Moraca River Canyon, Montenegro - “A picturesque canyon with a tear-jerking rusty bridge. Do you want to tickle your nerves? Moraca river canyon Moraca river canyon in montenegro
Moracha takes its source at the foot of Mount Rzhacha and runs almost 100 kilometers before it flows into Lake Skadar, merging with Zeta along the way.
The width of the river does not exceed 100 meters, the depth is 5. But at the same time, the speed of the flow during the period of snow melting and floods reaches 113 kilometers / hour. For millions of years, Moraca has worked hard, cutting through the karst rocks. Her efforts created a magnificent canyon - a unique natural landmark of Montenegro.
The canyon of the Moraca River stretches for 30 kilometers, the maximum depth is 1000 meters. According to these parameters, he is significantly inferior to the “brother” formed by Tara. But steep banks, in some areas almost vertical, bare or lavishly decorated with trees, remain beyond any competition.
On one side of the canyon there is a highway, on the other - a railway. Cars and trains have to cross bridges and tunnels cut into the rocks. In addition, observation decks are equipped, from which panoramic views, fascinating with the grandeur of nature, open.
The canyon with steep rapids and waterfalls attracts fans of extreme sports like a magnet. The river abounds with fish, so those who like to sit with a fishing rod on the shore are sure to be rewarded with significant prey.
Pilgrims and tourists also come here to visit the world-famous landmark of the country - the Moraca Monastery. It was built in 1252 at the direction of Prince Stefan.
Nearby is a campsite offering travelers cabins, tents and car parking. It is equipped with the necessary infrastructure and provides decent living conditions at budget prices.
Coordinates: longitude 19.3659 latitude 42.6723
Greetings to all who visit!
We continue our journey through the protected places of Montenegro. And today we will go to admire the canyon of the Moraca mountain river.
Before traveling to Montenegro, I made myself a short itinerary of the places I would like to visit. A lot of reviews and articles were read, a large number of photos were viewed. The canyon of the Moraca River immediately attracted my attention with its picturesque views. Still would! An emerald ribbon of water meandering among the impregnable mountains covered with lush vegetation.
This natural attraction became the next point of our car tour after visiting the Niagara Falls on the Tsievna River. By the way, Cievna flows into Moraca, and the latter, in turn, flows into the huge Skadar Lake.
The length of Moraca is about 100 km, but its most picturesque part, in the Platie gorge, stretches for 35 km.
Along the gorge, at the very edge, there is a road with many tunnels.
In the photo you can see piles of rubble and sand. This is a building material for the autobahn connecting the cities of Bar (in Montenegro) and Belgrade (in Serbia). The railway line in this direction has been functioning for more than 40 years. So, trains rushing through the gorges in Montenegro will not surprise anyone. By the way, this road is sometimes called the "Montenegrin metro" because of the large number of tunnels. It is no wonder that the construction of such dangerous roads was not without casualties.
The current highway is being built by the Chinese. They even built a separate closed settlement for them.
And we are already rushing along the canyon ...
What can I say? Frankly, when we drove up to the gorge, I experienced a slight feeling of disappointment. At the end of March, the foliage on most of the trees had not yet blossomed, respectively, and the mountains had not yet dressed in their bright green attire. Only the winding ribbon of the river, shimmering with turquoise-emerald hues among the strict inaccessible mountains, pleased the eye. We couldn't take high-quality pictures from the car window, and to be honest, we didn't want to.) We just admired the picturesque views of natural landscapes.
We made a stop only at the suspension bridge. I had already heard about him, or rather well-read. I remember when I first saw his photograph on the Internet, I immediately got excited to go there. I wanted to add a portion of extreme sports to my vacation, and at the same time check whether we are as brave as we want to appear.
The design of the bridge did not inspire confidence at all. Rusty, loose fittings, with railings that in places fell to the level of the knees, and could leave unpleasant memories of themselves in the form of metal splinters. Therefore, when moving along the bridge, you need to be careful, and not run your palms along the railings, but carefully intercept.
I note that the bridge did not always have such a frightening view. Several years ago, boards were nailed to it, which were subsequently torn off by a hurricane wind.
