Lazar's Canyon

Lazarev Kanjon is cut some five hundred metres deep into the limestone of the Kučaj massif, and in places the walls close to a few metres apart; up to 9 km long, it is the deepest and longest canyon in eastern Serbia. The rock is riddled with caves, over a hundred recorded in the immediate area, of which Lazar's Cave at the canyon mouth is developed with lighting and a guided route through decorated halls. Walking into the canyon itself is a serious undertaking: the route follows the streambed, involves scrambling and wading, and is impassable in high water. Griffon vultures were reintroduced in the wider region and are seen overhead. The surrounding plateau is empty forest with almost no settlement.

History

Under Ottoman rule the canyon was a hiding place for the outlaws of Homolje, and legend says that in 1371 the horsemen of Prince Lazar came to the area and stayed in the canyon for some time (Wikipedia, Lazar's Canyon).

The landscape

• The narrow gorge - walls five hundred metres high closing to a few metres.
• Lazar's Cave - the lit show cave at the canyon mouth.
• Karst plateau - forested limestone country above the gorge.
• Griffon vultures - reintroduced birds soaring over the walls.

When to go

May to October; the canyon walk needs low water, so late summer and autumn are best and spring melt makes it impassable. The show cave is open year round with reduced winter hours.

Practical notes

The canyon route is not a marked trail: it involves wading, scrambling and route-finding, and people get into difficulty here. Water levels change fast after rain. The show cave is the accessible option and takes an hour. Facilities are minimal and the roads in are rough.

Nearby

Bor lies northeast; Rtanj is southwest.

Key facts