Serbia
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tips, advice and Much More
We visited Serbia recently whilst on a river Cruise along the Danube River. We also visited Hungary, Croatia, Bulgaria and Romania on that same cruise. Serbia has much to offer the discerning traveler. It has so many unique features that make the Serbia Travel experience well worth it!! By contrast, neighbouring Croatia is much more touristy.
We hope you enjoy our Serbia Travel Blog!!
About Serbia
Serbia is one of the most underrated countries in Europe. It is a part of the Balkan countries and is completely landlocked. It is in Eastern Europe and shares its border with Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Croatia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Serbia also has a disputed territory – Kosovo, that shares the border with Albania. Kosovo is sometimes regarded as a separate country.
The country covers an area of 77,474 square kms excluding Kosovo. Interestingly, it is about the size of the Czech Republic, or slightly smaller than the US state of South Carolina.
Serbia has a population of 7.2 million people. Its capital and largest city is Belgrade, with a population of around 1.6 million. The country’s official language is Serbian written in Cyrillic.
Recent Strife In Serbia - Not A Hindrance To Serbia Travel
Strife and dissolution ravaged the country during the 1990s. By the early 21st century, Serbia was putting behind it the tragedy of its recent past. Consequently, it is now rebuilding as a singular, independent country on a new Balkan Peninsula. In all our time in Serbia, no one from that country mentioned the tragic events of the recent past!!
Facts That Makes Serbia Travel Interesting
- Serbia’s capital Belgrade is one of the oldest cities in Europe.
- 18 Roman emperors were born on the territory of modern day Serbia. The most famous of them was Constantine the Great
- Serbia is the largest raspberry exporter, producing 30% of the total.
- Serbia is also one of the largest exporters of plums and prunes.
- The first satellite transmission between Europe and North America contained a picture of the White Angel fresco from Serbia.
- ‘Vampire’ is the only word of Serbian origin that is known the world over.
Facts About Serbia Continue
- Nikola Tesla, regarded as one of the most important inventors in history, was a Serbian.
- Serbia is statistically regarded as the most hospitable nation in the world.
- There is a legend that claims that the Devil dwells in Serbia!
- Serbian is the only European language whose speakers are fully digraphic. That is to say that they are completely fluent in two alphabets.
- The most decorated female in the history of modern warfare, Milunka Savić, was a Serbian.
Our Serbia Travel Experience In Belgrade
A Brief History
Belgrade is the largest city in Serbia and its capital. It is also referred to as the “white city”. This beautiful city is strategically located at the confluence of the Saba and Danube rivers. Consequently, it intersects Western and Oriental Europe.
Belgrade was also the capital of Yugoslavia from its inception. Bisected by the Sava river, Belgrade is a town of two halves, the old and the new. New Belgrade was constructed during the socialist era. As a result, the endless buildings in that part of the city retains its Soviet feel. It’s definitely worth exploring. However, most of the action is confined to the ‘old’ side.
Belgrade's Many Wars - Does Not Affect Serbia Travel
Belgrade has been fought over in 115 wars and razed to the ground 44 times!! The Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian Empires took turns destroying the city, each leaving behind a cosmopolitan legacy. The most recent wars that involved Serbia were the Second World War and the Kosovo War. In this last was, the city faced months of NATO airstrikes.
Driving Around Belgrade
Our river cruise along the Danube River took us to Belgrade, where we spent a most enjoyable day. In our opinion, visiting Belgrade is a must in any Serbia Travel itinerary. It was great to see all the main sights in Belgrade as we took a leisurely drive through the city. The Cathedral, the Republic Square and Prince Michael Street with its wealth of 19th century buildings, were some of the famous locations we drove past.
Visit To The St. Sava Orthodox Cathedral
The St. Sava Otrthodox Cathedral was one of the most awesome Serbia Travel destinations we visited. It is one of the main landmarks of Belgrade and Serbia. In short, it is by far the most monumental structures in Belgrade. Further, it is the second largest Orthodox church in the world. From its particular position on the vast plateau of Vracar, St. Sava Orthodox Cathedral dominates the Belgrade’s cityscape. Interestingly, it has been under renovation for more than 80 years!!
Although we were not able to go into the main cathedral, we got a taste of the beauty of an Eastern Orthodox church by visiting a nearby chapel. The icons and murals that adorned its walls were simply amazing!!
Walking Around The Old Town
After a sumptuous lunch, we were lucky to have some time to wander around the old town of Belgrade by foot. We paused for a while at one of the many coffee houses to enjoy a welcome drink. It was so relaxing to walk along the old town’s lattice of winding streets. We also visited the bubbling Bohemian quarter which is being transformed into a cultural hub by an influx of cultural talent.
It is hard to believe that Belgrade is still one of the least visited capitals in Europe.
Our Serbia Travel Adventure Takes Us To Kalemegdan Park
Belgrade is the only European capital built at the confluence of two rivers, the Danube and the Sava. Amazingly, the Kalemegdan Park overlooks the point at which these two rivers meet. Kalemegdan is Belgrade’s central park and fortress complex lying on a hill. It is home to several galleries and museums, restaurants, sports courts, and the Belgrade Zoo.
Further, this park includes in its grounds the city’s iconic fortress. This stronghold was built by the Celts and expanded by the Romans. It was besieged over a hundred times during its history. The nearby military museum vividly details the city’s history of its many wars!!
The view from the top of the hill of the two rivers meeting is amazing. We all spent quite some time gawking at the fabulous scenery around us. This vantage point was one of the best photo stops we encountered in all of our Serbia Travels!!
