How to drive the dangerous Ibar Highway?

Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers, because the Ibarska Magistrala, or Ibar Highway, is a wild ride connecting Belgrade to western Serbia and Montenegro! Locals sometimes call it the "Black Highway," which should give you a hint about what's in store.

Following the path of the Ibar River, this 297 km (185 mile) stretch takes you from Belgrade all the way to the Špiljani border with Montenegro. It's part of the big-league European routes E65, E80, and E763, so expect some company along the way.

While the whole route is paved, don't expect smooth sailing everywhere. The parts near cities are generally okay, but things can get a little rough in the countryside, especially after some bad weather rolls through. Trust me, you'll want to stick to daytime driving here – night trips are not recommended due to the tricky road conditions. Most of the highway is single-lane and it gets seriously crowded. In the southern section, you'll have the beautiful Ibar River as your constant companion.

Now, for a word of caution: this road sees its fair share of accidents every year. Sadly, between 2017 and 2019, there were over 1,700 accidents, with some resulting in serious injuries and fatalities. So, stay alert, drive carefully, and enjoy the (sometimes hair-raising) adventure!