- Hiking – our favorite activity. There are countless hiking trails that go through the national park around us, and one of them starts literally next to us! They key to not getting lost in the forest is following heart symbols that trees are marked with, as they will always help you find your way. We also recommend bringing some water, light snacks and appropriate footwear.
And don’t forget – pack your own trash! ‘Leave No Trace’ refers to a set of outdoor ethics that emphasize minimizing human impact on natural environments. It’s about enjoying the outdoors responsibly and ensuring the preservation of natural areas for future generations.
2. Šumska štala – is a unique place for horseback riding in Fruška Gora National park, and they offer quality training, riding through the forest trails, and you’ll make friends with their wonderful horses.
From Gora Apartments, it will take you 30 minutes of driving through the national park to get there, but the drive is picturesque, and you will enjoy great views along the way.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/JxCePzoDvmj2yZRm7
3. The tower of Vrdnik – Vrdnička kula, old Roman tower build around the 14th century, overlooks the southern slopes of the mountain. Situated only 5 minutes away from Gora Apartments, a short (10 minute), but steep hike leads to this ruin that was recently renovated and has a very nice viewpoint.
You can use the small parking lot that’s situated by the road that connects Fruske Terme hotel complex and ‘Manastirska’ road. The parking is very close to the trailhead.
Tip: Use the stairs and climb the tower, there’s a great photo op up there!
4. Monasteries – Most of the orthodox monasteries were built between 15th and 18th century, and they were centers of education and scholars throughout Serbian history. They played an important role in preserving Serbian culture and national identity. We do recommend bringing appropriate clothing, as most monasteries won’t let you enter in shorts or tank tops. Some of our favorites are:
Manastir Jazak
The relics of Uroš the Weak, son and successor of emperor Dušan Silni, (the most powerful ruler of Serbia) were brought here, which is why the monastery enjoyed a great reputation, which brought about the construction of a newer and bigger monastery in the 18th century making Jazak Monastery the “youngest” on Fruška Gora. It is dedicated to the Holy Trinity.
The influence of baroque and islamic architecture on the facade make it very unique. Aside from its architecture, the monastery boasts a rich iconostasis. The relics of emperor Uroš were moved from Jazak many times, until they were finally restored in 2001. Parts of the relics of Saint Anastasia the Roman also lie here.
Jazak Monastery suffered great damage during the Second World War, and the monastery treasury has been robbed. The monastery has been renovated and is now under the care of the Monastery’s Sisterhood.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/6LmmpL3oyQsbTZ227
*In addition to visiting the monastery, there’s a very nice hiking trail right next to it.
Manastir Krušedol
Down the southern slopes of Fruška Gora, near the town of Irig, lies Krušedol Monastery. Encircled by a park and chestnut trees, the courtyard of this shrine is adorned with a little well. Due to its wealthy historical treasury, famous iconostasis, and many other relics, Krušedol Monastery is considered one of Serbia’s most significant monasteries. Nowadays, it is also well known as a mausoleum – beside the relics of the Branković family, it contains the relics of patriarch Arsenije III Čarnojević, duchess Ljubica Obrenović, king Milan Obrenović and many others.
Unlike most monasteries of Fruška Gora, Krušedol Monastery suffered no damage during the Second World War, but the monastery treasury had been robbed.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/yf1KgnYdYELczo5R6
Staro Hopovo – About 2km away from the Novo Hopovo monastery is the Staro Hopovo men’s monastery. It’s surrounded by a forest predominantly made up of pine trees, and is surely the smallest of the monasteries on Fruška Gora.
If you continue down the road next to the monastery, you’ll arrive straight to the Jelenac stream and spring, above which stands a small chapel. East of the monastery are the Grgeteg and Mala Remeta monasteries.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/8BKXDWQz9Cnk86iQ6
*Hiking trail nearby
Novo Hopovo
The Monastery was a scholar center for many centuries, where Serbs were learning how to read and write. The famous writer and philosopher Dositej Obradović took his vows here and served as a monk for three years.
