Adrenaline+
Macedonia - Kosovo - Montenegro - Bosnia and Herzegovina - Serbia
If a time machine existed, we would go back on this tour again and again. Five days, five countries, 1200 kilometers.
If we had to repeat it, we would probably make some small changes, which will be noted here, and you can decide whether to keep the itinerary or create your own variation.
Why "ADRENALINE+"? We named this tour, and my dad is responsible for it (he has a habit of diving into details when it comes to organizing trips). It’s not hard to conclude that we're from the same family, right? Haha. The route goes exclusively through mountainous areas, I’d say some of the most beautiful in the Balkans. The fact that we did it on a motorcycle adds an extra value to the overall experience.
But that shouldn't be an obstacle if you choose to go by car or camper van. Here, we’ve included all the information we have, which we hope you will use as a guide for your next adventure.
The first piece of advice we’ll share is to take this trip in June or early July. That’s when nature reaches its peak, the rivers are full, and the temperature is just right.
DAY 1: Macedonia - Kosovo - Montenegro
Skopje – Peja:
In the early morning hours, we leave Macedonia and head towards Pristina, then towards the city of Peja. Here, you can refuel because a mountain pass follows, where the border crossing is located. North of the city of Peja, you will travel in the direction of the city of Rozaje in Montenegro, which is about 50 km away.
Peja – Rozaje:
This is one of the most interesting border crossings, nestled in complete wilderness, cleverly hidden in the pine forest of Mount Hajla. These fifty kilometers are thrilling, with sharp bends, views of distant mountain ranges, and rich, dense nature.
Note: The road is frequented by many trucks throughout the year. Be cautious of your safety when overtaking them, or simply reduce your speed and enjoy the landscape.
Rozaje – Kolasin:
You've arrived in Rozaje, and now drive towards Kolasin via Novo Naselje. You’ve already adapted to the mountain air, and here you realize that every place that follows is more beautiful than the last.
The road to Kolasin passes through Biogradska Gora National Park, which is part of the slopes of Mount Bjelasica, a UNESCO-protected natural reserve. Within its embrace lie several mountain lakes, so if you want to take a detour and explore a bit—now is the time.
Here you will find family taverns, ethnic restaurants, and mountain lodges that will surely keep you longer than planned. If you ask us, you should definitely stop. There's never a bad time for a portion of homemade food served in the heart of the mountains.
Kolasin – Mojkovac:
Another route that passes through the national park and surely won’t disappoint you. You’re probably starting to wonder how it’s possible to have so much beauty in one place? But let me tell you, you are far from prepared for day 2.
In Mojkovac, you can find a place to stay overnight and recharge for everything that's coming next.
DAY 2: MONTENEGRO / Tara Canyon - Durmitor National Park - Rafting Center
Mojkovac – Crna Poda:
A good-natured tip is to seize this day right from the early morning hours. Allow yourself time for a morning coffee, prepare breakfast and snacks for the road, and say goodbye to Mojkovac because the “eighth wonder of the world” awaits you just a few kilometers away. This is the location where the canyon of the Tara River and the Durmitor National Park intersect on the map, and the first of the treasures you will encounter is “Crna Poda”.
In the canyon of the Tara River, there is a black pine primeval forest of global significance known as “Crna Poda” or black forest. Spanning an area of 20 hectares, Crna Poda is the only black pine forest in Europe and one of the three rainforests in the world. The height of the trees reaches up to 45 meters, and their average age is around 400 years. Such a configuration of trees has not been recorded in any records, making it exceptionally unique and worthy of a visit.
Note: Due to a landslide, part of the road has been completely destroyed, but reconstruction is currently underway. Transit is only allowed at certain times of the day, so be sure to gather information before you go and speak with a local who can guide you.
Black Poda – Đurđevića Tara Bridge:
The Tara Canyon, often referred to as the "Tear of Europe," is the deepest canyon in Europe and ranks as the second deepest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon in the USA, with an elevation difference from the bottom to the top reaching up to 1300 meters. When you see it in person or in pictures, you'll understand why. When something is of world-class caliber, it becomes evident that what you'll witness transcends all expectations.
Of its total length of 74 kilometers, this route will showcase a solid 50 kilometers, where you will inevitably fall in love with the impressive configuration of nature, especially with the Tara River.
Crystal clear water, turquoise and refreshingly cold, perfect for cooling off on warm days or for any water activities if you have more free time.
I will give you the coordinates of the place where we took a break, just enter them into Google Maps: 
43.12852, 19.31005
At the end of the road, you will find yourself at a junction, which is your last farewell to this indescribable nature. But first, you will be greeted by a view of an impressive architectural structure that is hard to miss. This is the "Đurđevića Tara" bridge, which ranks as one of the 20 most beautiful bridges in the world. At one time, it was one of the few constructions of this scale, and special wooden scaffolding was designed for its construction—scaffolding that has yet to be replicated today. With its five arches, it spans a distance of 116 meters and rises to a height of 150 meters.
