Lush nature of Mokra Gora merges the spirit of old times and modern era: the old “Šargan Eight” railway, Emir Kusturica’s ethno-village “Drvengrad” and a modern ski center with artificial snow cannons
Steep, exciting relief covered with dense pine forests between Mt. Tara and Mt. Zlatibor was once known as “Markovo polje” (Marko’s field), a place where Marko Kraljević, a Serbian medieval knight and a hero of epic poetry, threw maces from one hill to another, according to traditional folk stories.
Today, however, Mokra Gora (eng. Wet mountain) is better known for its tourist attractions and breathtaking nature surrounded with valleys and gorges of the White and the Black Rzav and the Kamiška River.
Old mountain cabins are scattered across meadows between streams and numerous mineral springs. And contrasting them, new cabins were built in the old traditional style on the hill Mećavnik that dominates in Mokra Gora. Set in a line in cobbled streets cabins create “Drvengrad” (eng. Wooden town), the famous ethno-village of the film director Emir Kusturica.
While filming the “Life is a Miracle”, director was so enchanted by the beauties of Mokra Gora that he decided to come to live here, build a unique village and start a film festival “Kustendorf” that takes place in January.
At that time of the year, Mokra Gora is the perfect destination for skiers as the ski resort “Iver” is located only 10 km up the hill from Drvengrad. New modern ski center is fully equipped for spending a perfect day out in the snow: four ski tracks, ski lifts and artificial snow system.
Nevertheless, the most beautiful way to experience this lush landscape is to take a train ride on old “Ćira” on the “Šargan Eight”, a truly unique narrow railway track.
8-shaped railway cuts through steep and rocky landscape and passes through 22 tunnels and crosses over a dozen of bridges, making passengers unaware of having crossed this unusual winding track from Mokra Gora to Šargan.
At the stops along the way pride of green pines and amazing viewpoints will leave you breathless, with sounds of the nearby waterfalls.
Mineral waters spring out deep in forest, and the best known spring is “Bele vode” (White water). It is said that its miraculous water cures eye diseases, therefore once at Mokra Gora numerous tourist will also come here to invigorate their eyes.
Covered with mountain flora, the “Hajdučka” and the “Crvena” (Red) caves treasure the secrets of hajduci (hero freedom fighters in the Balkans) while the remains of a Roman road and cemeteries indicate that in the time of the Roman Empire a significant road was leading through this area.
This landscape isn’t appealing only to humans, but also to numerous rare animal species that found their home in these forests. Capercaillie, Short-toed Snake Eagle, brown bear, wolf and wild cat are just some of them.
All these beauties of Mokra Gora won’t leave anyone indifferent as the landscape connecting two nature’s perfections, Mt. Tara and Mt. Zlatibor, must truly be something outstanding.
How to get to the mountain with the winding Šargan railroad?
The nature park Mokra Gora is located about 210 km from Belgrade and 290 km from Niš, and you can reach it by car, by bus or by train.
If you’re using your own transport, it is best to take the highway from Belgrade to Montenegro.
If coming from Niš, the road to Mokra Gora leads across Kruševac, Čačak, Požega, Užice and Zlatibor. In Zlatibor the road separates leading to Nova Varoš and Višegrad. You need to take the road leading to Višegrad in order to get to Mokra Gora.
On the other hand, if you decide for bus, there are regular bus lines from all bigger cities in Serbia that will take you to Užice and Zlatibor where you will have to change busses and get on a local bus or take a taxi that will take you to Mokra Gora.
The train will take you to Užice and then you will have to get a bus to Drvengrad.
When you are already here, don’t miss…
Visiting Zlatibor and Zlatibor area, as well as the town of Čajetina where you can visit the traditional manifestation “Pršutijada” and taste some local specialties prepared according to well kept secret recipes.
Be sure to visit the National Park Tara and enjoy the beauties of Zaovine Lake and Perućac Lake.
If traveling in summer, you shouldn’t miss rafting on the Drina River at some of famous Drina regattas.
