Canyoning: fun descents
This popular form of active recreation and professional sport originated in France in the 1980s when climbers began making descents down waterfalls as a separate activity. Today, unspoilt canyons such as Nevidio and Rikovaс in Montenegro attract thousands of people because of their routes, which are suitable for both beginners and professionals.
Canyoning is like traveling through a natural water park. You descend the canyon along with the flowing water. Where the water goes, you go. You can jump into cool pools, slide down smooth rocks, or descend a rope along a waterfall. It's wildly beautiful!
• What does it look like?
You walk through a narrow canyon, sometimes on foot, sometimes swimming and sometimes carefully descending while secured by a rope. There are routes with a lot of water (called "wet") or almost no water ("dry"). This depends on the location, the time of year and the rainfall the day before.
• What do you need?
You will need a neoprene suit like those used for rafting to keep you warm in the water, a helmet and non-slip shoes. We provide everything except the shoes. Any trainers with a textured sole are suitable. The guides will help with ropes and other equipment.
• Where can you try it?
We organise canyoning trips in Montenegro, where you can jump into turquoise pools and ride natural slides, all while surrounded by stunning landscapes. There are several such routes in Montenegro. The most famous of these is the Nevidio Canyon. It is very popular and accessible for independent visits. For our programmes, however, we have chosen the Rikovac area near Bar. This route is ideal for those who want to try a new activity and is also beautiful and diverse. And the team of guides leading it is wonderful!
Here's a tip for beginners: when canyoning, it's important to distribute your body weight correctly. When abseiling down a waterfall, keep your feet wider than shoulder-width apart and bend your knees slightly. This will help you to "stick" to the rock rather than dangle. Another life hack: if you're afraid of jumping into the pool, sit on the edge of the rock first and slide down smoothly. In the Rikovac Canyon, for example, such jumps are usually no higher than 2–3 metres, so even beginners quickly get used to it. Wearing a neoprene suit makes the water seem less cold — they really help, even if you would normally freeze in a regular pool!
Canyoning is all about having fun in the water and feeling like the hero of an adventure movie. It is physically demanding, but with the help of guides, it is accessible even to beginners.
Via ferrata: conquering rocks and moving upwards
The via ferrata is an invention with a history! Such routes first appeared in the Alps during the First World War, when Italian and Austrian soldiers laid cables and ladders in the mountains to facilitate movement. Today, via ferrata is all about adventure, not war. In Serbia, for instance, the Gornjak route allows you to enjoy the scenery while keeping you safe.
It's similar to rock climbing, but easier and safer. A sturdy cable is stretched across the rock face and there are metal brackets and ladders to help you climb. It's like a walk in the mountains, but with the added bonus of spectacular views!
• What does it look like?
You climb up the rock in regular shoes, using staples, steps, stones and ropes periodically to help you move forward. Special harnesses with carabiners prevent you from falling. The difficulty of the routes is indicated by letters ranging from A to D.
There are short (30–60 minutes) and easy routes (A), or long ones up to the very top, which require very good physical fitness and experience, and take 3–5 hours (D).
• What do you need?
You will need a helmet, a climbing harness, a safety harness with carabiners and a special shock-absorbing device. Comfortable shoes are the only thing you will need to bring yourself. Simple routes are suitable even if you have never climbed before.
• Where can you try it?
We organise via ferrata trips in Serbia on several different routes. The most popular of these is Gornjak, which has a long B-level route with C elements and stunning views of the surrounding mountains, forests and valleys. What does "with C elements" mean? It means that there are several short, difficult sections on the route. But don't worry if you find them challenging — our experienced guides will assist you and pull you up with a rope.
Via ferrata routes in Serbia also offer a journey through geology. On Gornjak, for example, the rocks are limestone that was the bottom of an ancient sea millions of years ago. Sometimes, you can see tiny shells or traces of coral right under your feet. In some parts of the route, the wind in the gorge creates a slight echo and, if you shout, the sound reflects off the rocks.
Via ferrata is all about height, the euphoria of conquering the rocks and the sense of being a real climber. The most important thing is not to be afraid of heights and to follow the guides.
Why are they so similar?
Canyoning and via ferrata offer a similar experience: you are in the mountains, surrounded by untamed nature, overcoming obstacles and feeling alive. Both activities:
• Give you an adrenaline rush and vivid emotions
• Allow you to see places that are not easily accessible
• Are suitable for beginners if you have experienced guides with you
• Require basic equipment such as a helmet, harness and comfortable shoes.
However, there are also differences:
• Canyoning involves descending, often through water. You swim, jump and slide while enjoying the elements.
• Via ferrata involves climbing or moving along rocks. You climb while admiring the views and are always attached to a rope.
• Canyoning is more about water and dynamics, while via ferrata is about height and calm, yet breathtaking, views.
In summary: Pros & Cons
Canyoning
Pros:
• It's fun — like being in a natural amusement park
• Unique canyons and waterfalls
• Lots of action: swimming, jumping and abseiling
Cons:
• You need to be able to swim at least a little
• You need more equipment than for a via ferrata
• Slippery rocks require caution
Via ferrata
Pros:
• It is safe thanks to ropes and carabiners.
• Stunning mountain views.
• Easy routes are ideal for beginners.
Cons:
• This is not for you if you are afraid of heights.
• The routes become unsafe in rain or snow and are cancelled.
• You need to attach carabiners carefully.
Which one to try first?
• Do you love water and are you ready to get wet? Canyoning in Montenegro is perfect for you! It's a dynamic adventure involving jumps and slides. With our expert guides, you can enjoy the thrill of the activity safely.
• Do you dream of climbing a rock and seeing the world from above? Try via ferrata in the Balkans! It's slightly more challenging for beginners, but the mountain views will inspire you to seek out new adventures.
• Can't decide? Why not try canyoning? It's a little easier and is the perfect introduction to this type of adventure. Then come to us for via ferrata for an extra dose of excitement and thrills!
• Both canyoning and via ferrata offer similar thrills: the freedom of the mountains and the excitement of overcoming challenges. Canyoning is all about water thrills and natural slides, while via ferrata is about conquering rocks and enjoying breathtaking views. With our expert guides in the Balkans, you can safely and enjoyably experience both activities.
Join us and discover the world of mountain adrenaline!