Zaovine: Lake, Hiking Trails and Culture in the Tara Mountains

Zaovine lies in the south of the Tara Mountains within the Ravna Tara landscape unit. The predominantly forested mountain region encompasses the settlement of Zaovine with 28 hamlets and combines an impressive lake landscape with hiking trails, viewpoints, cultural monuments and regional traditions. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home can therefore plan their trip according to different interests: days by the water, hikes and panoramic views, or cultural discoveries.

Lake and Mountain Landscape Around Zaovine

Lake Zaovine is not a natural mountain lake but a pumped-storage reservoir. It was created by the 125-metre-high Lazići dam in the valley of the Beli Rzav. The area also includes the canyon of the Beli Rzav River, known as Sklopovi, and Lake Spajići in the hamlet of Đurići. Spajići is considered a suitable place for a picnic and therefore offers a peaceful option for a day when the longest hike is not the main focus.

Swimming in Lake Zaovine is possible in summer. There is no designated beach; most visitors swim in the area around the Lazići dam. The lake is also among the fishing waters in the protected zone of Tara National Park. These different uses make it sensible when planning a holiday to distinguish between days for swimming, time spent by the water and other nature experiences.

Hiking and Viewpoints

The 1,473-metre-high Janjač peak lies above Gornje Karaklije on the border between Serbia and Republika Srpska in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It can be reached via a themed trail through the village of Karaklije. The summit offers panoramic views of the Zaovine area and the Tara massif. For families with different interests, a stay can thus be combined with a more challenging mountain outing without every holiday day having to follow the same pattern.

Another striking natural and cultural site is Ravna Stena, also called Grad. The monolith, formed by erosion, lies near the Lazići dam and Lake Spajići. It features a viewpoint as well as the remains of a former early Byzantine fortification. Tara National Park lists hiking trail no. 29 as the Luke–Ravna Stena (Grad) route. At Crkvine, at the foot of Grad, there are also the remains of a medieval basilica church.

The Zmajevac viewpoint is located in the Tara Mountains on a gravel road connecting Sekulić in Zaovine with Mokra Gora. From there, views extend across Lake Zaovine and the surrounding mountain peaks. The Pančić spruce is also of botanical interest: botanist Josif Pančić discovered it in 1875 at Sklopovi near the village of Zaovine. Above Zmajev Potok, a forest community of Pančić spruces, spruces and pines has been documented on serpentinite.

Culture, Crafts and Regional Specialties

Old Vlach log houses and seasonally used shepherds’ huts, known as bačije, are part of the area’s character. The house of Rada Jelisičić in Zaovine is among the area’s cultural monuments. Zaovine is also home to an 18th- or 19th-century wooden church designated as a cultural asset. In traditional rural log houses in the village, visitors can taste milk, cheese, kajmak and meat products made on Tara. The area’s centuries-old livestock-farming tradition produces these foods.

Choosing the Right Accommodation in Zaovine

Since Zaovine comprises many hamlets, it is worthwhile to decide in advance what you want your trip to focus on when looking for accommodation. Those who primarily want to plan for the lake and swimming in summer will make a different choice than visitors who want to combine Janjač, Ravna Stena, Zmajevac and the area’s cultural heritage. The landscape, trails, history and regional cuisine also offer various reasons for putting together a family holiday tailored to your preferences and discovering Zaovine at your own pace.

Other Places in the Area

If you would like to extend your travel plans beyond Zaovine, you can find more destinations here: Sjenica, Rosići, Kaludjerske Bare, Šljivovica, Rakovica, Rastište, Mačkat and Drijetanj.

To the higher-level travel overview: Zlatibor District.