Jerma River Canyon is a Serbian balcony road
Jerma River is one of the most beautiful canyons in Serbia. Located on the south-eastern part of the country, the gorge of the river is also known as Vlaška Gorge.
The road within the canyon is paved. It’s called Road 223. At its very entrance near the village of Vlasi, the surrounding cliffs are over 200 m high. The canyon is located near the border with Bulgaria. The road is extremely narrow and in some sections is impassable for 2 cars at the same time. The ravines had been completely impassable until 1927. A narrow-gage railway route was built at that time (for the needs of the coalmine ‘Rakita'). The mine was closed during the 60s of the previous century, and an asphalt road replaced the route during the 70s.
Falling rocks and early snow cause road to close. The road features a few tunnels. It’s certainly breathtaking and it has a fearsome reputation. The main risk on this curvy and narrow mountainous road which rarely permits speeds over 30km/h is coming around a blind corner and discover a vehicle proceeding toward you.