Best Places to Visit in Serbia in Winter
With its snowy mountains, adorable spa towns, picturesque wine estates, and reasonably priced ski resorts, Serbia makes for a perfect winter getaway destination.
This Balkan country is known for its warm hospitality, stunning nature, and local rakija (the traditional Balkan liquor) which will keep you warm when the temperature drops below zero.
If you are searching for the best places to visit in Serbia in winter, look no further! In this guide, I have put together the ultimate list of the 8 best places to visit in Serbia during winter.
1. Kopaonik
The largest ski resort in Serbia, Kopaonik is one of the most popular winter destinations in the country.
If you are into skiing, a visit to this magical mountain range is simply a must. There are more than 30 different ski slopes to choose from. They are suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers and snowboarders.
Apart from skiing, visitors can enjoy a bunch of hiking routes in this mountainous region. When it comes to accommodation in Kopaonik, there is plenty to choose from. If you are traveling on a budget, you can stay in a small rustic cabin or you can make this a comfortable winter vacation in Serbia and spend a few nights in a luxurious 5-star hotel with thermal pools and saunas.
Two of my favorite hotels in Kopaonik are Hotel Grand and Hotel Putnik. Both of them have incredible facilities and can serve as an amazing base to explore the area.
Planning to go out in the evening in Kopaonik? You will be delighted to hear that this mountain town offers a vibrant nightlife scene. Dress to the nines and dance the night away in Night Club Bombardier. Looking for a more laid-back vibe? Visit the Pub Mountain. To sample delicious Serbian cuisine in Kopaonik, I suggest booking a table at restaurants such as La Pista, Restaurant Maglic, and Kljunac Kop.
Things to do in Kopaonik in winter
- Climb the Pancic Peak
- See Jelovarnik Waterfall
- Enjoy Skiing and other winter activities
- Visit Manastir Gradac
- Go on a hike to Markov Kamen
2. Get relaxed in the spa town of Vrdnik
Located in the foothills of Mount Fruška Gora in the north of Serbia, Vrdnik is a sleepy spa town known for its world-class spa resorts. Winter in Serbia can get quite cold, so spending a couple of days at a spa is a great idea of thing to do!
It will take you approximately 2 hours to reach Vrdnik from Belgrade by car. If you are planning to visit Vrdnik from Novi Sad instead, you can hop on a bus and arrive in Vrdnik in half an hour.
For the ultimate weekend winter getaway in the Vojvodina region, spend a weekend at the Hotel Premier Aqua in Vrdnik. With panoramic views of Fruška Gora, this hotel offers a wide range of rooms and suites. But, the main attraction here is the fabulous spa center where you will find everything from indoor and outdoor heated pools to saunas, whirlpool tubs, medical treatments, and massage facilities.
You can expect to pay around 120 euros for a room per night at Hotel Premier Aqua in Vrdnik.
Things to do in Vrdnik in winter
- Admire the beauty of the Vrdnik-Ravanica Monastery
- Climb Vrdnik Stairs for majestic views
- See the Babin Guz spring
- Visit Lazin Vir and snap a photo in front of a small waterfall.
3. Zlatibor
Zlatibor is one of the best places to visit in Serbia in winter. The city’s popular tourist resorts come alive in winter when thousands of people from across the country flock to this winter paradise.
What’s so special about Zlatibor? Honestly, I believe that Zlatibor is so popular in winter simply because it offers something for everyone…
Do you wish to go skiing? Tornik, the highest peak in the region, offers some of the best ski slopes in the country. You will find slopes for both beginners and seasoned professionals.
Want to relax in your hotel with spa facilities? Zlatibor is home to a wide range of resorts that fall into this category including Hotel Olimp, Grand & Sky Hotel Tornik, and Hotel Buket.
Wish to enjoy spectacular mountain views? Visit the Zlatibor Monument, also known as the “Eternal Flame”. This WW2 memorial monument can be easily reached from the center of Zlatibor via a 2-kilometer-long asphalted trail.
In the center of Zlatibor, you will also find a beautiful lake surrounded by numerous restaurants that offer traditional Serbian dishes. Don’t leave Zlatobir before trying the hearty dish called komplet lepinja!
Things to do in Zlatibor in winter
- Hike to Cigota Peak
- Visit the nearby Ribnicko Lake
- Hop on the new Gold Gondola
- See the Gostilje waterfall
- Step inside Stopica Cave
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4. Sokobanja
Next on my list of the best places to visit during the winter in Serbia is the picturesque spa town of Sokobanja. Located in Eastern Serbia, Sokobanja is known for its thermal waters, hot baths, and saunas. Stay in hotels such as Sokoterme, Sunce, or Moravica to enjoy thermo-mineral waters and a wide range of spa facilities.
My favorite place to stay in Sokobanja is Sokoterme, a modern thermal hotel located right in the heart of the city. It has two indoor pools and one outdoor pool, as well as salt rooms, steam baths, saunas, and even a fitness center. The water in the pools is thermo-mineral and really good for your overall health. For this reason, Sokoterme attracts an older crowd as well.
In addition to spas, Sokobanja is a great place to enjoy nature, even in winter. The nearby forests, mountains, lakes, and caves are definitely worth checking out. You can go for a walk along the beautiful marble promenade in the evening and stop for a drink at places like Caffe Amam & Kitchen and Caffe Vertigo.
After having a few shots of rakija to help you deal with the freezing temperatures outside, it’s time to enjoy some authentic Serbian foods in Sokobanja. In Kafana Zelengora, try BBQ specialties like cevapi and gurmanska pljeskavica. For the best lamb under the sac, make a reservation at Restaurant Vidikovac. At the oldest restaurant in the town called Restaurant Župan, go for specialties such as pork ribs, lamb with potato, and deer/wild boar stew.
