Top Five Winter Destinations in Serbia for a Weekend Vacation

If it’s time to recharge your batteries with a weekend vacation and you don’t know where to go, here are five fantastic recommendations.

Tara

The most beautiful place in western Serbia. A moderate altitude, between 800 and 1,500, is ideal for popular winter sports. Artificial lakes of the river Drina, Zaovina and Perucac, complement the richness of the landscape and set Tara apart from other mountain destinations in Serbia.

In close proximity to Tara are cities like Uzice and Visegrad, as well as Mokra Gora. The Tara National Park was established in 1981, and 80% of it are forest ecosystems.

The most popular lookout on Tara, Banjska Stena, is easily reached in the winter conditions as well, providing an incredible view which is literally breathtaking. When everything goes white with snow, the view is even more impressive. Another lookout that can be accessed directly by car is the one from which the small Spajici lake can be seen in all its glory.

Rtanj

A perfect destination to visit any time of the year. Rtanj is not a mountain for fans of adrenaline winter sports, but it is ideal for those who associate wintertime with peace, relaxation and enjoyment in direct contact with nature.

It is also known as the “mystical mountain”, due to its characteristic shape and position. That is why Rtanj is visited by explorers, adventurers and mountaineers. Mountain climbing is done in all four seasons of the year.

At the foot of Rtanj is a beautiful ancient village of Vrmdza, as well as the oval Vrmdza Lake, a karst lake rich with fish, into which the waters from the surrounding hills flow. Also, only 20 kilometers away is Soko Banja, where you can enjoy one of the spa centers.

Stara Planina

Known back in the ancient Roman era, it is related to the assumed etymology of the word “Balkan”, which may come from the Persian expression denoting a hilly area. Stara Planina is one of the most visited locations in East Serbia. Although Midzor is its tallest peak, it is best known for Babin Zub, a peak which reaches 1,758 meters.

Since the mountain is under snow for five months a year, Stara Planina is a very well visited winter tourist destination. The Babin Zub peak is a favorite of passionate skiers precisely thanks to the excellent conditions for this sport. The gorges make the location even more attractive, whereas the Babin Zub peak has the status of a nature reserve.

Divcibare

In the central part of Maljen, southeast from Valjevo, at a distance of 38 kilometers, is Divcibare, a well-known mountain tourism location and an air spa.

The small river Crna Kamenica flows through Divcibare, whose name also comes from the river, according to a folk tale. Once upon a time, when a rain shower caused the Crna Kamenica to rise, a young shepherdess drowned in it. To preserve the memory of a life cut short, the mountain field was given the old Slavic name of Divcibare, which translates as “a young girl’s pond”.

The mountain Maljen is also characterized by the largely preserved forests, among which are evergreen forests, the only natural forest of this kind in northern Serbia. Divcibare is a combination of clean mountain air and healing spa properties, a place for winter sports and summer enjoyment.

Povlen

The mountain Povlen is located in western Serbia, around thirty kilometers southwest of Valjevo.

It is characterized by thick forests and deep river canyons. The mountain is full of footpaths, each with its own special characteristics. The highest points are hard to reach, because parts of the mountain are difficult to pass through. Each journey should ideally begin at the mountain home.

At the foot of Povlen are Taor Springs, a nature monument and one of the most beautiful springs in Serbia. This masterpiece is a true highlight of the Valjevo area.

At the Tresnjica canyon, beneath Povlen, is the home of the griffon vulture. This location, next to the canyon of the river Uvac, is the only safe habitat of this rare and endangered species.

Tara

Rtanj

Stara planina

Divčibare

Povlen

Drina

Zaovine

Perućac

Mokra gora

Banjska stena

Spajići

Vrmdža

Vrmdž Lake

Midžor

Babin zub

Maljen

Crna Kamenica

Taor Springs

Trešnjica

Uvac

weekend vacation

wintertime destinations

winter sports

adrenaline sports

spa center

evergreen forests

griffon vulture