Best hiking destinations in Serbia (for all levels)

Searching for the best hikes in Serbia? From leisurely paths to the most challenging trails, Serbia has it all!

Known for its gorgeous lakes, winding rivers, stunning waterfalls, and beautiful national parks, Serbia is a mecca for nature lovers. The country’s unspoiled nature and amazing landscapes are a gift for hikers.

Being an outdoorsy person, I’ve gone on a bunch of hikes in Serbia myself, so I am happy to be writing this post from my own experience. The good news is that there is something for everyone here. You can go on well-marked hiking trails, as well as enjoy hiking in the wilderness.

To help you decide where to go, I’ve put together a list of my favorite destinations for hiking in Serbia.

TOP 8 Hiking destinations in Serbia

This is my list of the best hiking destinations in Serbia (ranked in no particular order). I have put together options of hikes ranging from different levels and lengths so you have several options to choose from.

1. Mount Rtanj

Level: Hard

Distance: 13.2 km

Mount Rtanj is a popular hiking destination in Serbia. Due to its rocky landscapes and dense forests, this interesting and unique mountain is challenging for hikers. If you are new to hiking, I definitely recommend taking the southern trail which is 13 km long and properly marked.

Experienced hikers can climb the top of Mount Rtanj from the northern side. Keep in mind that the trail from the northern side lacks markings at the beginning. The highest peak here is Siljak.

You will be passing by caves, valleys, and underground springs when climbing Mount Rtanj. The area is home to several medicinal herbs including the famous Rtanj tea. You can try this popular tea in settlements below the mountain where you can also book accommodation.  

If you are planning to visit in summer, I should mention there is little shade to be found on this hike. Be aware of the changing weather conditions on this mountain. Strong winds and dense fog are common in this area. 

The best way to reach Mount Rtanj from Belgrade is to hop on a bus to Boljevac and then take another bus/taxi to Rtanj.

Hiking Gear recommendation

Check out our favorite hiking gear and essentials which we always bring with us.

Our Amazon Hiking list

2. Fruska Gora

Level: Varied

Distance: Various trails ranging from 3km to 100 km

Located just a short drive from Novi Sad, Fruska Gora is a beautiful national park well-known for its lush green hills, charming lakes, hidden ponds, and hot springs. In addition to incredible nature, this national park is home to various historical and cultural attractions. You will find nearly 30 monasteries here, as well as many wine estates. Fruska Gora’s highest peak is Red Cot (539m).

Hikers will be delighted to hear that this fabulous national park in Vojvodina features a huge number of trails ranging from 3 km to 100 km. Most of the trails are well-marked and there is plenty of shade because the hills are covered with thick forests. You will notice white circles with red hearts on trees as marks for hikers.

Fruska Gora is a popular hiking destination in Serbia for families with kids looking for a weekend getaway. You don’t need much experience to go hiking in this national park, as there are many short routes suitable for beginners. The easiest way to get to Fruska Gora from Novi Sad is to take the local bus to Popovica.

Read also: One-day in Novi Sad: best things to do

3. Djerdap National Park

Level: Varied, great for beginners

Distance: Several trails are available

The Iron Gate of the Danube, Djerdap National Park is an ideal destination for nature lovers and culture vultures visiting Serbia. If your idea of having a good time includes hiking along the picturesque riverbanks, you’ve definitely come to the right place.

Comprising 3 gorges, Djerdap National Park is a blend of history and nature. There are several hiking trails marked with mountaineering signs and information boards. For example, Mali Štrbac is a lovely route that starts at 254 m above sea level at Golo Brdo. You can also take the Kovilovo hiking trail which is only 1.2km long and ideal for beginners.

Once you get tired from hiking, visit the amazing archaeological site of Lepenski Vir which is home to prehistoric sculptures and remains dating back 8000 years. The medieval and imposing Golubac Fortress is also a place worth checking out when visiting this national park.

4. Stara Planina

Level: Varied

Distance: Several trails are available 

Located in southeast Serbia, Stara Planina is known for its gorgeous meadows, cute small canyons, and good skiing slopes. What I like most about this place is that it’s full of majestic waterfalls. I read somewhere that around a third of all the waterfalls in the country can be found on this mountain. It is also home to more than 1,200 plant species.

Stara Planina is actually spread across two countries, Bulgaria and Serbia. In Botev (Bulgaria), you will find the highest peak called Botev which is nearly 2500m. The tallest peak on the Serbian side of Stara Planina is Midzor (2169 m).

There are two marked hiking routes on this mountain. You can either go to Babin Zub to start the hike or visit Crni Vrh. Both villages offer a wide range of accommodation options. Travelers hiking Stara Planina will come across the 16th-century Temska Monastery and the impressive Čunguljski waterfall.

5. Tara National Park

Level: Varied

Distance: Over 100 km of marked paths

Tara National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks in Serbia. From spectacular viewpoints, deep gorges, and canyons to approximately 20 marked hiking paths, this place truly has it all. Bordered by the Drina River, Tara National Park is also home to the largest canyon in Europe. Tara Canyon is 60 km long.

