Serbia's insider tips: discover the majestic Danube and ancient cultural treasures!

Serbia's insider tips: discover the majestic Danube and ancient cultural treasures!

Croatia and Greece are often the first holiday wishes in the Balkans, but Serbia reveals impressive nature and rich culture. The Golubac Fortress is located on the Danube, which is up to 6.4 kilometers wide in some places. This is considered one of the most magnificent castles in Europe and is considered an important historical point where knights fought for control in the Middle Ages.

The Golubac Fortress, which was fought over between the Ottomans and Hungarians in the late Middle Ages and finally fell back to Serbia in 1876, shines in new splendor after extensive renovation work. It marks the entrance to Đerdap National Park, where exploring the Đerdap Gorge - the deepest canyon in Europe - offers a real adventure. This region is not only characterized by natural beauty, but also by rich history, presented by finds of Roman remains such as the famous Trajan's Tablet.

Historical highlights and cultural insights

The Lepenski Vir archaeological site, inhabited over 8,000 years ago, is often referred to as the oldest city in Europe. Here you will find impressive stone sculptures that bring the past to life. A highlight for history lovers is the largest rock sculpture in Europe, which was completed in 2004 and depicts the Dacian King Decebalus. This rich history comes to life in the context of the riverside settlements of the time.

Belgrade and Novi Sad are the two most important cities in Serbia, located directly on the Danube. Belgrade is often referred to as the “Berlin of the East” and is changing with new cultural and leisure projects. The Kalemegdan Fortress in the city has a long military history, while the Temple of Saint Sava impresses as the second largest Orthodox church in the world.

Travel tips and activities

The best time to travel to Serbia is from April to October, with spring and autumn in particular ideal for outdoor activities. Getting to Belgrade is easy, with several airlines or a drive from Berlin (approx. 1250 km) or Munich (approx. 950 km).

Novi Sad, part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until 1918, was named European Capital of Culture in 2022 and features an impressive fortress, the Petrovaradin, as well as a sandy urban beach. Protests against President Aleksandar Vučić are currently shaping the image of Belgrade, which is why the Foreign Office advises avoiding large gatherings of people. Despite these circumstances, the city remains a worthwhile destination with its diverse accommodation options, from hotels to private accommodation.

Serbia has been a candidate for EU membership since 2012, but the integration process is slower than in other former Yugoslav states. This mix of nature, culture and history makes Serbia a unique travel destination in the heart of the Balkans. For travelers looking for adventure and historical discovery, the Danube region, with its magnificent landscape and deep history, offers countless opportunities.

The reporting by World as well as Euronews offers a deep insight into Serbia's undiscovered treasures.