Montenegro's Iconic Canyon Crossing
The Đurđevića Tara Bridge (Đurđevića Tara Most) is a concrete arch bridge spanning the Tara River Canyon, one of the deepest river canyons in Europe. Located in northern Montenegro near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, the bridge has become an iconic symbol of the country and a testament to engineering prowess and human determination.
The bridge connects the regions of Sandžak and Durmitor, linking the villages along both sides of the spectacular Tara River Canyon. When it was completed in 1940, it was the largest vehicular concrete arch bridge in Europe and represented a significant engineering achievement for its time.
The Đurđevića Tara Bridge has a compelling history that intertwines engineering prowess with wartime heroism.
The bridge was designed by Mijat Trojanović, a Serbian engineer, and construction began in 1937. At the time, it was a major infrastructure project for the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, aimed at connecting the isolated regions of Montenegro. Built primarily by local workers, the bridge was completed in 1940 at a cost of approximately 40 million Yugoslav dinars.
The bridge's most dramatic chapter occurred during World War II. In 1942, as Italian Fascist forces were advancing through Montenegro, Yugoslav Partisan forces made the difficult decision to partially destroy the bridge to prevent enemy troops from crossing the canyon.
Lazar Jauković, a local engineer who had participated in the bridge's construction, led the operation to destroy the central arch. This act of sabotage prevented the Italian forces from crossing the canyon but resulted in Jauković's capture and execution shortly thereafter. His sacrifice is commemorated by a memorial plaque near the bridge.
After World War II, the bridge was fully reconstructed in 1946. The rebuilding process maintained the original design while incorporating some modern strengthening techniques. Since then, the bridge has undergone several renovations to ensure its structural integrity while preserving its historical character, with major restoration work completed in 1996 and 2018.
The Đurđevića Tara Bridge is renowned for its elegant design and advanced engineering, particularly considering the time of its construction.
Building the bridge presented numerous challenges due to the remote location and the extreme depth of the canyon. Materials had to be transported on poor mountain roads, and scaffolding had to be erected in the deep canyon. The construction team used innovative techniques, including:
The engineering was so sound that even after the central arch was damaged during World War II, the rest of the structure remained intact and serviceable.
The Đurđevića Tara Bridge is not just a transportation link but also serves as a center for adventure tourism and sightseeing in Montenegro.
One of the most popular activities at the bridge is zip-lining across the canyon. Several operators offer this thrilling experience, with steel cables running parallel to the bridge, allowing visitors to soar over the Tara River at speeds of up to 50 km/h. The longest zip-line spans approximately 1 kilometer and provides an unparalleled perspective of both the bridge and the canyon.
The Tara River below the bridge offers some of Europe's best white water rafting. Rafting trips often pass under the bridge, providing a spectacular view from below. The rafting season typically runs from April to October, with peak water levels in May and June.
Several hiking trails start near the bridge, leading to viewpoints that offer stunning vistas of the structure and the canyon. The most popular trail leads to a panoramic viewpoint approximately 2 kilometers from the bridge.
The bridge is one of Montenegro's most photographed landmarks. The best photography spots include:
Prices may vary by season and operator. Booking in advance is recommended during peak summer months.
The Đurđevića Tara Bridge is located in northern Montenegro, approximately:
The bridge itself is accessible to vehicles and pedestrians. However, viewpoints and adventure activities may involve uneven terrain, steps, or steep paths that could be challenging for those with mobility limitations.
The Đurđevića Tara Bridge is surrounded by natural beauty and other attractions worth exploring:
Just a short drive from the bridge, Durmitor National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring dramatic mountain landscapes, 18 glacial lakes, and diverse flora and fauna. The park offers numerous hiking trails, skiing in winter, and opportunities to observe wildlife.
Located near Žabljak, Black Lake is the largest glacial lake in Durmitor National Park. A 3.5 km walking trail circles the lake, offering beautiful views and easy hiking.
Extending for 82 kilometers and reaching depths of up to 1,300 meters, the Tara River Canyon is the deepest in Europe and second deepest in the world after the Grand Canyon. Multiple viewpoints along the canyon offer spectacular vistas.
The highest town in the Balkans (1,456 m), Žabljak serves as the main gateway to Durmitor National Park. It offers accommodation, restaurants, and serves as a base for exploring the region.
For adventure seekers, the nearby Nevidio Canyon offers one of Europe's most challenging canyoneering experiences, with narrow passages, waterfalls, and natural pools.
| Attraction | Distance from Bridge | Approximate Driving Time |
|---|---|---|
| Durmitor National Park (main entrance) | 20 km | 30 minutes |
| Black Lake | 22 km | 35 minutes |
| Žabljak town center | 18 km | 25 minutes |
| Nevidio Canyon | 45 km | 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Biogradska Gora National Park | 85 km | 2 hours |
Beyond its practical function and tourist appeal, the Đurđevića Tara Bridge holds deep cultural significance for Montenegro.
The bridge has become one of Montenegro's most recognizable landmarks and a symbol of national pride. It frequently appears in tourism promotions, literature, and artistic representations of the country.
The dramatic setting and compelling history of the bridge have inspired numerous writers, poets, and artists. The structure appears in several Montenegrin poems and novels, often symbolizing resilience and the connection between divided lands.
The bridge and surrounding canyon have served as filming locations for several international productions, including scenes from the 1978 World War II film "Force 10 from Navarone" starring Harrison Ford and Robert Shaw.
The bridge serves as a memorial to the partisan resistance during World War II, particularly honoring Lazar Jauković, whose sacrifice is commemorated with a plaque near the bridge.