The Awesome Iron Gates Gorge - A Gateway To Serbia Travel
The most awesome stretch of our river cruise was the 134 km long Iron Gates Gorge!!
The Iron Gate is a gorge on the Danube River. It forms part of the boundary between Romania and Serbia. Although, in the broad sense it encompasses a route of 134 km; in the narrow sense it only encompasses the last barrier on this route, that contains two hydroelectric dams, with two power stations.
Amazing Flora and Fauna
The gorge was cut out of the Carpathian mountains over millions of years. This was a consequence of the Danube draining into the Pannonian Sea. The park’s forests mainly consist of ancient oak, hazel and beech. In addition, there is a rich preserve of game, including deer and wild boar. Mountain goats also roam the rocky cliffs. Apparently, while bears, wolves, foxes and wildcats populate the dense woodland. Occasionally, eagles and falcons can be spotted overhead!!
The Gorge - What A Great Serbia Travel Experience
The gorge lies between Romania in the north and Serbia in the south. At this point, the river separates the southern Carpathian Mountains from the northwestern foothills of the Balkan Mountains. The Romanian side of the gorge constitutes the Iron Gates Natural Park, whereas the Serbian part constitutes the Iron Gate National Park.
Standing on the top deck of our ship and watching us sail past this amazingly beautiful stretch of water was one of the many highlights of our Serbia Travel experience!!
We arrived at the river port of Donji Milanovac a few hours after passing through the incredibly beautiful Iron Gates Gorge. From there, and took a short drive to Lepenski Vir, one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe.
This site dates back to 9,500 BC! It consists of a series of Mesolithic villages located on a high terrace overlooking the Danube. Our listened with rapt attention as our guide revealed all the details about this fascinating place and how these ancient people lived.
Our fervent wish is that more people undertake Travel in Serbia to see the many hidden treasures of this wonderful country.
Serbia Travel Into Novi Sad
We passed numerous fortresses along the Danube as we sailed into Novi Sad, Serbia’s 2nd largest city. These fortresses reminded us that the area has been fought over for centuries. The medieval Smederevo Fortress was by far the most impressive of the lot.
Novi Sad lies in the shadow of the Fruska Gora mountain. The fertile slopes of this mountain was terraced with vineyards. The climate make this region ideal for wine production, particularly Riesling. Further and the proximity to the Danube also helps.
The first thing we saw as we docked was the imposing fortress of Novi Sad on the opposite bank.
Guided Tour Of Novi Sad
We began this phase of our Serbia Travel itinerary with a panoramic coach drive. This was followed by a walking tour. We even had some free time at the city centre before we headed back to the ship.
We especially enjoyed the guided walk around the old city’s exceedingly pleasant pedestrian zone. There was something for everyone in this beautiful city, from museums to art galleries to awesome buildings, churches and cathedrals, not to mention the impressive Town Hall in the main square. Curiously, the minute and hour hands of the iconic clock face on the main square are reversed. Supposedly, this is so that fishermen could still tell the time at a distance!!
We learnt that this vibrant city flourished during the 18th and 19th centuries. In those times the city was referred to as the “Athens of Serbia”.
More Serbia Travel Tips
Nis - Serbia’s Third Largest City
The Ski Resorts In Kapaonik National Park
Another Interesting Serbia Travel Location - Devil’s Town
Subotica - One Of The Best Places To Visit In Serbia
Serbs are known for their great love of food. For them, sitting down to a meal is one of the greatest pleasures in life. Further, they also take great pride in preparing food. A Serbian kitchen is not complete unless the aromas of some of the top traditional Serbian dishes are spreading from it. Remember, Serbian portions are as large as they are tasty.
Sarma
Sarma is possibly one of the best and definitely favourite dishes of every Serb. Original Sarma is prepared with pickled cabbage, minced meat and rice. However, there are a few variations to this. It is sometimes prepared with vine leaves, or with minced fish meat.
Ćevapi
Another interesting meal you should definitely try in Serbia is Ćevapi. Ćevapi is a plural of Ćevap and portions of 10 are usually served. It is grilled finger-shaped minced meat. They are usually served with chopped onions.
Prebranac
Prebranac is a dish made from beans. It is a simple dish, but it’s Serbs all time favourite for winter. It can be served bare, with bacon or grilled sausages. Even though it might give you gas later, you’ll love every bite of it!!
Punjena Paprika
Punjena Paprika means Stuffed Paprika, and that’s exactly what it is. The filling is the same as in Sarma, minced meat with rice. It is then cooked in a pot. The bigger the paprika, the tastier the dish.
Čvarci
Čvarci are something like pork fat crisps, and taste way better than they sound. They are best with something spicy and some dairy products. They are mostly homemade, and completely organic.
Gibanica
Gibanica is a cheese pie that the Serbs eat as a snack, or for dinner, sometimes breakfast, and if mom is working late, it will do well for lunch also. Basically they can eat it at any time, and it rarely lasts long in a Serbian home.
Best Time To Travel To Serbia
The best time to visit Serbia for good weather is during the summer months. Ideally, it should be beyond the massive Exit Festival in early July. This festival draws revellers from across Europe. Serbia doesn’t see huge influxes of visitors. Consequently, it is an ideal spot to avoid the crowds just about year-round. If skiing is your passion, the season begins in November and lasts until April.
Last Word On Serbia Travel
Serbia Travel is slowly creeping higher up the list of go to places. Travellers are now realising that Serbia is not to be sniffed at. Although Serbia’s history is turbulent, its tourism is tranquil!!
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