Study Visit Serbia

During the second half of May 2025, the delegation of trail markers, volunteers, outdoor organisers, tourism club members, civic associations, youth workers, and local initiators from Slovakia, Serbia, and Austria participated in the third Trails study visit, held in the picturesque surroundings of the Tara National Park near Bajina Bašta, Serbia. 

The two-day programme facilitated by MAS (Mountaineering Association of Serbia) offered a rich mix of presentations, practical excursions, workshops, and cultural experiences:

On Saturday, the MAS – Planinarski klub Tara – delivered a presentation focusing on youth and hiking in Serbia. Following that, participants headed into the field on the marked hiking routes, where they learned trail marking techniques, navigation skills, and how public sectors collaborate with local tourism clubs.

On Sunday, the group visited the Tara National Park’s tourist centre to explore the sustainable trail network in person. This was followed by hiking sessions from Mitrovac to Banjska Stena and then to Rastište. The day concluded with a reflective session where participants shared insights and impressions.

During the weekend, participants collectively cleared about 1 km of a new trail segment and Serbian youth, under the supervision of an experienced trail marker, marked the route as part of the practical work.

Tara National Park is one of Europe’s most precious forested areas, situated in the northwest of Serbia along the Drina River. It is characterized by mixed forests, a high concentration of endemic plant and animal species, and the famous Serbian spruce (Picea omorika). The park is also home to Serbia’s largest brown bear population, and its peaks range from 1,000 to 1,600 m above sea level.

This study visit demonstrated that combining volunteering, outdoor activity, and cross-sectoral collaboration can lead to sustainable and well-maintained hiking trails.

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