But don't scare us! Montenegrins somehow walk on it. Are we any worse?
My child and our escort effortlessly went back and forth, but I hesitated a little ... I had to take photos and videos for a review. I started it in vain, because the guys shook the bridge, plus a strong wind rose, and this rusty structure began to shake so much that I already felt sick.)) I barely crawled out of this ill-fated bridge. In short, I checked my courage, and at the same time the vestibular apparatus.
From the following video, it is easy to understand that a strong wind was blowing, and the bridge was shaking a lot.
I apologize for my shaky hands and jumpy image. Honestly, I thought that I would fall off this dangling bridge ... And I would lie in the neighborhood with that abandoned tractor at the bottom of the gorge.
February and March 2019 in Montenegro were quite warm and dry, so the river looks shallow and not as impressive as it happens after heavy rains.
The trees are bare, but the flowers are already full of fragrance.
A couple of months later, after the May rains, Moraca looked more full-flowing and stormy (I continue to follow the blog of a Russian girl living in the Balkans). The slopes of the gorge were covered with juicy young greenery. Therefore, if you are currently in Montenegro, do not miss the opportunity to see this beauty!
Of course yes! Personally, I cannot remain indifferent to natural beauty. And even if in March the gorge, with the river flowing through it, did not look as impressive as it is now, I will not reduce the assessment of this natural attraction.
My son and I did not regret at all that we saw the canyon of the Moraca River. Although, in fact, there is not much to do here. No rafting, no cafes, no entertainment. Therefore, those tourists who are indifferent to natural beauties, perhaps, can not waste their time visiting this place.
However, if you go upstream, you can not only enjoy stunning views, but also walk around the territory of the Moraca monastery of the same name, founded back in 1252.
Thank you for your attention and exciting travels!
One of the most picturesque and dangerous roads in Montenegro lies in the canyon of the Moraca River. The length of the mountain river is about 100 km, but it flows through the narrow and high gorge of Platiye for about 35 km. If you want to tickle your nerves, go on the Canyons tour. You will be stopped several times for photo pauses so that you can see the high cliffs and rapids of the Moraca River
In spring and June in Montenegro, the vegetation has a rich green hue, there are many flowers around, and Moraca is very stormy and emerald, develops max. speed 113 km/h.
Moraca winds its way through tall, jagged mountain peaks, followed by a two-lane highway that cuts through the rocks through 32 tunnels. And on the other side of the canyon, you can see the railway tracks and viaducts. The spectacle is mesmerizing! Traveling by train from the seaside town of Bar to the capital of Serbia, Belgrade, will give you a lot of emotions. The photo shows the Moraca canyon from a drone (the author’s Instagram) and the road back in the days of Yugoslavia.
Moraca River originates at an altitude of 1650 m near the village Ljevista. If you like mountain hiking, you can go there (from May to November in good weather). Details about the trek to the source of the Moraca River and photos of the hike in spring and more 
At the end of the path, Moraca emerges in the flat Podgorica and flows into Lake Skadar (this place is in the photo). The river is not navigable, rafting is not done here, unlike the Tara River. 
Personally, I like Morachi canyon more than Tara. But the canyon of Lake Piva looks more interesting and picturesque in Montenegro. They can be combined into a single route thanks to and if there is a supply of daylight hours, as in June-July. For independent trips, I advise you to take a car in MyRentaCar, and if you are afraid to drive on mountain serpentines, I will recommend a Russian driver, write to me +38267483974 
In winter, it is no less beautiful here, but do not go here if a blizzard or downpours are transmitted in Kolasin in Podgorica, it is very dangerous! And I want to warn you that this highway can be crowded with trucks and buses in the summer, as the direction to Serbia + excursion route. 
In 2012, this canyon of Montenegro was included in the category of protected natural resources. Its region is of international importance for birds. But the tourist is more interested not in dates and titles, but what this place has to offer in order to get a dose of adrenaline! I propose to slow down at the suspension bridge and test yourself for adventurism.
Bridge coordinates, parking 20 m before it - 42.585083, 19.357917
The coordinates of the panoramic point in the gorge Platiye - 42.675085, 19.369317 
The bridge terrifies everyone, but in vain ... The villagers use it daily, because. live on the other side of the river. By the way, in 2014 it looked safer, but in winter the boards were blown away by a strong wind, and there is no money for new ones. 
