SERBIAN SECRETS …
We have all had so much time to think about where we will go when the borders finally open. It is going to be a very exciting time for everyone, but how many of you have Serbia on your list? Did you know that Serbia is very popular for its Spas and Wellness Centres? Hiking and National Parks? Well read on and we think you will agree that you need to revisit that list and Serbia needs to be on it.
There’s a good chance you will arrive into Belgrade so let’s look at just some of the spectacular things to see whilst you are in Belgrade. Firstly if you are up for it, rather than rent a car why not rent a bike and go on a cycle tour of the city – either a guided one or grab a map and go off and explore on your own. Great way to see the city. There is of course the Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing bus for those of you who don’t considering cycling part of your relaxing break, or, if you want a more authentic experience, ride 1960’s style on the luxury train that Josip Tito used to travel around Yugoslavia. This trip is noted as being one of the most scenic rail journeys in Europe with the 296 mile route passing over 435 bridges and through 54 tunnels, though the cost might be prohibitive.
Starting with Kalemegdan – this famous fortress envelopes the finest park in the city and within the grounds you will find museums and monuments. So much history surrounds this fortress, Kalemegdan and St. Sava battle it out to be the highlight of Belgrade.
And whilst you are exploring Kalemegdan visit the Ruzica Church tucked into the side of the fortress. There you will see some frescoed walls, lit by 2 chandeliers made entirely from spent bullet casings, swords and cannon parts. A magnificent example of recycling/upcycling!
Church of St. Sava – This monolithic building dominates the city landscape, built on the spot where the Ottomans burnt St. Sava’s relics, both the history and the architecture make this gigantic church a must to visit.
You are going to need to eat during your time in Belgrade and there are just so many places to choose from, however, the Gavez Klub was recommended because of its location and because it specialises in homemade, healing rakijas. Tucked away in an urban forest along the Sava River the restaurant is also used as a venue for concerts, weddings, yoga classes etc. It is a popular gathering place for locals and the Gavez herb is used in Folk Medicine to ‘fix bones’ and local folklore describes its use for magic by witches. A real restaurant with a difference!
Day trips from Belgrade? So much to choose from and you would be best to rent a car and have the freedom of your own transport. Remember, drive on the right, speed limits are enforced and on the spot fines are issued. And here’s a piece of very useful information …. 112 is the free emergency number in all 27 EU member states – an operator will connect you to the emergency services, 24/7, for the country you are in and usually they speak English as well as their native language. Also works in the UK. Put that one in your phone! Ok so car sorted, let’s get on the road.
Heading first to Uvac Special Nature Reserve – considered to be the most beautiful in Serbia. Take a 4 hour boat cruise, meandering along the reserve visiting Ledena Ice Cave, which is part of the longest cave system in Serbia. And if you are lucky you will sight the Griffon Vulture, it has a 3 meter wing span and is a very rare species in this area.
Drive to Mecavnik and explore the village of Drvengrad, this village was constructed for the “Life is a Miracle” movie. It is a real little village with gorgeous wooden houses and shops, library, gallery, sauna and cake shop! Kustedorf movie festival is held there every January.
From there head across to the famous Sargan Eight railway and jump on the train – named for it’s number 8 shaped route. It’s a narrow-gauge railway that passes through 22 tunnels, over 5 bridges, gets to an altitude of 300 meters and covers a distance of 15 kms. Amazing photo opportunities, stops for photos of the stunning Mokra Gora landscapes and of course a running commentary on the history of the region and the railroad.
And before you head back to Belgrade, stop off at the Drina River bank to take some great photos of the famous house on the river, the “Drina House“. This was built by a few young boys in 1968 (well there is of course a back story here) and a photo was published in National Geographic as “Photo of the Day” which put it on the world famous stage for must visit.
Next day, head East to the Golubac Fortress. Located in the rugged landscaped head of Derdap Gorge the fortress was used to defend many kingdoms over the centuries. Nine towers between 20 and 25 metres high making it look like a classic fairy tale castle.
A bit further along and you will arrive at the famous Iron Gate. The Iron Gate (or Gates) of the Danube, first named by The Times of London in 1853. It originally consisted of 4 narrow gorges and 3 wide basins dividing Serbia and Romania but in the 1960’s the government built a massive lock and dam to help control the speed of the water to make navigation safer. Some consider the entire 83 mile stretch to be the Iron Gates, others define it to be the section with the 4 gorges.
And then just 30 mins further along, within the Iron Gates gorge, you will find Lepenski Vir in the village of Boljetin. This is an important archaeological site the of the Mesolithic Iron Gates culture of the Balkans. AMS data suggests that the chronology of Lepenski Vir spans between 9500/7200-6000BC and is one of the largest and most significant prehistorical archeological sites from the Stone Age.
Nis …. we are heading off in a different direction now, Nis is the 3rd largest city in Serbia and has history, culture and great food – if you are a foodie you probably already know about the gastronomy reputation and following Nis has so it might be an idea to spend at least a night here so you can feast on a leisurely dinner at a restaurant in Tinkers Alley. Nis was founded in the early 3rd century BC so there is a very long history there. Also Justin I, Constantine III and Constantine the Great, all Roman emperors, were all born in Nis and the city airport is named after Constantine the Great.
Nis Fortress on the shore of the Nisava is one of the ‘must sees’. Its current iteration was created by the Ottomans in the early 18th Century but many forts have been built on this stop before this one including the Romans, Bulgarians and the Serbs.
Skull Tower, is exactly how it sounds. Built by the Ottomans to scare the local population into submission … and by all accounts it worked!
Spa of Nis – located just 10km south east of NIsa, on the road to Sofia … go and bathe in the healing waters, nice way to end the day! (Look out for our separate blogs on Spas in Serbia)
And of course not forgetting the Danube and Sava… Day cruise, sunset cruise, half day, overnight etc … get yet another perspective of Belgrade and Serbia from the water!
This is the end of our Belgrade and days out blog, we hope you have enjoyed.
We will be following with blogs dedicated to skiing and wellness spas and other regional areas of Serbia.
Credit and source information extracted from:
Wander-lush.org
Wiki
chasingthedonkey.com
thecrazytourist.com
serbia.com
theculturetrip.com
