From September 29 to October 5, 2025, Divčibare in Serbia will host one of Europe’s most unique and demanding archery events: the European 3D Archery Championships.
Against the backdrop of Serbia’s forests and mountainous landscapes, archers from across Europe will compete in a discipline that combines skill, precision, and an intimate connection with nature.
What is 3D Archery?
Unlike target archery conducted on flat ranges, 3D archery challenges participants to shoot at life‑sized animal targets placed in varied terrain — woods, inclines, uneven ground, natural obstacles. Distances are often unmarked, so archers must estimate range, adjust for slopes and elevation, and contend with changing light and foliage. The “3D” in the name emphasizes the three-dimensional environment and unpredictability.
In Divčibare, the courses are specially prepared to blend difficulty with authenticity, aiming to simulate realistic hunting-like conditions.
Venue: Divčibare, Serbia
Divčibare, located on Mount Maljen, offers a naturally rugged and scenic setting for the championships. The forests, ridges, and varied topography make it a perfect stage for 3D archery, both in terms of challenge and aesthetics. The organizers emphasize Serbia’s hospitality and the goal of promoting archery amid natural beauty. euro3dserbia.com
The official invitation outlines the schedule:
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Arrival of delegations: September 27–28
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Practice and equipment inspection: September 29
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Qualification rounds: September 30 – October 1
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Team / Mixed‑Team eliminations & semifinals: October 2
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Individual eliminations & semifinals: October 3
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Finals: October 4
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Awards, closing ceremony, departure: October 5–6
Participation and Scale
A substantial number of countries are participating. According to the entries list:
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Over 24 European nations will send archers to compete.
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Italy, for instance, has 24 athletes (12 men + 12 women) plus 4 officials.
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The host nation, Serbia, fields 17 competitors (10 men + 7 women) plus 3 officials, for a total delegation of 20.
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In total, 218 athletes from across Europe have registered.
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The entries by event listing shows competition in divisions such as men’s compound, indicating a wide array of bow classes.
This size of participation underscores the importance and prestige of the event in the 3D archery calendar.