Why adrenaline junkies love the Balkans Colorado?

Ljiljana Krejic | Live the World

November 23, 2022

If you are a thrill seeker, a water enthusiast and a wonder chaser, and somehow you have never heard of the Balkans Colorado, you are on the right page to discover one of the best-kept adventure secrets in this part of Europe. In the surroundings of a small town called Foča, situated in eastern Bosnia & Herzegovina, some totally unexpected thrills await all true adventure seekers. In a jaw-dropping and exhilarating scenery of Tara River Gorge, Europe’s deepest canyon, you can enjoy the top-notch rafting experience similar to the one of Colorado Canyon. Besides this adventure, a genuine masterpiece of nature expects you in the proximity - the sand dunes that are reminiscent of the Colorado pyramids in the Garden of the Gods. On the top of this comes country’s most significant national park - Sutjeska. If you are still wondering why adrenaline junkies love the Balkans Colorado, keep reading.

Tara River Canyon

Picture © credits to Rafting Centar Drina-Tara

Considered one of the most breath-taking rivers in Europe, Tara River stretches along the border between Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro. It is one of the clearest and cleanest watercourses in Europe. Basically, it is drinkable throughout its entire flow, and therefore, it was named “the tear of Europe”. Besides its purity, Tara River is also a wild stream with a marvelous 82 km long canyon. With its depth that reaches incredible 1300 m, this gorge is the deepest canyon in Europe and the second deepest in the world, after the Grand Canyon in Colorado. On the rafting scale, Tara River is rated between 3-5 depending on the season, making it one of the most attractive watercourses in the world. The best time for rafting on Tara River is between April and September. Usually, the rafting tours start in the place called Brstanovica (Montenegro), and after 25 km of intense descent, you arrive at the confluence of Tara and Piva River, where they create Drina River, and where the ride ends. It can take you between 2-3 hours to finish the course. 

Sand pyramids

Located only nine kilometres from Foča, you will find the Sand Pyramids on the right side of the road to Sarajevo, in the village called Daničići. “Pješčane piramide”, as the locals call them, were formed of sandy clay through the process of erosion that took place over the centuries. Taken away by rain, wind, frost and summer heat, one part of the soil was eroded, while the stronger cliffs resisted. Rising from the broad foundations, these pyramid-shaped rocks become thinner towards the top, and some of them are up to 20 meters high. The Sand Pyramids are probably more than 200 years old. Actually, the process of erosion is still ongoing, so the pyramids are constantly reshaping and growing every day. Being a rarity that can be found only in five other countries in the world, these sand dunes are reminiscent of the Colorado pyramids in the Garden of the Gods. 

Sutjeska National Park

When you discover why adrenaline junkies love the Balkans Colorado, you might want to explore the rest of this amazing region. Get ready to stay much longer than initially planned since you are in the proximity of Sutjeska National Park, the oldest and biggest one in Bosnia & Herzegovina. And when it comes to its offer, you will be spoiled by the choice - from hiking Mt. Zelengora and exploring its glacial lakes, to conquering Bosnia’s highest peak - Mt. Maglić. If you are more into water activities, you should try gorge walking in Hrčavka Canyon. And by all means, do not miss to join the Perućica safari to explore Europe’s last jungle.

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