If you want to add another “+” to the adrenaline on this tour, sign up for the largest zip line in Europe, which is located right here.
Bridge “Đurđevića Tara” – Zabljak:
Only 22 km separate you from a completely different mountain panorama. Zabljak is the highest town in the Balkans, situated at an altitude of 1450 m within the boundaries of Durmitor National Park. It offers a wide selection of accommodation, diverse and delicious food, several campsites, and many different activities to indulge in if you decide to stay.
We have highlighted three lakes that you should visit if you're there:
Crno Lake – located very close to Zabljak, it is the largest mountain lake in Durmitor. It’s not far from the truth to say it’s also the most beautiful, but you’ll have to judge for yourself. To see it, you’ll need to do a bit of walking, but don’t give up on the idea because the trail is short, interesting, and very pleasant. Surrounded by dense pine forests, the lake offers all-day recreation. If the temperatures are high, don’t forget your swimsuit. There are also boats available for rent, as well as a local restaurant where you can taste their traditional food.
Vrazje Lake and Riblje Lake – known as the "Durmitor Eyes," these two lakes will offer you something completely new. They are located about ten kilometers from Durmitor, accessible by vehicle, and are truly unique. There’s an interesting story behind them, but we’ll discuss that in another blog.
*These two lakes are not included in the route, but I added them in case you have the time and desire to visit them.
There’s a lot to say about the beauty of Durmitor, but one thing that sticks in my mind is this: less than a year ago, we were in the Alps, and I can’t help but notice the similarities between these two mountain places. When I say “Balkan Alps,” I’m referring to Durmitor. Everyone will confirm that, and you can see for yourself if you take this tour.
For a complete and immersive experience of this mountain paradise, we recommend that you keep the next stop on your agenda.
“Durmitor Ring” – Piva Lake:
Pure hedonism for nature lovers. The Durmitor Ring is a panoramic route, 84 km long, that circles around the highest peaks that adorn Durmitor – Bobotov Kuk and Savin Kuk.
Get ready for a full-day adventure and immerse yourself in this natural attraction without straying from the asphalt road. You can do this with any vehicle and enjoy every kilometer in your own way.
The unofficial starting and ending point of the route is Zabljak, where you'll find yourself asking the question: “Should I go clockwise or counter clockwise?”
In this tour, we will move clockwise, and I will generously share that we will be riding the most beautiful section of the entire route.
Set your navigation to "Sedlo" or the highest point of the ring and let yourself be enchanted by the fairy tale unfolding before you. If you follow the plan outlined in this guide, it should already be sunset, with the mountains obscuring the sun's rays and transforming into silhouettes.
From "Sedlo," you continue toward Piva Lake, deviating from the panoramic ring to the left. It won't be long before a spectacular view of Piva Lake unfolds before you. To descend to its level, you'll need to navigate several sharp turns and narrow tunnels, but the distant vistas will make the drive down much easier.
This is the largest artificial lake in all of Montenegro, stretching a full 45 km in length and reaching a depth of up to 180 m. In addition to being the largest by area, it also serves as the biggest reservoir of drinking water. Its turquoise color will make you wonder if it’s real, but these facts are exactly why it attracts a large number of tourists. Visitors use it for swimming, fishing, and recreation, and it is well-suited for all kinds of water sports.
When the dam was raised, a monastery that was once built on what is now the bottom of the lake was relocated, and there was also a cave with a depth of 11 km that is sadly now completely submerged.
On its shore lies the modest town of Pluzine, which is a great place to take a break and offers views of the lake from every corner.
*At the entrance of the town, there is a gas station.
Pluzine – Rafting Center:
This evening, reserve your stay near the Montenegro – Bosnia and Herzegovina border, next to the mega-popular rafting center. The Tara River forms the boundary between these two countries, and together with the Piva River, they merge to create the Drina River. You can witness this natural process yourself if you head down to the riverbank.
There is a wide selection of rafting camps, for which we advise you to do some proper research. Mass tourism here leads to a decreased quality of service, for which you wouldn’t want to pay in advance (I mention this because the camps are booked months in advance, and you should do the same if you want to go rafting).
Our advice is to pay for one night (the night before rafting) with dinner and breakfast included, along with the rafting tour. No more than that, because the rafting itself lasts a few hours, is not overly exhausting, and you will have time for another location.
*We stayed for two nights, but this is one of the changes I mentioned at the beginning. We would replace one night with accommodation at Camp Drina in Bosnia and Herzegovina (approximately 20 km away).
*In the rafting camps, there are no shops, and you will rely on the meals they prepare for you. Specifically, at the camp we booked, there was no option to order additional food due to the high number of guests. Inquire about the food conditions beforehand.
