and a morning walk around Black Lake before the crowds arrive.
Route from the Coast
There are two main routes from the Bay of Kotor to the Tara Canyon. Both take roughly three hours of driving.
- Via Podgorica (E65 north): The faster route on better roads. Drive to Podgorica, then north through Kolasin and Mojkovac to Zabljak. Mostly dual carriageway until Kolasin, then two-lane mountain road.
- Via Niksic (inland): Slightly shorter in distance but slower. Take the road from Risan over the mountains through Niksic, then north to Zabljak. More dramatic scenery but tighter bends.
- Best option: Go one way, return the other. You see completely different landscapes on each route.
- Fuel stop: Fill up in Podgorica or Niksic. The next petrol station is in Zabljak, about 2 hours away.
Djurdjevica Tara Bridge
The concrete arch bridge was built in 1940 and spans 365 metres across the canyon at a height of 172 metres above the river. It was the largest vehicular concrete arch bridge in Europe when it was completed. During World War II, one arch was deliberately destroyed to prevent enemy advance and later rebuilt.
There is a car park on the east side of the bridge with a restaurant, souvenir stalls, and a zip line across the canyon. The bridge itself is open to pedestrians and provides the best views into the gorge. Morning light is best for photography, as the sun illuminates the east canyon wall.
Canyon Viewpoints
Beyond the bridge, several marked viewpoints along the road between the bridge and Zabljak offer different perspectives into the canyon. The most dramatic is the Curevac viewpoint, about a 30-minute walk from a small car park on the road. From here you look directly down into the deepest section of the gorge.
The road continues north along the canyon rim, with pull-off points every few kilometres. Each one frames the canyon differently. For more mountain road driving, continue to our guide on Montenegro's mountain passes.
Rafting the Tara
The Tara is one of Europe's top whitewater rafting destinations. The classic route runs 18 kilometres through the canyon, taking about three hours with stops. You can arrange a trip from Zabljak or from rafting camps along the river. Most operators run from May to October.
If you are driving, you can leave your car at the rafting camp and they will shuttle you to the put-in point upstream. Prices range from €45 to €80 per person depending on the route length and season.
Driving Conditions
The road to the canyon is fully paved and in good condition. The last section from Mojkovac to Zabljak involves steady climbing with some switchbacks, but nothing extreme. Any car can make the journey. In winter, snow chains may be required between November and March.
Mobile phone signal is patchy in the canyon itself. Download your maps offline before leaving Podgorica. There are a few small restaurants and shops at the bridge, but bring water and snacks for the drive.