Ovčar Banja – Gorge, Monasteries and Thermal Waters

Ovčar Banja is located in the Ovčar-Kablar Area of Exceptional Landscape Importance. The town is surrounded by rivers, lakes and extensive green areas of the Ovčar and Kablar mountains, which rise to 985 m and 885 m respectively. The Ovčar-Kablar Gorge is protected as a landscape of exceptional importance and as a natural area of exceptional importance, and is classified as Category I. It is also part of Serbia’s ecological network and designated as an IBA and Emerald site.

For orientation in the town, Banja Lek is located in the center of Ovčar Banja.

The gorge derives its character from the combination of watercourses, wooded mountains and distinctive landforms. One section of Banjski potok features canyon-like formations, several waterfalls and a large tufa terrace. Marked hiking trails from Ovčar Banja lead to monasteries and offer views of the wooded mountains and the West Morava.

This makes it possible to experience natural and cultural aspects together along the documented trails. The marked cycling routes in the Ovčar-Kablar Gorge pass viewpoints, old roads, tunnels, monasteries, waterfalls, springs, churches and shrines. From the gorge, you can also explore the West Morava and Međuvršje Lake by boat.

Blagoveštenje Monastery is located on a hill above the settlement of Ovčar Banja. It preserves the Blagoveštenje Gospel, created in 1372. Kađenica Cave can be reached on the right bank of the West Morava, 1 km upstream from Ovčar Banja. The access has been improved; the main hall, with suggested stalactite and stalagmite formations, is also a sacred memorial site.

The Ovčar-Kablar Gorge encompasses ten monasteries and two holy sites. As a result, the landscape is not the only consideration when choosing a place to stay; the area also has a clearly documented religious and historical focus.

A regatta is traditionally held in Ovčar Banja every year in July. The fishing waters within the protected area of the Ovčar-Kablar Gorge are designated as the PIO fishing area “Ovčarsko-kablarska klisura”. This designation describes the status of the area, not automatically any additional services or a specific use on site.

For further travel comparisons, you can also include Ivanjica, Ozrem, Leušići, Grab, Gornja Trepča, Gornji Banjani, Trudelj and Guča.

How warm are the thermal waters of Ovčar Banja?

The thermal waters have a temperature of 35 to 38 °C. There is evidence that they have been used to treat people since Roman times, through the Middle Ages and the Ottoman period, and into the 19th century.

How far away are the waterfalls of Banjski potok?

The waterfalls of Banjski potok are about 1.4 km from Ovčar Banja. Because of the narrow road and limited parking and turning options, visitors should walk the entire distance.

What does the nature center display?

The nature center is located in the center of Ovčar Banja. It displays specimens of vertebrate species from the Ovčar-Kablar Gorge, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. There is also a room for educational activities and presentations. Visitors can learn there about the gorge’s natural assets, the importance of environmental protection and the tourist offer.

For the higher-level travel overview: Moravica District.