Discover Serbia's hidden treasures: The Danube and Golubac Fortress!

Discover Serbia's hidden treasures: The Danube and Golubac Fortress!

Croatia and Greece are common destinations for travelers exploring the Balkans. But Serbia, an often overlooked treasure, offers stunning natural landscapes and a rich culture worth exploring. Particularly outstanding is the Golubac Fortress, which sits majestically on the banks of the Danube and is considered one of the most magnificent castles in Europe. This impressive fortress, covering an area of ​​approximately 9,000 square meters, was built in the 14th century under the rule of Serbian King Stefan Lazarević and served as a strategic defense post and trade control station in the Middle Ages.

At this point the Danube has a remarkable width of 6.4 kilometers and forms an important bay. Historically, the area was the scene of battles between the Ottomans and Hungarians. In 1876 the fortress fell back to Serbia. After extensive renovation work, Golubac now shines in new splendor and attracts visitors from all over the world. World reports that the best times to visit the fortress and the surrounding area are May to June and September and October.

The surroundings of Golubac

The spectacular surroundings around Golubac are also worth a visit. Nearby is the Iron Gate, an impressive breakthrough valley that stretches for more than 100 kilometers along the Danube. This area is known for dramatic gorges, lush cliffs and rich biodiversity. Popular activities include hiking, bird watching and kayaking, particularly in Iron Gates National Park and the Veljkovac River Canyon.

Another highlight of the region is the Tablet of Trajan, which commemorates the Roman riverside road that once ran along the river. Impressive stone sculptures can still be admired on the slopes of the Danube today, such as the largest rock sculpture in Europe, depicting the Dacian King Decebalus. This was completed in 2004 and is an important attraction for those interested in history and art.

Cultural discoveries in Serbia

Serbia offers not only nature but also rich cultural experiences. Belgrade and Novi Sad are the two main cities located on the Danube. Numerous leisure and cultural projects are underway in Belgrade, also known as the “Berlin of the East”. Kalemegdan Fortress has a long military history and is an ideal destination for relaxation and exploration. Another important place in Belgrade is the Temple of Saint Sava, the second largest Orthodox church in the world.

Novi Sad was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until 1918 and was named European Capital of Culture in 2022. The city impresses with the Petrovaradin Fortress and an urban sandy beach on the river. For travelers who want to experience Serbia's vibrant culture, we recommend visiting these two cities and exploring their historical and modern attractions.

Although Serbia has been a candidate for EU membership since 2012, the integration process is slower than in other former Yugoslav states. At the same time, the Foreign Office advises visitors to avoid large gatherings of people, as protests against President Aleksandar Vučić continue to take place in Belgrade.

A visit to Serbia promises a varied experience for those interested in nature and culture. Getting to Belgrade is possible both by flight and by road from several German cities. The country also offers a variety of accommodations, from hotels to privately run accommodations, which offer guests comfort and hospitality.