This small town in western Serbia sits along the Drina River, near Tara National Park. The area is known for its floating house on the river and local plum brandy production.
Bajina Bašta, a town of 9,000 residents in western Serbia, sits at the edge of Tara National Park along the Drina River. You can hike through Tara Mountain's pine forests, visit the 13th-century Rača Monastery, or swim in mountain springs. The town is known for its unusual house built on a rock in the middle of the Drina River, and many visitors come to spot brown bears in their natural habitat or join thousands of participants during the annual Drina Regatta festival in July.
Getting to Bajina Bašta
The drive from Belgrade takes approximately 2.5 hours in good weather, covering 200 kilometers through mountainous terrain. During winter months, the journey can extend to 3-4 hours due to snow conditions. Regular bus services connect Belgrade to Bajina Bašta, with journey times between 3 hours 45 minutes and 5 hours 20 minutes.
The Drina River House
A small wooden cabin has stood on a rock in the middle of the Drina River since 1969. Local youth built the structure as a sunbathing and swimming spot, bringing materials by boat. The house has withstood decades of changing water levels and gained international recognition when National Geographic selected it as their "Photo of the Day." While the house remains private property, you can take photos from several spots along the riverbank.
Exploring Tara National Park
Tara National Park covers 300 square kilometers, with marked hiking paths winding through pine and Serbian Spruce (Picea omorika) forests. The park's wildlife includes brown bears, roe deer, and chamois. You can stay at mountain resorts like Kaluđerske bare, which has swimming pools and ski runs. From the Banjska Stena lookout point, you can see across the Drina valley and into neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Local Food and Culture
Restaurants in Bajina Bašta cook traditional Serbian dishes using ingredients from nearby farms. The Drina Regatta, held each July, brings thousands of people to the river for music and boat parades. The 13th-century Rača Monastery sits 4 kilometers from the town center, and you can combine your visit with a walk to the Ladjevac spring.
Climate and Seasons
Bajina Bašta has an oceanic climate with continental influences. Summer temperatures average 25°C (77°F), making it comfortable for river activities and hiking. Winter brings heavy snowfall, with accumulations often exceeding 50cm. The weather can change quickly due to the mountain location, so bring layers and rain gear regardless of season.
