Lake Zaovine is a pumped-storage reservoir created by the 125 m-high Lazići dam in the valley of the Beli Rzav. The water shapes the landscape, but it is only one part of what makes Zaovine distinctive: the area also includes forested mountain slopes, viewpoints and places with their own cultural history. When planning your trip, it is worth keeping these different aspects in mind rather than viewing Zaovine solely as a lakeside destination.
Lake, Forest and Viewpoints
Zaovine lies in the south of the Tara Mountains, within the Ravna Tara landscape unit. This predominantly forested mountain region includes the settlement of Zaovine, with 28 hamlets. In addition to the lake, the area includes the Beli Rzav Canyon, known as Sklopovi. Zaovine therefore refers to an entire landscape with several named places, not just the body of water.
The area's natural history also has specific points of reference: the Pančić spruce was discovered in 1875 at Sklopovi, near the village of Zaovine, by botanist Josif Pančić. Above Zmajev Potok, a forest community of Pančić spruces, spruces and pines grows on serpentinite. These botanical features offer a different focus from views of water and mountain peaks.
The Zmajevac viewpoint is in Zaovine in the Tara Mountains; from there, the view stretches across Lake Zaovine and the surrounding peaks. Zmajevac is on a gravel road connecting Sekulić in Zaovine with Mokra Gora. Another viewpoint is Janjač, whose panorama encompasses the Zaovine area and the Tara Massif. The two viewpoints therefore differ mainly in which parts of the landscape they bring to the fore.
Trails and Destinations in the Area
The 1,473 m-high peak of Janjač lies above Gornje Karaklije on the border between Serbia and Republika Srpska in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It can be reached via a themed trail through the village of Karaklije. Its elevation, border location and views of Zaovine and the Tara Massif give the peak a distinct geographical setting.
Ravna Stena, also called Grad, is in Zaovine, near the Lazići dam and Lake Spajići. The monolith, formed by erosion, has a viewpoint and the remains of a former Early Byzantine fortification. Marked hiking trail No. 29 leads there; the national park lists it as the Luke–Ravna Stena (Grad) route. The national park's trail network is being reconstructed, so check current trail conditions before setting out.
There are also different ways to enjoy the water: swimming in Lake Zaovine is possible in summer, but there is no designated swimming beach. Most visitors swim near the Lazići dam. Lake Spajići in the hamlet of Đurići is considered a suitable picnic spot. Swimming and picnicking are therefore two specific, but different, reasons to include the area's lakes in your plans.
Cultural Heritage and Regional Cuisine
The area's cultural heritage includes the house of Rada Jelisičić in Zaovine, which is a cultural monument. The village is also home to a wooden church dating from the 18th or 19th century, designated as cultural property. At Crkvine, at the foot of Grad, lie the remains of a medieval basilica. On Ravna Stena, the remains of the former Early Byzantine fortification recall another historical period.
The wider area’s cultural heritage also includes Old Vlach log houses and seasonal shepherds’ huts known as bačije. They are a rural reflection of the region's way of life. Visitors can sample milk, cheese, kajmak and meat products made in the Tara region at traditional rural log houses in the village of Zaovine. These products are rooted in a livestock-raising tradition that has existed in the area for centuries.
Discover more destinations: Rudine, Nova Varoš, Tvrdići, Gostilje, Kosjerić, Mokra Gora, Priboj, Sainovina.
For the main travel overview: Zlatibor District.
