Perućac lake, created after the construction of the dam on the river Drina, is an ideal destination for relaxation in untouched nature or for a great fishing experience
The artificial lake Perućac is located in Western Serbia, on the very border with Bosnia & Herzegovina, at the altitude of 290 meters. It was created by damming the flow of the Drina river and construction of the hydroelectric power plaint “Bajina Bašta”. The surface of the lake is 12 square kilometers while its depth reaches 60 meters.
Perućac is the fishing paradise as the lake abounds in fish. The annual huchen fishing competition is organized on the lake and some fishermen can boast with enviable trophies. The lake is also rich in the European chub, catfish and carp.
In the beautiful surroundings of the nearby Tara mountain, all you need is a fishing rod, a fishing license that can be issued by any of local Fishery Associations, and a little of “fishermen’s luck”. You don’t have to be a passionate fisherman to have a great time on Perućac lake.
Besides the Tara National Park, you can also visit the nearby Mokra Gora and Drvengrad (Wooden town) – an ethno village of the famous Serbian film director Emir Kusturica.
Use this unique opportunity to take a ride on the “Ćira” – an old steam train and true tourist attraction. The steam train will take you on a ride on a narrow railroad known as the Šargan Eight.
Another attraction of this area is the waterfall on the Vrelo river, probably the shortest river in the world that empties into the Drina. The Vrelo is exactly 365 meters long so the locals say that “it’s bright as the eye and a year long”.
You must visit the famous old bridge of the Grand Vizier Mehmed Pasha Sokolović from the Nobel Prize winner Ivo Andrić’s book “The Bridge on the Drina”, located just 25 kilometers from the Perućac lake in Bosnia & Herzegovina.
All adrenaline addicts eager for thrill and excitement will enjoy their stay on Perućac lake. Each year in July the famous Drina regatta takes place here. Participate in the regatta through the steep canyons.
The race is 25 kilometers long, and the number of participants increases every year, thus making it one of the most important races in Serbia. We assure you that you will have a time of your life and you will meet lots of new friends.
The archaeological site “Mramorje” in Perućac hides a medieval necropolis with tomb stones – stećci, some of which date from the 14th and the 15th century. Different in size and making, these limestone standing tombstones can be 2 meters long and up to 1 meter high. Only several of these standing tombstones are decorated with a sword, shield, circle and half moon shaped ornaments.
The archaeological site Mramorje is protected as a cultural monument of exceptional importance due to its historical and cultural value.
How to get to this emerald lake?
If you are travelling from the direction of Belgrade with your own transportation, the fastest way to get there is to take the Belgrade-Valjevo-Bajina Bašta regional road (150km), although it is also possible to go via Užice (180km).
The buses from Belgrade to Perućac leave three times a day. And if you are coming from another town with no direct bus line, then it is best to go to Bajina Bašta where we suggest taking a local bus or taxi to Perućac.
If you are already here, don’t miss…
Numerous Drina reggatas, rafting and kayak or canoe adventures on the very lake and on the Drina river during the whole summer.
The biggest regatta is organized during the last ten days of July, and it is followed by the “Most fest” (eng. Bridge fest) where the most famous Serbian bands and artists perform.
Don’t miss walking around the Tara National Park and enjoying all the wonders of this mountain and its wild nature, with the unavoidable culinary specialties of this region.
In the first half of August you can’t miss the Guča brass festival, one of the most visited and most famous festivals in Serbia.
Photo: Flickr.com
Irene Becker
