What is the longest river in Montenegro?

Montenegro, the pearl of the Balkans, hides in its depths natural wonders that take your breath away. Among these wonders, the Tara River is proud of its title as the longest river in the country (158 km), but its attributes make it not only the largest in Montenegro but also one of the most beautiful and challenging rivers in Europe and the world.

Tara River, Photo: Bear Lissimo, Unsplash

With its impressive canyon 80 kilometers long, which is considered one of the deepest in the world (1,300 meters), Tara competes with the legendary Colorado. But when it comes to beauty, Tara crosses all boundaries and leaves an unparalleled impression. Its source is located under the massive Komovi mountains, where two rivers, Opasanica and Veruša, meet to create this wild beauty.

The last 40 kilometers of the course of the Tara River cross the border and enter neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina, thus forming a natural connection between the two countries. On the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Tara joins the Piva River, creating the imposing Drina River.

Tara River near Šćepan polje on the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Photo: Adria.fun

What makes Tara special is its status on the UNESCO list of protected areas. Tara and its canyon meet as many as three key criteria for achieving the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These are biological phenomena, hydrological phenomena, and geological phenomena, making this natural oasis exceptional on a global scale.

Tara is a true jewel of Europe, the wildest, most beautiful, and cleanest river on the old continent. Above all, Tara is a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preserving its pearls for future generations.

Bridge on the Tara River, Photo: czu_czu_PL, Pixabay