Two kilometers down the road leading from Staro Hopovo is a small lake in the Monastery’s property.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/QBkF25nEHiPUommn8
5. Zmajevac viewpoint – Another great spot to just relax and enjoy the view. There’s a restaurant (Restaurant Zmajevac, they serve a nice wild boar stew) and a hiking trail nearby.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/zjeK4GcgnauzDmq19
6. Orlovo bojište viewpoint – is a former quarry, where you’ll catch a breathtaking view of Fruška Gora. The favourite spot for mountaineers and sport climbers won their favour by being the perfect place for practicings climbing skills.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/GT7NN7rp6uocii2p9
7. Bešenovo lake – great for swimming in the summertime only. The water tends to be pleasantly warm, and the lake is a man-made reservoir that used to be a quarry. We recommend going there on weekdays, as the place is popular and tends to get crowded. There is lots of parking available, and as soon as you see cars making that left turn towards the lake, turn there, as google maps might be confusing with this location. We still provided the link below.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/eok5rtwkbeF25gvJ9
Tips:
-bring a sunshade if you have one, as there is limited shade available. The most shaded spot is to the left side of the lake once you arrive. People with kids tend to go to the right side, as it’s more shallow.
-bring your own trash bag, as there is no trashcan or a dumpster at the lake. Apply the same philosophy (Leave no trace) anywhere you go, especially here. People have a bad habit of leaving trash behind them at this location (and many others), so we kindly ask you not to contribute to this problem. There are no communal services at the lake.
8. Sloboda Memorial Site – Sloboda (Freedom) is the name of the monument on Iriški venac. It was raised in honor of the fallen soldiers and represents a symbol of the National Liberation struggle against fascism in the WWII. The sculpure depicts the suffering, resistance, and fight. The obelisk and the accompaniying walls were built from limestone rock that was dug up on Fruška Gora.
This is the biggest monument on Fruška Gora, and the location was purposefully selected so that the obelisk, a symbol of liberty and resistance, can be seen from the driveway to Iriški Venac.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/asWSjLXHjMNkUGYN9
Tip:
-for history nerds, you can visit Ivan Stambolic Monument as well. Not the most exciting place, at a first glance, but the story behind it definitely is! Ivan Stambolic was close to the former dictator president of Serbia, Slobodan Milosevic, and a prominent politician and an intellectual. He was kidnapped, assassinated and buried in a pit in Fruska Gora. It is believed that Milosevic saw his former friend and an ally as a threat, due to his popularity and charisma, as well as sometimes confronting opinion, and ordered the assassination.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/GbdYS7thx2x2MbvDA
9. Petrovaradin fortress – bastion fortress in the town of Petrovaradin, itself part of the City of Novi Sad, Serbia. It is located on the right bank of the Danube river. Petrovaradin Fortress has many tunnels as well as over 16 kilometres (9.9 mi) of preserved underground corridors and countermine system. You will enjoy the stunning views of Novi Sad, and we recommend checking out the historical town of Petrovaradin and its charming cobblestone streets and art galleries. The architecture of this place is very unique, as it was occupied by Austro-Hungarian empire in the past, and is a time travel of a sort.
Tip: you will have the absolute best view of Novi Sad from the fortress, and many photo ops.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/PvxQvzGP3QUx8HE26
10. Restaurants – here are our favorites:
1. Planinski dom Jedinstvo- this restaurant is a real treat, as it’s a fusion of local, north-Serbian and French cuisine, everything is made from scratch, and if the weather is nice, get an outside table with the view! Make sure to call and check if they’re open.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/qeHx6wPrDZDtnpnm7
2. Perkov Salaš, Neradin (close to Krušedol Monastery) – local, north-Serbian cuisine, real country, rustic food, in a nice setting. Make sure to call and check ck if they’re open.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/tMBT24GKu8B9bxsx5
11. Wineries– Fruška Gora southern slopes are known for some of the best wines in Serbia. Rich winemaking history, great soil, lots of sun and tradition make it a wine paradise! Many wineries in this region offer tours and tastings, showcasing the area’s unique terroir and autonomous grape varieties. Some of our favorites include:
1.Mira – small and charming, women-owned winery, located in Vrdnik (by appointment only)
2. Mačkov Podrum
3. Živanović
4. Deurić