Rajko's cave

Rajko’s Pecina  is located near the town of Majadanpek in Eastern Serbia, 200km east of Belgrade.”Rajkova Pecina” – Rajko’s Cave  is the source of the Mali Pek River which can be seen in most of the lower cave sections. The upper, dry level of the Rajkova Pecina is the exit for the tourist route. Total length of the Rajkova Pecina  is 2,304 meters, while the guided route is 1.410 meters long. The inside temperature of Rajkova Pecina  is +- 8 C and the humidity is around 100 %.

The Rajkova Pecina  is named after a national hero called Rajko, the local Duke who lived in the area during the period of the Turkish conquest. Legend says that Rajko used the cave to hide treasure from the Turks. In 1975 Rajkova Pecina  was opened for tourists. The Rajkova Pecina  contains the best speleothems and stalactites in all of Serbia. Rajkova Pecina  is full of sparkling white crystals, whilst for a length of more than 300 meters the cave floor is composed of 1 meter deep red stalactite gourds. Rajkova Pecina is probably the richest cave in Serbia in regard with the cave-jewelry of white and red crystal calcite. Special attraction is traditional lunch served right at the entrance to the cave, prepared by locals from organic supplies and ingredients (which needs to be announced and pre-booked).

Gornje Podunavlje

In the northwest part of the Bačka District in Vojvodina, along the left Danube water-front, boundaring with Hungary and Croatia, there is the rare preserved flooded complex of irregular long shape, the Special Nature Reservation of “Gornje Podunavlje” as the unique example of genuine and intact nature. Along the neighboring Croatia bank of the Danube lies the “Kopački rit” Nature Park, while in the north, the Special Nature Reserve of Gornje Podunavlje borders with the Drava National Park, creating together one of the largest swamp surfaces in Europe. The Special Nature Reserve of Gornje Podunavlje comprises two large swampy areas – Monoštor and Apatin, which together cover 19605 ha of forests, meadows, and swamps, including the Danube river itself and its meanders. The Gornje Podunavlje Special Nature Reserve is home of 51 mamal species, 248 bird species, 50 fish species, 11 amphibian species, 9 crawler species, immense number of invertebrates, of which distinguish themselves more than 60 day butterflies, more than 1000 plants… Among the most important rare fauna species of this area, the most characteristic are the white-tailed eagle, black stork, ferruginous duck, wildcat, otter, European badger, as well as the biggest population of red deer in Serbia. The aboundance of swamps, cracks and canals rich in plant and animal life, the area of Gornje Podunavlje Special Nature Reserve represents the premium amenity for variety of tourist programs. The Fruška Gora National Park and the Gornje Podunavlje Special Nature Reserve have been awarded with the Europarc Federation European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Brussels in december 2014.

Nearby, edging the Gornje Podunavlje Reservation surface, there are few villages known for their exceptional cultural identity and the touristic and traditional well-preserved folklore values. Those villages in the close vicinity of “Gornje Podunavlje” Special Nature Reservation surface – Bački Breg, Bezdan, Bački Monoštor and Sonta are picturesque settlements where Croats, Serbs, Hungarians, Romanians, Roma and other nationalities live side by side, preserving and proudly presenting their customs and providing tourist services – accommodation and food. Those lovely villages are known for their diversified cultural identities and the touristic and folklore values, especially vivid in their colorful folklore costumes.

Sopotnica

Sopotnica is the tiny rustic Village on descent slopes of the wild Jadovnik Mountain near town of Prijepolje in the South-western Serbia. Prijepolje is encircled with the vast Lim River Valey to the north and northeast, and to the west and east “closed” with number of mountain peaks : to the southeast with Jadovnik Mountain to the northeast with Zlatar Mountain (1627 m), tothe northwest with the Pobijenik Mountain (1423 m), to the west with Kamena gora (1483 m) and to the southwest with the Lisa Mountain (1509 m). Sopotnica is renown for its gorgeous icy-cold Sopotnica springs with ancient watermills and the several waterfalls at the altitude of 1000 meters, just above the tiny village. Surrounded by carpets of stunning fields full of fragrant flowers and medicinal herbs in the very heart of unique eco environment, Sopotnica area was declared by the end of year 2005 for the Nature Park of Serbia. During their stay in Sopotnica village visitors enjoy in various nature-based activities, entirely amazed by wonders and surprises of nature.

