RITAM SRBIJE / RHYTHM OF SERBIA
FOTO: Depositphotos
L overs of flora and fauna are sure to enjoy them- selves on this mountain, thanks to its unique range of animal and plant species, while a good time is also guaranteed for foodies who can try local specialities at hospitality spots, tourists wanting only to rest and relax, but also mountaineers and skiers. This year also marks the 125 th anniversary of organ- ised mountaineering in Serbia. Tara gave its own contribu- tion last year, when it bore witness to historic sporting suc- cesses: from ascents of the highest and most demanding peaks to world medals in mountain running and rock climb- ing. Located approximately a four-hour drive from Belgrade to the southwest is the oasis of pristine natural beauty that is Tara National Park, which is this year celebrating its 45 th an- niversary as a national park. Apart from serving to confirm that this area is rich in untouched flora and fauna, Tara also hides fascinating cultural and historical monuments like the 11 th century Rača Monastery. The territory of Tara was pro- claimed a national park on 13 th July 1981. It covers the area bordered by the course of the River Drina between the towns of Višegrad and Bajina Bašta. In terms of altitude, Tara is
classed as a medium-high mountain, with an average altitude ranging from 1,000 to 1,200 metres above sea level, while its highest peak, Zborište, reaches 1,544 metres. A typical forested mountain area, Tara is among the rich- est and most valuable forest areas in Europe in terms of for- est ecosystem preservation and diversity. Dominated by mixed forests of spruce, fir and beech (accounting for more than 85% of the forest area), Tara is specific compared to oth- er mountains of the Balkan Peninsula due to its large number of endemic forest species and communities. Of special value and importance is the Picea omorika, the Serbian spruce, an endemic and relict species that only managed to survive the last ice age thanks to the canyons and gorges of the central course of the Drina. Tara has a ski slope at 1,000 m/asl in the Kaluđerske Bare area, with two ski schools having been opened. The Tarski Vuk ski school has a 200-metre ski run with artificial snow, while its other run only operates if there’s enough snow. There are no professional ski lifts or crowds of winter sports enthusiasts on Tara, because this mountain isn’t the first choice for skiers, which is why we strongly recommend it as the first choice for everyone else.
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