Canyons
In front of the village of Trmanje, there is an entry point for the canyon of Bogutovsko potok, which merges smoothly with the river Morača just before the bend of the main road towards Trmanje and Mrtva Dubok. This intriguing adventure in the canyon includes ten descents, the most significant of which is a descent about 35 meters long. The tour usually lasts 4 to 5 hours.
The appeal of this route is especially pronounced when the canyon is filled with water, which adds to the excitement of the trip.
The Ibrštica, a right tributary of the Morača River, originates below Otska Greda, a hamlet in the Morača village of Jasenova. Its multiple springs rise at the foot of Mount Ropušnica. As it collects water from several smaller streams, it gracefully passes by the hamlet of Ibrija, after which it was named. Interestingly, part of the Ibrštica waters disappear in the Ibrija area, re-emerging at the source near the Morača Monastery, feeding the stream that leads to Svetigora.
The waters of the Ibrištica River were used for centuries to power the monastery's watermill and rolling mill. During the summer months, when the water levels were falling, a unique phenomenon occurred: above the abyss in the Ibri, the flow of the Ibrištica would be diverted into a precipice. The downstream journey of the Svetigora Stream culminates in a breathtaking 48-meter waterfall that cascades over limestone bedrock and fluvio-glacial terraces before entering the Morača River.
Continuing its course downstream from Ibrija, the Ibrištica River penetrates through a canyon valley, joining the Morača River below Jasen Hill, south of the Morača Monastery, at an altitude of 214 meters.
The Kruševac Stream Canyon has a distinctive narrative, which sets it apart from all other canyons in Montenegro. What makes it even more unique is its exclusive access – accessible exclusively from the Kolašin-Podgorica railway. To embark on this adventure, you need to disembark at the station of the same name.
This canyon beckons explorers with around fifteen descents, turning the journey into a stunning blend of hiking and abseiling down steep vertical cliffs. The rugged terrain requires specialized equipment, adding an extra layer of excitement to the exploration. After crossing the canyon, the reward awaits at the Morača River, which offers the opportunity to swim in the cool river. The Kruševac Stream Canyon, with its unconventional entry point and exciting features, promises a truly unforgettable expedition for those seeking a unique adventure.
The Morača River Canyon is characterized by huge, steep cliffs. Located in the central part of the river's course, just before its exit into the Zeta Plain, this geological beauty extends over the area of the municipalities of Podgorica and Kolašin. Its composition appears in two ways: a lowland area that connects to Lake Skadar in the municipality of Podgorica and a mountainous segment that begins in the northern regions of Montenegro near Mount Rzača. Within the mountainous part, the river has carved a canyon, reaching depths of up to 1,000 meters in rocky terrain, defined by steep banks.
The Morača River is over 100 kilometers long, yet it is located within a mountain canyon, which extends only 30 kilometers in the middle course of the river. The peak of this canyon is located in the Tisov Vrh region, where the depth of the canyon reaches 1,000 meters.
Mrtvica Canyon is quietly vying for recognition among the most interesting canyons in Europe. Stretching for about 10 kilometers, the mighty Mrtvica River makes its way through the canyon, which plunges to a depth of about 1,250 meters, securing the status of the second deepest canyon in the country, after the famous Tara Canyon.
At its beginning, the river Mrtvica meanders calmly through the cliffs of the canyon. However, as it descends deeper into its rocky reaches, the river's hold culminates in thrilling echoing rapids, where the foamy white color is expressed in a display that seems almost surreal.
Halfway through this natural spectacle, a hidden forest sanctuary opens up - picturesque beach located among the Morački mountains, decorated with the glittering leaves of beech trees and the murmur of countless springs.
Along the first kilometer upstream lies Zeleni vir, where in 1858 the Montenegrin prince Danilo Petrović erected a stone bridge as a tribute to his mother Krstinja. The historical resonance of this place adds a layer of cultural richness to the natural beauty that envelops the area.
The mystical ambience of the Gate of Wishes further sets this destination apart. Legend has it that this gate, along with the Maganik Fairy, has the power to grant wishes. Visitors are instructed to throw a stone at a designated spot with a burning desire, surrounded by complete silence. The purity of intention is emphasized, warning against wishes that may come at the expense of others, so that misfortune is returned.
The canyon's appeal is enhanced by numerous springs such as Jama, Zvona and Rikavac, each of which contributes to the symphony of nature. However, it is the Bijeli Nerini springs that flow into Mrtvica in the form of ethereal waterfalls and jets. The name “Bijeli Nerini” comes from the roar that these springs emit throughout the seasons.
Mrtvice Canyon, with its harmonious blend of natural wonders and historical echoes, beckons those seeking an impressive encounter with the sublime. It is an invitation to witness the convergence of jagged cliffs, the melody of water and echoes, the wishes silently contemplated at the Wishing Gate. An experience that transcends description, demanding to be lived firsthand.
Nožica Canyon, located along the road connecting Podgorica and Kolašin, stretches for 2.5 kilometers. The convergence of the Nožica and Brskut streams creates the Mala Rijeka, which makes the Nožica Canyon an attractive but more demanding passage.
Ten kilometers from Veruša, right between Podgorica and Kolašin, the canyon reveals its splendor after passing Vjetrovnik. To embark on this journey, you need to turn towards the village of Brskut, just seven kilometers away. Nožica Canyon enchants adventurers with its beauty, promising an exploration that is both fascinating and challenging.
The Tara Canyon holds the prestigious title of the deepest canyon in Europe and the ninth in the world. It stretches for an impressive 60 kilometers in length. This magnificent natural wonder has an average depth of 1,073 meters, occasionally plunging to a depth of 1,300 meters, and the deepest point recorded reaches an incredible 1,333 meters. Located in the vastness of the mountainous Durmitor National Park, the Tara Canyon is one of several canyons that are breathtaking in their appearance, including the Komarnica Canyon, the Draga Canyon, the Sušica Canyon, and the Piva Canyon.
A haven of untouched wilderness, Tara Canyon serves as a refuge for numerous endemic and relict species of plants and animals, presenting an untouched oasis of nature. This exceptional ecological importance led UNESCO's "Man and the Biosphere" program to recognize this significant natural feature in 1977. Later, in 1980, Tara Canyon, together with Durmitor National Park, earned its place on the esteemed UNESCO World Natural Heritage List.
Deep within the canyon are approximately eighty known caves, each with untold mysteries yet to be fully explored. Some of these caves provide evidence of human habitation dating back to prehistoric times, offering a glimpse into the ancient life forms and civilizations that once thrived in this awe-inspiring landscape.
What attractions and opportunities does this place have for you?
Rafting: Spend up to 4 hours of adventure on the waters of the fast Tara.
- Horseback riding
- Mountaineering
- Zip Line on Đuređevića Tara Bridge: Here you can find two: Yellow (824 m) and Green (1,050 m). which descends 150 meters above the canyon.
- Rafting: Spend up to 4 hours of adventure on the waters of the fast Tara.