Mokra Gora: A Journey Back in Time
If I have to describe Serbia in a couple of words, it will not be ‘Belgrade’, it will be ‘Tara Mountains’. Did you expect some other word? Every country has its past, good or bad, memorable or forgettable. The key is to cherish the good memories and strive towards a brighter, more memorable future. Mokra Gora is one such destination that leaves you with some unforgettable memories to be cherished forever.
If Serbia does not hold a strong position in the global map of travellers then I am not surprised. Because it is equally underrated as my current home country, Bulgaria. But Serbia does not lack any of the Balkan charms.
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Serbia, Mokra Gora is a hidden gem that effortlessly blends natural beauty with a rich history. This quaint village, located in the heart of the Zlatibor region, offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, drawing travellers with its unique charm and captivating attractions.
As you venture into Mokra Gora, you'll be greeted by rolling hills, lush green forests, and pristine rivers, creating a mesmerising backdrop for your journey. The village exudes a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. I love exploring cities and culture as much as I love being in the company of Nature. So this place is a win-win for us, the nature lovers.
How many days should be good enough for exploring Mokra Gora?
If you want a relaxed vacation keep at least 5 days. Lesser than this is fine too, just make the right choice and don’t rush to see everything. Instead try to grasp the beauty all around, this is what will keep you going for the next many days after you return to your daily mundane life.
What to do in Mokra Gora?
Discover the man made village Drvengrad
Check out Mokra Gora heritage station
Take a Ride on the famous Šargan Eight heritage train
Visit Manastir Rača
Admire Perućac lake and Zaovine lake
Photograph yourself at Kućica na Drini
Explore rest of Mokra Gora
Take it slow
Get a complete itinerary of Mokra Gora here:
Drvengrad
This ethno-village was meticulously designed by the renowned Serbian filmmaker Emir Kusturica for his movie "Life is a Miracle." Küstendorf or Drvengrad which means 'Timber Town' is a traditional village that the Serbian film director Emir Kusturica built for his film Life Is a Miracle from 2003 to 2004.
Emir Kusturic considers Drvengrad as his home, after he lost his own home in Sarajevo during the cruel Bosnian war. The director wanted to create a place of cultural diversity, where art would be present in form of seminars, movie screenings, art exhibitions, etc.
For this development, Kusturica received the "Philippe Rotthier European Architecture Award" from the "Brussels Foundation for Architecture".
This charming village features quaint wooden houses, cobblestone streets, and a vibrant cultural scene, offering visitors a glimpse into traditional Serbian life. Walking through its wooden streets feels like stepping back in time. Each building, from the church to the cinema, showcases traditional architecture and offers a glimpse into the rural life of the past. Küstendorf is not just a film set; it hosts the annual Küstendorf Film and Music Festival, attracting artists and filmmakers from around the world.
It will not take a lot of time to walk around Kusturica’s traditional Serbian village. But you will still end up spending a lot of time clicking pictures and gazing at the beauty.
A Ride on the Šargan Eight
One of the most enchanting experiences in Mokra Gora is the Šargan Eight, a narrow-gauge railway that winds its way through the lush mountains. Built in the 1920s, this railway is a marvel of engineering, featuring a figure-eight loop that climbs steep gradients and passes through 22 tunnels and over 10 bridges. As the train chugs along, passengers are treated to breathtaking vistas of verdant valleys and rugged peaks, making it a must-do for any visitor.
The Šargan Eight is a narrow-gauge heritage railway in Serbia, running from the village of Mokra Gora to Šargan Vitasi station. "Museum-Tourism Complex Šargan Eight" within the Serbian Railways, which administers the railway, is seated in Mokra Gora. In 2021, Mokra Gora was declared one of the best tourism villages in the world by the United Nations World Tourism Organization.
As of 2017, the train popularly named "Ćira" but officially called "Nostalgia", still runs only on the route Mokra Gora-Šargan Vitasi-Mokra Gora, with occasionally running to Višegrad.
The two-way ride takes close to 2 hours. The entire route is extremely picturesque, with 22 tunnels and 5 bridges along the way. Suggestion is to pre-book the tickets online. The chances of getting the tickets on the same day is very bleak.
Historical Insights from the heritage station
For those interested in history, Mokra Gora offers a glimpse into the past. The village and its surroundings have been inhabited for centuries, and remnants of this history can be seen in the local architecture and cultural practices. The Railway Museum near the Šargan Eight station provides fascinating insights into the area's past, detailing the construction and significance of the railway. You may love going through some original pieces displayed there.
Explore rest of Mokra Gora
The natural beauty of Mokra Gora is simply undeniable. Surrounded by dense forests and rolling hills, the area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking trails of varying difficulty levels crisscross the landscape, offering opportunities to explore the region’s flora and fauna. Whether you are an avid hiker or prefer a leisurely stroll, the tranquility of the surroundings provides a rejuvenating experience.
Keep a full day to explore the rest of Mokra Gora. There are many roads that branch out from the main highway, a perfect place for wander lusting.
We ended up discovering an open-air old engine museum, a small church, a stream flowing by and boundless beauty all around. We parked our car at a place and just walked around, spending time casually with lot of relaxed pauses to absorb all the beauty.
Get a complete itinerary of Mokra Gora here:
Explore Tara National Park
If you have enough time in hand, then you can reserve a couple of days to explore the rest of Tara National Park. Tara is a mountain in western Serbia on which Mokra Gora lies, it is part of the Dinaric Alps.
Manastir Rača, built in the 13th century, is located near Bajina Bašta. It is a captivating Serbian Orthodox monastery with rich historical and cultural significance. The monastery became a place where Serbian rulers, nobles, and church dignitaries were buried.
Kućica na Drini is a wooden, cabin-like house on the rock in the middle of the Drina river, near the town of Bajina Bašta in western Serbia. The original object was built in 1968 by a group of swimmers who needed a shelter.
The house became one of the most photographed objects in Serbia. A photo of it was chosen as one of the Photos of the Month of ‘’National Geographic’’ in August 2012. ‘’Business Insider’’ named it among 16 “wackiest” houses, while numerous world magazines wrote stories about it.
A good spot for some great pictures.
You can keep driving southwards, to check Lake Perućac. It is an artificial lake on the Drina River, on the border between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia, with beautiful floating cottages on its banks
Next is Zaovine lake, it will take 1 hour from Drvengrad. Zaovine itself is a little mountain heaven on Tara mountains. This beautiful lake is surrounded by green hills, meadows full of flowers and fascinating landscapes. The place also boasts interesting flora and fauna.
Spend some time sitting by the lake, and also hike around a bit if you like.
Mitrovac is a small village very near to Zaovine lake. You may just drive down to get a glimpse of this beautiful Tara mountain village, if you wish. There are many places to stay in Mitrovac too.
Take it slow
I would say, take it slow. Relax more and spend more time simply walking around. Soak into all the beauty that this unique Serbian region provides.
Where to stay?
There are a few options in Küstendorf, and Mokra Gora. Most of them are guest houses a kitchenette and barbecue equipments. If you don’t want to cook when you are vacationing, check the handful restaurants in the locality, they mostly offer traditional Serbian cuisine.
Know more about our choice of stay here:
To Conclude
Mokra Gora is a destination that has the power to captivate your heart and soul. Its blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical significance creates an enchanting atmosphere that is hard to resist. Whether you're riding the historic Šargan Eight, wandering through the cinematic village of Küstendorf, or simply soaking in the serene surroundings, Mokra Gora promises an unforgettable journey through time and nature.
Get a complete itinerary of Mokra Gora here:
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