With more than 100 km of marked paths, the national park is a popular destination for hiking in Serbia. Along the way, you might spot one of the 50 species of mammals, as well as nearly 160 bird species.  I should also mention that many people visit Tara to go rafting, as this is actually the most popular activity in this national park.

There is no shortage of popular tourist attractions here. Whether you wish to visit the Rača Monastery, spend a day on the beautiful Perucac Lake, climb to Banjska Stena for the most amazing mountain views, or find peacefulness and unspoiled nature at the Red Stream reserve, there is so much to do and see when visiting Tara.

If you would like a guided visit to Tara National Park you could also pick one of many available tours like this one.

Read also: Full guide for visiting Tara National Park

6. The Vratna Gates

Level: Varied, from beginner to expert

Distance: up to 3.5 km

Declared a special nature reserve, the Vratna Gates is a popular hiking destination in the eastern part of Serbia. It is home to numerous plants and animal species and has over 300 kilometers of hills and dunes waiting to be explored.

The Vratna Gates is a great hiking destination in Serbia for travelers who wish to avoid crowds of tourists and enjoy some peace and quiet. Take the forest trails from the famous Vratna Monastery to reach the main attraction here, the 3 naturally-formed stone arches: the small gate, the big gate, and the dry gate.

The hiking trails to the small and big gates are easy and short, while the path to the dry gate is reserved for more experienced hikers.  Although it’s only 3.5km long, the hike will take around 2 hours. You will be climbing over rocks, hiking through a beautiful forest, and jumping over the water. This adventure path to the dry gate is incredibly scenic and definitely one of my favorite hiking trails in Serbia.

7. Uvac Special Nature Reserve

Level: Easy

Distance: Approx. 5 km

Next on the list of the best hikes in Serbia is the magical Uvac Special Nature Reserve. It is famous for its exceptional nature, charming artificial lakes, and the largest cave system in the country called the Ušački cave system.

The artificial lakes of Zlatar Lake or Kokin Brod, Sjenica or Uvačko Lake, and Radoinjsko Lake are definitely worth a visit. The hiking trail at Uvac Special Nature Reserve is well-marked and easy. To enjoy the best views, climb the popular viewpoint called Molitva. Keep in mind there is almost no shade on this trail. Travelers will be passing by wildflowers, meadows, and caves.

I should also mention that the nature reserve is known for its rich fauna. Here, you will find more than 140 species of birds including the rare griffon vulture, gyps fulvus.

8. Zlatibor

Level: Depending on the hike, from easy to expert

Distance: Depending on hike

While Zlatibor is known as a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding in the winter season, the area is also a great place to go hiking in the summer in Serbia. The views from the famous Tornik and Čigota peaks are simply breathtaking and worth the hike.

Expect to find numerous trails and pathways across woods and meadows. The good news is that no matter what your fitness levels are, you will find a suitable path around the mountain. I like the trail to the monument of Sumatno Brdo which starts from the center of the city.

Zlatibor is also known as a popular cycling destination in Serbia and has thousands of kilometers of well-marked cycling paths. Keep in mind that this weekend getaway spot is quite popular and booking accommodation a few weeks before the trip is recommended.

General tips for hiking in Serbia

Now that you already have an idea of the best hiking destinations in Serbia, let me give you some tips for your hiking trip:

• Plan ahead and check the weather forecast. Be responsible when it comes to the weather forecast, if the conditions aren’t suitable, change your plans and explore one of Serbia’s cities instead.
• Make sure you choose a trail you can handle
• Bring the essentials (map, water, food, flashlight, first-aid kit, comfortable shoes, and sunscreen)
• Check before the name of the place you will be going and screenshot how it is written with both Latin and Cyrillic alphabets, it can come in handy when checking for signs
• Pace yourself, it’s not a race
• Respect wildlife
• Leave nothing but footprints

SafetyWing Travel Insurance

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FAQ – Popular questions about the best Hikes in Serbia

Do I need a guide when hiking in Serbia?

Some of the most popular hiking trails in Serbia are well-marked and hiring a guide isn’t necessary. However, if you decide to go trekking and explore remote areas in places like Stara Planina and Mount Rtanj, having a guide is not a bad idea. 

We usually recommend checking Get Your Guide to find tours.

What are the best hikes near Novi Sad?

Stari Banovci, Fruska Gora, and Sremski Karlovci.

What are the best hikes near Belgrade?

Kosmaj, Rajac, and Homolje.

Who do I call in case of emergency while hiking in Serbia?

• Police – 192
• Fire Department – 193
• Ambulance – 194
• Mountain Rescue Service: +381 62 464 646

To sum it all up, Serbia is a perfect destination for a hiking adventure. With its beautiful national parks, impressive mountains, picturesque lakes, and lush valleys, the country is home to many cool hiking trails. In this list, I made sure to include examples of easy paths for beginners and trekking spots for more experienced hikers so that you can find the best hiking destination in Serbia suitable for your travel style.