Discover Serbia's hidden treasures: the Danube and fortress Golubac!

Discover Serbia's hidden treasures: the Danube and fortress Golubac!

Golubac, Serbien - Croatia and Greece are common goals for travelers who explore the Balkans. But Serbia, an often overlooked treasure, offers impressive natural landscapes and a rich culture that is worth discovering. The Golubac fortress, which is majestic on the banks of the Danube, is particularly outstanding and is considered one of the most splendid castles in Europe. This impressive fortress with an area of ​​around 9,000 square meters was built in the 14th century under the rule of the Serbian king Stefan Lazarević and served as a strategic defense post and trading control station in the Middle Ages.

The Danube presents itself at this point in a remarkable width of 6.4 kilometers and forms an important bay. Historically, the area was the scene of fighting between the Ottomans and Hungary. In 1876 the fortress fell back to Serbia. After extensive renovation work, Golubac shines in new splendor today and attracts visitors from all over the world. Welt reports that the best travel times for a visit to the fortress and the surrounding area are from May to June and in September and October.

The surroundings of Golubac

The spectacular environment around Golubac is also worth a visit. Nearby is the iron gate, an impressive breakthrough valley that extends over more than 100 kilometers along the Danube. This area is known for dramatic gorges, lush cliffs and a rich biodiversity. The popular activities include hiking, bird watching and kayaking, especially in the Iron Gates National Park and in the Veljkovac River Canyon.

Another highlight of the region is the Trajan board, which is reminiscent of the Roman Road, which once ran along the river. Even today, impressive stone sculptures can be admired on the slopes of the Danube, such as the largest rock sculpture in Europe, which represents the Dakerkönig Decebalus. This was completed in 2004 and is an important attraction for those interested in history and art.

cultural discoveries in Serbia

Serbia not only offers nature, but also rich cultural experiences. Belgrade and Novi Sad are the two most important cities on the Danube. In Belgrade, also known as the "Berlin of the East", numerous leisure and cultural projects are underway. The Kalemegdan fortress has a long military -historical history and is an ideal goal for relaxation and exploration. Another important place in Belgrade is the temple of the Holy Sava, the second largest orthodox church in the world.

Novi Sad was part of the Austrian-Hungarian monarchy until 1918 and was appointed Capital of Culture in Europe in 2022. The city impresses with the Petrovaradin fortress and an urban sandy beach on the river. For travelers who want to experience the pulsating culture of Serbia, it is advisable to visit these two cities and to explore historical and modern sights.

Although Serbia has been an EU accession candidate since 2012, the integration process is slower than in other former Yugoslav states. At the same time, the Federal Foreign Office advises visitors to avoid larger crowds, since protests against President Aleksandar Vučić are repeatedly taking place in Belgrade.

A visit to Serbia promises a varied experience for those interested in nature and culture. Arrival to Belgrade is possible both by flight and on the streets of several German cities. Furthermore, the country offers a variety of accommodations, from hotels to privately guided accommodations that offer guests cosiness and hospitality.