DAY 3: MONTENEGRO / BOSNIA Free Day
(Rafting Center / Foca)
A day with little driving, reserved for a rafting adventure. The camps provide organized transportation that takes you to the boat launch location. They will provide you with a wetsuit and helmet, and a guide will accompany you.
You will see the most beautiful parts of the Tara River, and the earlier you take the tour, the more water there will be in the river, adding an extra "plus" to the adrenaline experience.
After finishing, you will be taken back to the camp where you can either stay for another night or move to a regular campsite.
*From our experience, we recommend Camp Drina, which offers excellent conditions, is located right by the Drina River, and has its own restaurant. The camp is situated near the town of Foca in Bosnia and Herzegovina (28 km away).
*If you decide to stay at the rafting center, you can return once more to Pluzine and Piva Lake for a stroll.
DAY 4: Bosnia and Herzegovina - Serbia
Regardless of your accommodation decision, we have several places to visit today, each equally worthy of being included in the tour.
Foca – Visegrad:
With all its beauty, the Drina River will guide you through the green landscape, ultimately revealing a significant architectural monument that testifies to its long history.
Visegrad, also known as Andricgrad, is a picturesque place at first glance. Its most noticeable symbol is the stone bridge of Mehmed Paša Sokolović, dating back to the Ottoman era. However, if you've read "The Bridge on the Drina" by Ivo Andrić, you already know what it's all about. Its existence is popularized through the story written by Andrić, and today it stands as a well-known tourist attraction. Nevertheless, Mehmed Paša achieved his goal of creating a monument that is immortal and will tell the various stories of people. In honor of Ivo Andrić, a mini-town was built in 2014 right next to the bridge, intertwining the multiple histories and significance of this small place.
Since you’re already in Bosnia, I hope you won’t miss the chance to try traditional baklava, Turkish coffee from a copper cezve, or Bosnian ćevapi.
Visegrad – Mokra Gora – Zlatibor.
Once you enter Serbia, you'll have the opportunity to see Mokra Gora. After that, we recommend a short break in Zlatibor. Although the town is a popular winter destination, it's no less beautiful during the summer months. On the contrary, green colors and nature completely dominate, and if you're looking for some shade, grab your packed lunch and relax in the coolness of the town park.
Zlatibor – Zlatar
Shortly after leaving Zlatibor, the beautiful expanse of the Zlatar mountain awaits you. First, you'll encounter the far-reaching reflection of Lake Zlatar. Also known as Kokin Brod, this artificial lake has the highest earthen dam in Europe, reaching 83 meters. It was created in the 1960s on the bed of the Uvac River. The third largest in Serbia, it offers a truly unique experience if you decide to sail on it and explore its many coves.
The lake is seamlessly connected to the forested belt of the eponymous mountain, into whose heart you should venture. This region abounds in untouched nature, which you can experience only by driving through the mountain pass towards Sjenica.
Zlatar – Uvac Valley:
You can't go wrong with the accommodation you'll choose to end this day. The town of Sjenica is located in the immediate vicinity of the Uvac Valley, and the villa we've chosen is nestled a little deeper into the mountain. Its name is Pearl Valley, and we warmly recommend it. It's situated on the slopes, looking directly at the meanders of the river, offering a peaceful stay that's in complete harmony with nature. Your stay will be enriched by homemade, delicious food prepared with love by the hospitable hosts.
Day 5: Serbia - Macedonia
Uvac Nature Reserve
One of Serbia's greatest treasures is the special nature reserve of Uvac. The bed of the Uvac River is surrounded by tall, steep cliffs that follow its course in an "S" shape. This unique landscape has become a symbol of all of Serbia's natural riches. The river valley is suitable for various activities such as boating, fishing, and camping.
Near the house, you'll find the most famous viewpoint of Uvac, which you can reach on foot (6km) or by vehicle (300m before it). The choice is yours, but don't miss it under any circumstances.
*The coordinates are marked on the map.
Uvac Nature Reserve - Novi Pazar:
Our journey to Macedonia took us through Novi Pazar, where we couldn't resist the aroma of freshly prepared food. Novi Pazar is part of the Sandzak region and is a cultural center for all Bosniaks in Serbia. The locals are known for producing meat and dairy products, so if you have room in your luggage, pick up some items from any local store.
Novi Pazar - Gazivoda Lake:
This is the last lake of our adventurous journey, shared between Serbia and Kosovo, and it captivates with its celestial blue color. The road follows its shape, giving us a little more time to immerse ourselves in this beauty.
Mitrovica - Pristina - Skopje:
The last 100 kilometers were nothing special, but they provided enough time for us to reflect on the past five days and let all our emotions and experiences sink in.
If you've made it this far in reading, we thank you immensely. We hope you'll be able to complete this route one day. It's quite demanding, entirely mountainous, and incredibly scenic. Covering five countries, numerous protected areas, and significant natural treasures, it spans a total of 1200 kilometers.
For all additional questions, we are here to help you!
Until the next adventure,
Ana and Mane