Road construction in Morachi canyon
In the old days, Montenegrins called the Platija gorge “between the nests of eagles”, it terrified them. The construction of a road in the river canyon was first thought about in 1900. But the equipment and financial resources then did not allow it to be built in the rocks. The desire to connect the capital Podgorica with the northern city of Kolasin coincided with the possibilities only in 1955 and lasted 7 years 
In order to create a two-lane highway in the rock, it took a lot of Yugoslav specialists, a lot of physical labor and even human losses - 43 workers. This construction of an important highway for the country was a real battle between man and nature. The worst disaster occurred in 1962 when part of the rock with a bridge collapsed near the village of Međuriječje, then 25 officers, engineers, carpenters and other specialists who were responsible for concrete work died. 
A little more than half a century has passed since the opening of the road from Podgorica to Kolasin and further to the border with Serbia, it claimed the lives of more than 1200 people. I heard from Montenegrins that this is the most dangerous road in the country, honestly - it also terrifies me ... Previously, there were signs with a black dot on the most dangerous sections for more attention of drivers. With the development of tourism, it seems to me that the signs were removed ... 
Moraca monastery
One of the important places on a tour of the river canyons is, built back in 1252. I won’t retell the story, read it on Wikipedia. On the territory of the monastery there are two churches - a small St. Nicholas, very old, and a larger one - the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin, consider ancient frescoes in both. You can enter without a scarf on your head, in Montenegrin monasteries this is not necessary. It is more important to cover the neckline and knees. 
Moraca Monastery is a crossroads between the south and north of Montenegro, after which the road goes uphill sharply, the climate and vegetation change. 
6 years ago I witnessed the wedding of friends here, an inexpressible feeling. 
I will note a riot of flowers in the garden, an apiary, spring water, a vegetable garden and a small farm. And tired travelers in front of the monastery can sit down at a table for a cup of Turkish coffee, a cup costs 50 cents. A mountain ice stream flows right there, which, falling into the river canyon, turns into the Svetigora waterfall. In this place there is even a small hydroelectric power station for the needs of the monastery. In autumn you will be surprised by the terrace at the refectory, in one place grow kiwi, grapes and lagenaria (similar to a long zucchini)
What to see near Moraca Canyon
🌴 If you are traveling around Montenegro with children, then go to a petting zoo-animal shelter nearby — Prihvatiliste i oporavak zivotinja, bring apples, carrots, cabbage with you, payment - 10 euros per car. In and Instagram there are all contacts and photos.
🌴 For lovers of hiking trails and wildlife, I advise you to go on an easy track along the river canyon Mrtvitsa, route details wrote
Moraca River Canyon is one of the most picturesque canyons not only in Montenegro, but, perhaps, in the whole world. It is located in the central part of the country, between the cities and.
Traveling along the canyon, you can see deep gorges, high sheer cliffs, turbulent streams of an emerald-colored mountain river and picturesque banks that change their color depending on the season. Recently, many tourists visiting Montenegro, instead of lying on the beach, prefer to engage in active recreation and travel throughout the country, visiting ancient cities, national parks, mountain peaks and canyons, among which one of the first is precisely Moraca river canyon...
4. Go on the canyons of Montenegro. In this case, the guide accompanying the group will show you the most picturesque places and beautiful views for photos. On the other hand, during group tours, visiting certain places, stopping times and much more will depend entirely on the tour organizer, which is sometimes not very convenient. That is why many tourists recently prefer to take individual sightseeing tours for 3-4 people with a personal guide in a private car.
Moraca river canyon, perhaps one of the most amazing, unusual, beautiful and unforgettable places in Montenegro, which is definitely worth a visit for every traveler.
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Truly amazing mountain landscapes and fantastic views of the rivers running somewhere far below opened up around every turn. What can I say - just amazing.
We managed to visit a surprisingly calm place, have a bite to eat in a mountain restaurant, look at it, which offers simply incredible views of the mountains and the river somewhere far below, and even look into one of the most beautiful and unusual in the country.
