About three hours via the E-763 motorway, which is being progressively upgraded. The final section is scenic mountain road.
2-Day Zlatibor & Tara Road Trip: Belgrade to Mokra Gora & Drvengrad
Route Overview
A two-day escape from Belgrade into western Serbia's mountain playground, where a heritage railway loops through eight tunnels, a film director built his own village, and the Drina cuts through wild limestone gorges.
Mountain Landscapes
Cultural Sites
Perfect for Families
Belgrade to Zlatibor and Tara: Serbia's Western Mountain Drive
Western Serbia's mountains offer a gentle, green counterpoint to the Danube's drama. This two-day loop from Belgrade reaches the highland plateau of Zlatibor, where fresh air and panoramic meadows have drawn visitors for a century, then descends to Mokra Gora for the Šargan Eight, a heritage narrow-gauge railway that loops through eight tunnels and across viaducts in one of Europe's most scenic train rides. Next door, film director Emir Kusturica's Drvengrad is a hand-built timber village that doubles as a hotel, cinema and cultural venue. The route continues into Tara National Park, where the viewpoint at Banjska Stena looks down on the Drina River's emerald meanders 300 metres below. With an Abbycar rental from Belgrade Airport, the mountains are three hours southwest.
View route on map
Starting Station: Belgrade Airport
Trip Duration: 2 days
Mileage Distance: 460 km
Perfect For: Nature Lovers, Families, Adventure, Culture Lovers
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Reddit Reviews
· The Šargan Eight railway is described as one of the most enjoyable heritage train rides in Europe.
· Drvengrad divides opinion but most visitors find it charming and quirky.
· Tara National Park's Banjska Stena viewpoint earns superlatives for its Drina views.
· Zlatibor's mountain air and open meadows are praised as genuinely restorative.
· The route is called one of Serbia's best-kept tourism secrets.
· The drive from Belgrade takes about three hours, mostly on two-lane roads.
· The Šargan Eight runs on a limited schedule; check departure times in advance.
· Zlatibor town itself can feel resort-commercial compared with the surrounding nature.
· Mountain roads to Tara viewpoints are narrow and require confidence.
Sentiment is warmly positive, with families and nature lovers particularly enthusiastic about the combination of train, village and wilderness.
👍 84 % positive|👎 16 % negative
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Where To Stop
Recommended Stops from Belgrade to Tara
Five stops through meadows, railway loops and canyon viewpoints.
1
First stop
Zlatibor Plateau
Serbia's most popular mountain resort sits on an open plateau at 1,000 metres, surrounded by meadows and pine forests. The Gold Gondola, one of Europe's longest cable cars, connects Zlatibor to Tornik peak. The fresh air and panoramic walks set the mountain tone.
2
Second stop
Šargan Eight Heritage Railway
This narrow-gauge railway climbs from Mokra Gora through eight tunnels and over several viaducts in a figure-eight loop, gaining 300 metres of altitude in spectacular mountain scenery. The vintage train takes about 45 minutes. Book online or arrive early for tickets.
Based on 117 reviews
(4/5)
3
Third stop
Drvengrad (Küstendorf)
Emir Kusturica's timber ethno-village sits above Mokra Gora, built for his film Life is a Miracle and now functioning as a hotel, cinema and cultural centre. The wooden buildings, eccentric street names and mountain setting make it a unique stop. Allow an hour to wander.
Based on 59 reviews
(4.3/5)
4
Fourth stop
Banjska Stena Viewpoint, Tara NP
The signature viewpoint of Tara National Park looks 300 metres straight down to the Drina River as it meanders through a forested canyon. The viewpoint is reached by a short trail from the car park, and the panorama is one of the finest in the western Balkans.
Based on 43 reviews
(5/5)
5
Fifth stop
Bajina Bašta & Drina River House
The town of Bajina Bašta sits at the foot of Tara, and its famous tiny house on a rock in the middle of the Drina has become one of Serbia's most iconic images. The riverside restaurants serve fresh trout and the atmosphere is relaxed and local.
Based on 37 reviews
(4.6/5)
Practical answers for the Belgrade mountain drive
Zlatibor & Tara FAQs
Advance booking is recommended, especially on summer weekends. Trains run daily in season but with limited departures. Check the schedule online.
Yes, for the main roads and the Banjska Stena viewpoint. Deeper forest tracks may require higher clearance; stick to marked routes.
Late spring through early autumn. July-August is peak season on Zlatibor; June and September are quieter. The railway operates April to November.
Zlatibor has many hotels and apartments. For more character, Mokra Gora's guesthouses and Drvengrad itself offer overnight stays close to the railway.
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