Kučaj Mountains

5 MIN

The Kučaj mountains is a vast mountain range in Eastern Serbia, stretching between the banks of the Morava, the Crni Timok and the Zlotska river, all the way to Đerdap and the Danube. Its distinctive features are its many rivers, large and small, which have cut through to create the valleys of Dubašnica and Žljebura and Lazar’s Canyon – renowned far and wide for its beauty.

The wilderness and pristine nature of the Kučaj mountains are ideal for those who like to steer clear of the beaten path and prefer to embark on an adventure through unexplored forests, valleys and hillsides. This, however, means the mountains are a destination that is best enjoyed by those who are physically fit and able to navigate their way through nature.The most notable among the peaks which beckon you to explore them are Javorački vrh, Mali javorak, Crni vrh, Kozji rog and Mali kozji rok, with most hiking trails beginning and ending near the mountaineering hut at the picnic site of Grza.
Kučaj mountains are famous for the natural monuments which have been shaped by nature for thousands of years without any human input.

Be sure to step into the majestic Lazar’s Canyon.

One of the most famous waterfalls of the region is Prskalo, on the river Nekudovo. With a vertical drop of 15 metres, it is easily recognisable because of its constant struggle for survival – it is extremely scarce in water, even in the spring when the river is especially high. And yet, it has never dried out. A mesmerising feature of the waterfall is the rock from which it descends, which is almost entirely covered in lush plants.
While in Kučaj, hop over to the protected gorge of the river Kločanica, which owes its onomatopoeic name to the murmur and hum it creates as it meanders through rocks. And if you find yourself near the town of Zlot, be sure to step into the majestic Lazar’s Canyon through which the Zlotska river flows, creating a whole system of caves along the way.

Indeed, caves are a distinctive feature of Kučaj mountains. The most striking ones are Bogovinska Cave and Lazar’s Cave. The famous Resava Cave lies on the boundary. Another interesting one is Ravanica Cave, near the monastery of the same name. It is a small pit where, according to legend, Prince Lazar hid treasure after the Battle of Kosovo. The cave remains largely unexplored, so we may never know whether there is any truth to this legend! Be sure to visit Bogovinska Cave near the river Crni Timok. It is the longest and, according to many, the most beautiful cave in Serbia, with three levels brimming with river springs and majestic cave formations which can be seen only once you’ve entered the depths of the cave.

If you would like to learn about the history of this region, we suggest that you take some time to visit the famous monasteries of Manasija and Ravanica and the archaeological site of Felix Romuliana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visit the famous monasteries of Manasija and Ravanica and the archaeological site of Felix Romuliana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.