The Tara River Canyon is the deepest canyon in Europe - at its deepest point the cliffs drop up to about 1,300 metres to the river. The Tara has carved it over millennia through the limestone mountains of Montenegro, and at its end, at Šćepan Polje and Hum, the Tara meets the Piva to form the Drina. Rafting Camp Eden sits right at this confluence, on the bank of the Drina.
In this guide you will find where the canyon is, what makes it special, when to come, what rafting through the canyon is like and what else is worth seeing nearby. For photos of the canyon and our rafting trips, see the gallery.
The Tara Canyon in numbers
- Depth: up to about 1,300 m - the deepest canyon in Europe
- Canyon length: about 80 km (sources give 78 to 82 km)
- Tara River: over 140 km long, formed by the Opasnica and Veruša rivers below the Komovi mountains in Montenegro
- End of the canyon: at Šćepan Polje and Hum, where the Tara and Piva form the Drina
- Protection: part of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere programme since 1977, and a World Natural Heritage site since 1980, together with Durmitor National Park
- Nickname: the "Tear of Europe", for its exceptionally clean water
Where is the Tara Canyon?
Most of the canyon is in northern Montenegro, within Durmitor National Park. In its lower course the Tara partly forms the border between Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the canyon ends at Šćepan Polje (Montenegro) and Hum (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Foča municipality).
Most visitors reach the canyon from one of two sides: from above, near Žabljak and the Đurđevića Tara Bridge, or from its end at Šćepan Polje and Hum. The rafting descents finish at the end of the canyon, and that is where our camp is. Planning your trip? Read Tara rafting: Bosnia or Montenegro?
What makes the Tara Canyon special?
Beyond its depth, the Tara stands out for its water - so clean and clear that you can see the stones on the riverbed several metres down. Steep limestone cliffs, dense forest reaching down to the river and countless springs and streams flowing in from both sides give the canyon a wild, almost untouched feel. That is why the Tara River basin is protected under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere programme.
For adrenaline lovers, the Tara is one of Europe's best-known rafting rivers - rapids alternate with calm stretches where you can take in the cliffs towering above you.
The Đurđevića Tara Bridge
The canyon's best-known landmark is the Đurđevića Tara Bridge. Built between 1937 and 1940, it is about 365 metres long with five arches, and its roadway stands about 172 metres above the river. During the Second World War, in 1942, its central arch was blown up to halt the Italian advance, with the help of one of the bridge's engineers, Lazar Jauković. The bridge was rebuilt after the war and is today one of the most photographed places in Montenegro.
On our 100 km rafting package we stop at the viewpoints and at the Đurđevića Tara Bridge.
Rafting through the Tara Canyon
Rafting is the best way to experience the canyon from the inside. On our 1-day rafting trip the descent takes about 4 hours through the most attractive section of the canyon, with 20+ rapids. No previous experience is needed, the minimum age is 6, and every raft has a licensed skipper.
- 1-day rafting - from €65 per person, with breakfast, lunch, equipment and transfer to the start point
- 2-day and 3-day rafting - €105 and €150, with a stay in a camp bungalow
- 100 km rafting - the whole Tara Canyon in 4 days, for adventurers aged 14+
See all packages and prices on Tara River rafting packages, and if it is your first time, read Tara rafting for beginners.
When is the best time to visit the Tara Canyon?
The rafting season runs from May to October, and each period has its own character:
- May: the highest water from Durmitor's snowmelt, the strongest rapids and the coldest water (about 8-12°C) - for those looking for adrenaline. More in Tara rafting in May.
- June: the river is still fast early in the month and calms down in the second half. More in Tara rafting in June.
- July and August: a calmer, warmer river - ideal for families with children and groups of friends.
- September and October: fewer crowds and autumn colours in the canyon.
For a month-by-month overview, read What is the best month for Tara River rafting? Weekdays are quieter on the river, and all packages are 20% off.
What else to see near the Tara Canyon
- Durmitor National Park - Žabljak, glacial lakes and mountain peaks. We run a Durmitor ring tour.
- Piva Lake - an emerald lake in the Piva canyon, right next to the Tara Canyon. See our Piva Lake cruise; Plužine is about 28 km from the camp.
- Sutjeska National Park - the Perućica primeval forest, Trnovačko Lake and Maglić (2,386 m), the highest peak in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Zelengora - mountain pastures and lakes, ideal for a full-day hike.
Want to combine rafting with other activities? See our Adventure Tour - 5 days of rafting, hiking, horseback riding and a lake cruise. For a 3-day plan with the canyon, Durmitor and Piva Lake, read Tara Canyon, Durmitor and Piva Lake in 3 days.
How to get to the Tara Canyon
Rafting Camp Eden is at Hum - Šćepan Polje, Foča (Bosnia and Herzegovina), at the end of the Tara Canyon. Approximate driving times:
- Belgrade - about 5.5 hours
- Novi Sad - about 6 hours
- Banja Luka - about 5.5 hours
- Sarajevo - about 2-2.5 hours
- Kotor and Budva - about 3.5 hours
- Dubrovnik (city and airport) - about 4 hours
All distances, border crossings and documents are on how to get here.
Flying in or arriving on a cruise? We arrange transfers from Budva, Kotor, Tivat, Dubrovnik, Podgorica, Žabljak and Sarajevo - see Transfer to Tara rafting. For where to stay, see Accommodation.
Tara Canyon FAQ
How deep is the Tara River Canyon?
The Tara River Canyon is up to about 1,300 metres deep, making it the deepest canyon in Europe.
How long is the Tara River Canyon?
The canyon is about 80 kilometres long. Sources give between 78 and 82 km, depending on where the canyon is considered to start.
Is the Tara Canyon in Montenegro or in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Most of the canyon is in Montenegro, within Durmitor National Park. In its lower course the Tara partly forms the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the canyon ends at Šćepan Polje and Hum, where the Tara meets the Piva.
Where does the Tara meet the Drina?
The Tara does not flow into the Drina - the Drina is formed by the Tara and the Piva. They meet at Šćepan Polje (Montenegro) and Hum (Bosnia and Herzegovina), at the end of the Tara Canyon. Rafting Camp Eden sits right at this confluence, on the bank of the Drina.
Can I raft the Tara Canyon without experience?
Yes. No previous experience is needed and the minimum age is 6. Every raft has a licensed skipper, and a wetsuit, life jacket, helmet and paddle are included in the price.
When is the best time to visit the Tara Canyon?
The rafting season runs from May to October. May has the highest water and the strongest rapids, while the second half of June, July and August are best for families with children, when the river is calmer.
Experience the Tara Canyon with us
Send us an inquiry through ourcontact form or email[email protected] - we reply within 24 hours. You can also message us onWhatsApp or call+381 64 266 0852 (Serbia) or+387 66 545 455 (BiH).