Special Nature Reserve Uvac

Special Nature Reserve Uvac is a large protected area in southwestern Serbia featuring steep limestone cliffs that form deep canyons with walls reaching hundreds of meters high. The Uvac River runs through this landscape, cutting through the rock over time and creating a landscape of dramatic vertical walls and winding passages.

The reserve was officially established in 1971 to protect the land and its wildlife, particularly the griffon vultures whose numbers had dropped dangerously low across the region. This protection allowed the vulture population to slowly recover and become a defining feature of the landscape.

People living near the reserve have long used the land for farming and herding in ways that fit with nature rather than against it. You can see this balance when you visit, as some areas show both wildlife and traditional ways of life.

The main way to see the reserve is by boat on the river, with tours starting from a visitor center that fills up quickly during the warmer months so booking ahead is helpful. You can also walk along the top of the canyon for a different view, though the paths are uneven and require sturdy shoes and some fitness.

The river forms a series of unusual bends that from above look almost like the letter M, shaping the landscape in a fascinating way. These natural curves developed over millions of years as water carved through the soft limestone layer.