Vruća rijeka is the long canyon of the Bar hinterland: about 7 km with more than 30 verticals, the highest 22 m, and about 10 hours of descent for a group of up to five. It runs only at high water and is for experienced canyoners. The entrance is about 30 km from Bar by car. Rikavac and Međureč, the two short canyons by the town, are the summer options; Vruća rijeka is the full-day one.
Key facts
| Length | about 7 km |
| Verticals | more than 30; the highest 22 m |
| Time | about 10 h for a group of up to 5 |
| Entrance | about 30 km from Bar, by car |
| Water | passable only at high water |
| Level | experienced canyoners only |
| Emergency number | 112 |
The canyon
More than 30 abseils spread over 7 km make Vruća rijeka a different undertaking from the short canyons near Bar: a group of five needs about 10 hours from the entrance to the exit, with the longest vertical at 22 m. It is one of the canyons that stand for canyoning in Montenegro, alongside Nevidio, Grlja in Prokletije, Škurda above Kotor, the Cijevna, Drenovštica and Sopot.
When to go
Only at high water. Rikavac and Međureč are done in summer; Vruća rijeka, Suva rijeka and Nikezića potok go only when the river is full. Ask the Bar tourist office or a canyoning guide about the water level before you plan the day.
Guides and safety
Experienced canyoners only: more than 30 verticals, about 10 hours and high water. Go with a guide who knows the canyon, follow the advice of the Mountain Rescue Service and keep the emergency number 112 to hand.
Getting there
The entrance is about 30 km from Bar and reachable by car. Bar itself is on the coast road and the Bar page has the ways into town; Rumija is the mountain behind it.
The Bar canyons
| Canyon | Length | Verticals | Time | When |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rikavac, near Stari Bar | 1 km | 6 | - | summer |
| Međureč | about 2 km | 12, up to 32 m | about 3.5 h for up to 5 | summer |
| Vruća rijeka | about 7 km | more than 30, up to 22 m | about 10 h for up to 5 | high water; experienced canyoners only |
| Suva rijeka | - | - | - | high water; professionals only |
| Nikezića potok | - | - | - | high water; professionals only |
All of them, with Nevidio on Durmitor and Škurda above Kotor, are on the canyoning hub.
Questions
Is Vruća rijeka for beginners?
No. It is for experienced canyoners: more than 30 verticals, about 10 hours, high water.
When is there enough water?
Only at high water. Rikavac and Međureč are the summer canyons; for Vruća rijeka ask the Bar tourist office or a guide about the level.
How far is it from Bar?
About 30 km by car to the entrance.
Highlights
- About 7 km, more than 30 verticals, highest 22 m
- About 10 hours for a group of up to five
- Passable only at high water
- Experienced canyoners only; entrance 30 km from Bar
Draft, not yet checked · How we check facts