In general, in short - this tour is about the mountains of Montenegro. It rightfully occupies the first place in our list. Coming to Montenegro and not seeing the mountains is almost the same as never taking a swim.
Tour price: the tour cost us 40 euro+ lunch 10 euros.
Where to buy a tour? We bought this excursion in Olympus. They also recently had a rather similar, but subjectively more interesting tour called Grand Canyons. Next time I'll have to try to ride it. There, the program includes Piva Lake and the Piva Monastery, and the route is longer.
What to take with you on an excursion to the canyons of the Tara and Moraca rivers?
Journey through the canyons of the Tara and Moraca rivers. Our impressions.
This is the longest of all excursions that are offered in Montenegro (about 14 hours). That's why it starts very early We were picked up at half past six in the morning.
DEFINITELY try on the bus sit on the right.
So you will see several times more - all the sights and beautiful landscapes will be on the right.
The first move will not be too long. The guide quietly broadcasts about the history of Montenegro and the heroic struggle of the Montenegrin people against a variety of invaders (mostly Turks). Tourists are gradually waking up.
First you will cross the Skadar Lake - you can admire the lilies. Then you will pass the city (the capital of Montenegro), where you will talk about Vysotsky and Pushkin
Moraca river canyon
Useful advice
If you are not interested in coffee, go around the cafe, there will be a small bridge. All photos below were taken on the bridge.
First stop planned at the beginning of the Moraca river canyon. By and large, there is nothing particularly surprising here - it is designed for tourists to wake up and drink morning coffee in a cafe. We had a pretty good breakfast at home, and therefore went to take pictures.
Here it is, how beautiful it is - the Moraca River.
Second stop will be in the place where the amazingly beautiful canyon of the Moraca River begins. The landscapes unfolding before your eyes are truly dizzying.
Moraca monastery
Bend of the Tara River
One of the most beautiful places in the Tara Canyon is the bend of the river. In this place, it bends in the form of a huge horseshoe. Unfortunately, you will have to take pictures through the glass of the bus - the place is dangerous and tourists are not allowed out of it.
Stop for lunch
We had lunch in a beautiful restaurant in the mountains. Choice a more hearty meat meal (a chop with three kinds of meat) or fish (two fried river trout the size of a palm) was offered. All this goes with wine and salad. They give another piece of watermelon or a banana :-) Why? We don't know either. Couldn't you find local, mountain fruits or berries?
We ordered one meat and one fish dish and then just divided them in half.
For an additional 2 euros, you can also try Montenegrin soup - chorba. We advise. It is tasty and satisfying. The coffee here is also very good (in 2018, a cup cost 0.5 euros).
Dzhurdzhevich Tara Bridge
About we wrote a separate article. Here we will only clarify the most important details. This is the most beautiful place in the whole trip. The panorama is simply unreal.
Imagine that there are mountains around. Somewhere far below, the mighty Tara River flows, along which tourists swim. Extreme sports on a bungee fly past, and a fresh wind plays in your hair. This is how a person feels on the Dzhurdzhevich Bridge.
There has been no banjo jumping here for several years - it interfered with motorists.
Near the bridge there are two bungees where you can fly over the entire canyon. We recommend the left one, it is half the price (10 euros) and has been working for more than 5 years. Of course, there were no problems in the form of tourists who fell into the abyss.
Guides, on the contrary, invite (probably get their percentage) to the right bungee - it is certified according to all standards and already costs 20 euros. You can ride in pairs. If you are a girl with a graceful physique and want to ride yourself, an instructor will be added to you for weight.
Durmitor National Park and Black Lake
After that, you will begin to climb higher and higher and at some point you will pass through the clouds enveloping the peaks of the mountains. From this moment on, you can consider that you have seen alpine meadows (guides like to call them alpine).
- a corner of untouched nature, lost high among the mountains. Everything here is very beautiful and green. And it rains almost all the time. By the way, we drove from Durmitor Park for about half an hour, and the temperature dropped by 15 degrees. warm clothes.
By the way, here you can draw water in the column, but it does not always work.
You will have about an hour to reach Black Lake and return back. In reality, the road will take a maximum of 30 minutes - leave the rest of the time for a walk in the park.