Things to do in Sokobanja in winter
- See Waterfall Ripaljka
- Visit the ancient Turkish baths
- Check out a remnant of a medieval fortress (Sokograd)
- Stop by Vrmdzansko Lake
5. Belgrade
Although it is not a mountain town, Belgrade is actually a great place to visit in Serbia during winter.
The winter season is a perfect time to explore some of the city’s cultural attractions like museums, independent art galleries, and bookstores. From museums, I definitely recommend spending a winter’s day in the Museum of Yugoslavia and Nikola Tesla Museum. If you are into airplanes, go to the Aeronautical Museum which is located close to the airport in Surcin.
Art lovers who wish to escape the cold streets of Belgrade in winter can pop by the Museum of Contemporary Art. As for art galleries in Belgrade, my favorites are Fab Living, Art for All, and Eugster.
During winter, Belgrade also offers winter activities such as ice skating, for which you can take your kids to places like Tašmajdan and Pingvin.
Things to do in Belgrade in winter
- Explore the Military museum
- See the Christmas markets
- Catch an opera show at the National Theater
- Relax at Papillon SPA Centar Beograd
Read more about Belgrade:
6. Sremski Karlovci
Wine lovers looking for a winter weekend getaway spot will want to pay a visit to the charming town of Sremski Karlovci. Located just a short drive from Novi Sad, the town is known for its historic buildings and wine estates. The good news is that you can explore this small town in one day.
The wineries here are spectacular and some of them offer tastings and tours. I recommend visiting places like Wine Cellar Bajilo, Winery Kis, Djurdic, and Winery Vinum. To enjoy some quality spa time, book your stay at the Premier Prezident Hotel in Sremski Karlovci. The hotel has a glitzy lounge with a bar, a beauty salon, a gym, and a spa with an indoor pool and a jacuzzi.
Once you get hungry, book a table at Pasent Restaurant where you can enjoy views of the Danube River and try a wide range of fish and meat specialties.
Things to do in Sremski Karlovci in winter
- Visit the beekeeping Museum of the Živanović family
- Explore the national park Strazilovo
- Snap a photo in front of the legendary Four Lions Fountain
- See one of the oldest Orthodox schools in the region
7. Lake Palic
Located just a short drive from Subotica, Lake Palic is a magical winter destination in Serbia.
For those who don’t know, Palic is actually the largest natural lake in Serbia. Although a lot of people come to Palic during the summer season, I personally think that this lakeside village is worth visiting in months like December and January.
Let me try and explain why.
In summer, Lake Palic attracts thousands of tourists and it can get super crowded since this lakeside village is small. It is simply impossible to fully enjoy its natural beauty with thousands of people around you.
If you are visiting in winter, many businesses here are closed and there are only a few people walking around the lake. Basically, you will have the entire lake to yourself and you can really enjoy its beauty. Seeing the winter sun glinting across the ice on the Palic Lake is truly something special and unforgettable.
Things to do at Lake Palic in winter
- Book a tour of Zvonko Bogdan Winery
- Take a photo in front of the Memorial Fountain
- See the Blue Vases of Palic
- Have lunch at Abraham Restaurant and order their specialty (perkelt)
8. Novi Sad
Last on my list of the best places to visit in Serbia in winter is the vibrant city of Novi Sad. The capital of Vojvodina, Novi Sad is a city of museums, contemporary art galleries, and the famous Exit festival. Thanks to the pop-up Christmas markets in the city center and a giant ice skating rink in Dunavski Park, Novi Sad makes for an ideal winter destination.
While in Novi Sad, you can try local sweet winter food delicacies like gomboce (dumplings with plum), enjoy wine tasting, or admire the beauty of historic townhouses in the city center.
No visit to the city is complete without stopping by the iconic Petrovaradin Fortress. A tip for foodies is to book a table at Terasa Restaurant and order pork ribs covered in beer.
Things to do in Novi Sad in winter
- Ice skating in Dunavski Park
- Visit the Museum of Vojvodina
- Explore the Petrovaradin Fortress
- Admire the beauty of fairy-tale landscapes during the Winter Fantasy Christmas event
FAQ: Popular questions about the best places to visit in Serbia in winter
How cold are Serbian winters?
It really depends on where you are staying. In the south high up in the mountains, it can get very cold, between -10 to -20 °C in winter.
In the north and cities like Novi Sad and Belgrade, the temperature ranges between 7°C and -3°C during the winter season.
Where does it snow in Serbia?
Mountain towns definitely see much more snow than the rest of the country. For instance, in the north which is the region without the highest peaks, it is quite common to have snow only for a few weeks in winter.
Can you go skiing in Serbia?
Yes, Serbia is famous for its ski resorts. For skiing and snowboarding, I recommend going to Kopaonik or Zlatibor.
What are the best months to experience winter in Serbia?
If you want to experience the snow in Serbia, you should book your trip between December and February. There is often still snowfall during March, but the chances are stronger between those three months.
Read more about how many days you need to visit Serbia.
More about traveling to Serbia
Here are some additional resources that can help you plan your trip to Serbia:
Organizing your trip
To help you plan your trip to Serbia, we have put together our favorite planning resources:
- Flights: Get affordable flights to Serbia on Skyscanner.com.
- Travel insurance: Make sure you are protected during your trip. We use SafetyWing whenever we are traveling abroad.
- Renting a car: We always use Discover Cars to get the best car deals.
- Accommodation: Find the best hotels and apartments on Booking.com.
- Activities: Get fun ideas of what to do and buy unique activities with Get Your Guide.
- SIM Card: Stay connected during your trip with Airalo.
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