In the second half of May 2025, trail markers from the Slovak Hiking Club (KST) participated in an international study visit in Serbia as part of the TRAILS project. The event took place in the picturesque environment of Tara National Park, near the town of Bajina Bašta. During an intensive weekend, participants had the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of hiking infrastructure, trail marking systems, and volunteer initiatives in the field of hiking.
TRAILS is a project co-funded by the Erasmus+ Sport program, aimed at promoting volunteering among people in the field of marking and maintaining hiking trails. Its main goal is to encourage the younger generation to engage in outdoor activities, build a relationship with nature, and adopt an active approach to the protection and development of natural heritage.
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Main Objectives of the Project:
- Encourage youth and the general public to engage in more physical activity through outdoor recreation and hiking
- Develop volunteer activities in the field of sports and hiking
- Create a network of active hikers and trail markers dedicated to the development and maintenance of hiking infrastructure
- Contribute to the maintenance of hiking trails in EU countries
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Who Participated?
Representatives from several countries—Slovakia, Serbia, and Austria—took part, with participation primarily intended for trail markers, volunteers, organizers of outdoor activities, members of hiking clubs, civic associations, and representatives of local initiatives.
What Did the Program Look Like?
The program was divided into two days. It included presentations by representatives of the Serbian Mountaineering club —Planinarski klub Tara— as well as practical excursions on marked trails and workshops directly in the field. Participants tried their hand at working on hiking trails, became more familiar with trail marking and navigation, and learned about collaboration between the public sector and local hiking clubs. They also visited cultural monuments and UNESCO-listed sites. The program featured hikes, visits to viewpoints, and cooperation with local hiking clubs and institutions. Together, participants cleaned and marked approximately 1 km of a new trail with Serbian youth under the supervision of Mr. Nenad Lečić.
Friday, May 23 – Arrival
- Arrival of participants in Bajina Bašta
- 19:00 Welcome dinner and introductions
Saturday, May 24 – Main Program
- 09:00 Presentations: Serbian Mountain Sports Association – Klub Tara, Youth and Hiking in Serbia
- 10:00 Nature excursion to Orlov Vis – trail marking and maintenance
- 15:00 Workshop with young volunteers on the trail to a UNESCO site
- 18:30 Cultural walk through the town
Sunday, May 25 – Trip to Tara National Park
- 09:45 Visit to the Tara National Park Tourist Center – sustainable network of hiking trails
- 11:00 Hike: Mitrovac – Banjska stena
- 14:30 Hike: Banjska stena – Rastište
- 18:30 Final reflection and evaluation
Monday, May 26 – Departure
Place of event: Tara National Park
Tara National Park is one of Serbia’s most beautiful protected areas, located in the western part of the country near the Drina River. Known for its dense forests, deep gorges, and rich biodiversity, it is home to the rare Pančić’s spruce and many species of wildlife including bears, lynx, and eagles. The park offers a wide network of hiking trails, scenic viewpoints like Banjska stena, and cultural landmarks such as monasteries and traditional villages.
