Uvac canyon travel guide
Emerald river meanders, griffon vultures and an ice cave in southwest Serbia.
Photo: Unsplash
Why visit Uvac canyon
Uvac is a special nature reserve where the river winds through deep, tight meanders between the Zlatar and Zlatibor mountains, near Nova Varoš and Sjenica. The classic visit is a boat trip through the canyon, a stop at the Ice Cave and a steep 30-minute climb to the Veliki Vrh viewpoint. The reserve is Serbia’s most important home of the griffon vulture.
Uvac Special Nature Reserve at a glance
The basics, the weather this week and where it is.
Key facts
- Type
- Special nature reserve
- Nearest towns
- Nova Varoš, Sjenica
- Established
- 1971
- Area
- 75.43 km²
- From Belgrade
- about 165 km in a straight line
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).
5-day forecast
For Uvac reserve
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Weather data: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0), summarised by day.
On the map
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors, SRTM; style © OpenTopoMap (CC BY-SA). The zoomable map loads from OpenTopoMap, which receives your IP address. Open in Google Maps
Best things to do in Uvac canyon
Where to start, and how long each one takes.
Paid tour
Small fee
Free
Free
FreeTop-rated tours in Uvac canyon
Hand-picked. Free cancellation on most. Affiliate links.
Where to stay in Uvac canyon
The areas compared, with hotels for your dates.
Food and nightlife
This is Pešter plateau country: Sjenica cheese and lamb are famous across Serbia. Eat in Nova Varoš or Sjenica, and bring water and snacks for the boat day.
- Must try: Sjenica cheese, Sjenica lamb
- Bring: Water and snacks for the boat day
- Tip: Book boat tours 2–3 days ahead; many need at least 6 people
Getting there and around
About 4 hours by car; tours run from Belgrade and Zlatibor.
Many depart from the lake at 9:30 am; times vary by operator.
Recommended; transport to the lake is usually not included in boat tours.
Layers, a windbreaker and sturdy shoes.
Tip: Go to the Molitva viewpoint at sunrise, before tour groups arrive. For griffon vultures, late morning to afternoon is usually better, when warm air lifts them over the canyon.
Nearby and day trips
Easy to add from Uvac canyon.
More Uvac canyon guides
Uvac canyon FAQ
When can I take a boat on Uvac?
Boat tours usually run from May to October.
Is the Veliki Vrh hike hard?
It takes about 30 minutes and is steep. Wear good shoes.
Can I visit Uvac from Belgrade in a day?
Yes, on a long tour. It is easier from Zlatibor.
Sources
- National Tourism Organisation of Serbia: Uvac
- Explore Serbia: Uvac boat tour
- Must See Spots: Uvac viewpoints
Checked 27 October 2026.
Going to Uvac canyon? Take the cheat sheet
Prices, apps, transport and scams to avoid, on one printable page.
