Walk or bike across this region of rambling forested hills to visit ancient monasteries, postcard-perfect villages, tranquil lakes and vineyards.
Fruška Gora National Park (Nacionalni park Fruška gora) is the Jewel of Serbia, a sprawling area of hills and valleys swathed in dense forests, fertile meadows, fruit orchards and vineyards. The park spreads around the 1,768-foot-tall (539-meter) Fruška Gora Mountain and shelters age-old monasteries, quaint hamlets and wineries. Fruška Gora National Park was originally an island in the Pannonian Sea, until the water surrounding it dried up roughly 90 million years ago.
Trails weave through the awe-inspiring landscapes of the park and are ideal for exploring on foot and by bike. Spot some of the 1,500 plant species such as basswoods, hornbeams, oaks and rare orchids. Enjoy scenic picnics at designated grounds at Crveni Čot, Iriški Venac, Stražilovo and Veliki Gradac. Fish for bream, carp and pike at the reservoirs of Bruja, Moharac and Sot.
At one time 35 monasteries spread across the park, constructed by the regal Branković dynasty to protect Serbian heritage from the Ottomans. Today, visit some of the remaining 16 that are open to the public. Among these are Krusedol Monastery, Novo Hopovo Monastery, Velika Remeta Monastery and Vrdnik-Ravanica Monastery. Built between the 1400s and 1700s, they display elements of both Baroque and Morava architecture.
Observe varied birdlife, including booted eagles, imperial eagles, red-breasted flycatchers and woodpeckers. Stop at the park’s hamlets, famous for their collections of wooden vikendice or vacation cottages. Learn about apiculture traditions by chatting with beekeepers. Sample fruity and aromatic white wines at the century-old Kovacevic Winery.
The park rises from the south bank of the Danube in the province of Vojvodina. Drive here in about 20 minutes from the center of Novi Sad. The towns of Šid and Sremski Karlovci are also gateways to the park.
Fruška Gora National Park is open year-round. Snowfall is common between November and March. Pick up park maps and browse ecological and geological artifacts at the information center in Iriski Venac.
