Lazar's Canyon

The deepest and longest canyon in eastern Serbia, Lazarev Canyon, is one of the monumental natural wonders located 20 kilometers from Bor and 230 kilometers from Belgrade. The canyon can be reached via a marked trail from the center of Zlot or Lazareva Cave. In parts impassable, with sharp white cliffs resembling jaws, and still not fully explored, it abounds in far-reaching viewpoints and hides over 70 caves, sinkholes, pits, and an exceptionally rich biodiversity. The canyon is surrounded and concealed by rocky ridges like guardians: Malinik, Strnjak, Kornjet, Pogara, and Mikulja. Due to its inaccessibility, it served as a refuge for hajduks throughout history, hiding from the Turks. It is believed that even Emperor Lazar sought shelter here with his army.

The depth of Lazarev Canyon and its components ranges from 200 to 700 meters, and its narrowest parts can almost be touched with outstretched arms. The mysterious system of rivers and tributaries, both above and below ground, which shapes and paints this rugged rock for millennia, can only be glimpsed by humans.

"On a global scale, Lazarev Canyon is distinguished by another insufficiently explored mystery – the ZLOT GEOMAGNETIC ANOMALY. In this canyon, over an area of about 4 square kilometers, a strong magnetism emerges from the Earth's depths, disrupting the north-south magnetic flow on the compass. The Zlot Geomagnetic Anomaly, due to the intensity of the vertical component reaching the value of the normal geomagnetic field in these areas, is known worldwide as one of the larger registered anomalies, alongside the Kursk and Brazilian geomagnetic anomalies. Deviations range from 58 to 81 degrees at distances of just a few meters, while the normal declination for Serbia is around 20 degrees. Such positions can be significant geostrategic fortifications for military bases, airports, as they are resistant to espionage. The first detailed measurements of the declination on the Zlot Geomagnetic Anomaly were conducted by members of the Military Geographical Institute in collaboration with the Mining and Geological Faculty in 1997."

The rich animal life in the canyon includes some of the most fascinating species in Serbia. Among numerous others, you may encounter golden eagles, peregrine falcons, tawny owls, chamois, wolves, foxes, deer, pseudoscorpions, smooth snakes, and vipers.

If your path leads you to Lazarev Canyon, don't miss:

• The largest cave system in Serbia - Lazareva Cave

• The cave with the most beautiful jewelry and hall - Vrenjikica

• Hajdučica

• Mandina Cave

Above the canyon, from various sides, there are several viewpoints offering unreal views, as this canyon is one of the most beautiful in Serbia. Some viewpoints require hiking for several kilometers through forests and meadows, while others offer easy tourist paths with short 2-3 kilometers trails.

Two most famous viewpoints are:

• Dubašnica Viewpoint

• Kovej Viewpoint

For exploring the canyon and its beauty, it is advisable to be accompanied by an experienced guide who will direct you to the right places and reveal all its hidden secrets.

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