Aerial view of the river looping in tight meanders between forested limestone headlands

Nature · Nova Varoš and Sjenica, Zlatibor District, south-western Serbia

Uvac Canyon meanders

Emerald river loops in a deep karst canyon, home to a large colony of griffon vultures

Photo: Anton Lukin (@antonlukin) / Unsplash

Discover Uvac Canyon meanders

Between the Zlatar and Zlatibor mountains, the Uvac River has carved a canyon of pale limestone and folded it into a series of tight, looping meanders. Dams downstream have turned the river into a chain of calm lakes, so the water now lies like a ribbon of jade between steep wooded headlands. Seen from a viewpoint such as Molitva, the scene is one of the most photographed landscapes in Serbia.

The canyon is also a refuge for griffon vultures. Once close to disappearing here, these huge scavenging birds now nest on the cliffs in their hundreds, circling on thermals above the water. A visit usually combines a boat or kayak trip on the lake, a stop at the Ice Cave and a hike up to a viewpoint, always with a local guide.

Don’t miss

01The incised meanders of the Uvac, best seen from viewpoints such as Molitva and Veliki Vrh
02A colony of griffon vultures nesting on the canyon cliffs
03Ledena pećina (Ice Cave), part of the Ušac cave system on the lake shore
04Boat and kayak trips on Sjenica Lake through the canyon
05About 30 km of marked paths through the reserve, walked with professional guides

History & culture

The story of Uvac Canyon meanders

The Uvac area was first protected in 1971, and today the Special Nature Reserve covers about 75 square kilometres, mostly in the municipality of Nova Varoš and partly in Sjenica. It is managed by the company Rezervat Uvac, based in Nova Varoš. The reserve is a karst landscape with a gorge up to about 350 m deep and elevations from about 760 m to 1,322 m, and it includes the Ušac cave system, one of the longest explored cave systems in Serbia.

Griffon vultures nearly vanished from the area after the Second World War; by 1990 only around ten birds remained. A feeding station set up in 1994 and long-term conservation work helped the colony recover to more than 100 breeding pairs and several hundred birds, which reports describe as the largest colony in the Balkans. Cinereous and Egyptian vultures have also been recorded returning to the area.

Local life & traditions

The Uvac lies on the edge of the Pešter plateau, a high, open landscape of pastures and sheep farming. Sjenica is known throughout Serbia for its white sheep's cheese and lamb, and the region around Sjenica and Nova Varoš has a mixed Orthodox Christian and Muslim heritage, with mosques and churches in the towns. Travellers looking for halal food will generally find it easier in Sjenica, but it is worth asking locally. Local people have been closely involved in protecting the vultures, and the birds are a point of regional pride.

Things to do

Experience it like a local

The typical visit starts with a boat or kayak trip on Sjenica Lake, a journey of around two hours that includes a stop at the Ice Cave, where visitors can walk through part of the cave channel. Boats drop walkers at the start of the trails to the viewpoints: the climb to Molitva takes roughly 45 minutes one way, while the steeper path to Veliki Vrh, on the opposite side, takes around 30 minutes and gives a fine view of the meanders.

Birdwatchers should bring binoculars: griffon vultures are often seen soaring above the cliffs, especially on warm days with rising air. Photographers will find the softest light in the early morning and late afternoon. Visits within the reserve are organised with professional guides, so plan through a licensed local operator.

When to go

Late spring to early autumn is the main season, and summer is when the vegetation is at its greenest and boat trips run most reliably. May and June are fresh and good for birdwatching, July and August are warm on the water, and September offers clearer air and softer colours. Winters on the Pešter plateau are long, cold and snowy, and boat access is limited.

Plan your visit

Verified information

Managing authority: Special Nature Reserve Uvac, Trg vojvode Petra Bojovića 3, 31320 Nova Varoš; tel. +381 33 64 198 Source: serbia.travel ↗
Guided visits: Visits are allowed only with professional guides, who lead visitors along about 30 km of marked paths Source: serbia.travel ↗
Protected area: Protected since 1971; about 7,543 ha, managed by Rezervat Uvac of Nova Varoš Source: biznis.rs ↗
Caves: The Ice Cave is part of the Ušac cave system; some cave entrances are reached by boat depending on the season Source: serbia.travel ↗

Checked against the sources on 27 October 2026. Opening times and fees can change — confirm before you go.

Travel tips

Arrange your trip through a licensed local operator, as visits inside the reserve need a guide.
Wear sturdy shoes for the climbs to the viewpoints and bring water and sun protection.
Keep your distance from nesting cliffs and never fly drones near the vultures.
Bring a light jacket for the Ice Cave, which stays cold even in summer.
Allow most of a day: boat, cave and viewpoint hike together take several hours.

General guidance from our specialists, not official information.

Around Uvac Canyon meanders: food, markets & places to stay

Nova Varoš and Sjenica are the nearest towns, with simple guesthouses, cafés and shops; Sjenica sits on the Pešter plateau and Nova Varoš lies on the road towards Zlatibor and Prijepolje. Zlatibor, with a wide choice of accommodation, is within reasonable driving distance, so Uvac is often visited as a day trip from there. Public transport to the trailheads and boat landings is very limited, so a car or organised transfer is recommended.