Uniquely delicious food – roasted mountainous lamb, tasteful homemade products, delicious wild pear and other fruits brandy skillfully prepared by local hosts – true highlanders are waiting for visitors of this tranquil place to fulfill the genuine flavors of intact nature of Serbia, or make them visit the nearby beautiful Kamena Gora hamlet or enjoy in exciting rafting on Lim River. 

Zasavica - special nature reserve

The Zasavica Special Nature Reserve is the former and abondoned riverbed of Sava River covering 671 hectares. Zasavica Special Nature Reserve is located west from Belgrade, in the southern part of Vojvodina and in northern part of Mačva area. The base of the Zasavica Nature Reserve make water surfaces of Jovac and Prekopac cannals, arranged natural course of Batar stream, as well as Zasavica River itself. Zasavica Nature Reserve is characterized by the presence of rare, endemic and relict species of birds, herbs and animals. Some endangered fish species not only in Serbia, but also in Europe, like” Umbra krameri” /European mudminnow/ or “Lutra”, live only in Zasavica Nature Reserve.

In 1997 Zasavica was declared protected Nature Reserve in Serbia. Since 2001 Zasavica Nature Reserve is member of Europarc Federation. Zasavica Nature Reserve is the last sanctuary of beavers and other endangered species of Serbia and Europe. The most modern, fully equipped auto camp has been established in Zasavica Nature Reserve, which provides outstanding possibilities for vacations in intact nature. The area of Zasavica Nature Reserve offers great educational and recreational possibilities, including wildlife observation, sports, bird-watching, fishing, boat rides, camping, photographing and hiking.

Ovcar - Kablar gorge

On the road connecting Cačak and Požega, within the outstanding natural beauties of immense West Morava course intersecting rocky mountains of Ovčar and Kablar there are numerous Serbian Medieval Monasteries and churches known simply as the Monasteries of Ovčar and Kablar or “Small Serbian Holy Mount”. At present time there are :Vavedenje Monastery (Presentation of the Virgin Mary in the Church), Vaznesenje Monastery (dedicated to the Ascension of the Lord), Preobraženje (dedicated to the Transfiguration of Christ), Sretenje Monastery (The Purification of the Virgin Mary), Saint Trinity Monastery on the right bank of the Zapadna Morava river and Blagovestenje Monastery (dedicated to the Holy Annunciation), Ilinje Monastery (dedicated to St. Eliah), Jovanje Monastery (dedicated to the birth of St. John the Baptist), Nikolje (St. Nicholas) on the left bank. The Church “Kadenica” dedicated to tragedy of local population during Turkish conquest and the St. Sava Church with curative spring are extremely interesting.

Rocky peaks of the Ovčar and Kablar Mountains, at the elevation of around 1000 meters provide exceptional activities along West Morava River /Zapadna Morava/ winding through the mountains featuring vast lakes of pure and green waters and ends in narrow, quiet and picturesque meanders. However, the rocke peaks of the Ovcar and Kablar Gorge provides breathtaking panoramas and vistas of West Morava River meanders and green oasis of the river gorge.

Unique rope walking-bridges over West Morava take you to the opposite side of the river. Fabulous Ovčar-Kablar Gorge is the Natural Park of I Category under the state protection, being the natural habitat of over 150 bird species and 30 fish species and over 600 plants. Ovcar-kablar Gorge features unspoilt natural beauties, fabulous meanders of the West Morava River, artificial lakes and river creeks, stunning mountains and rich greenery especially suitable for incredible adventures, unique vacations and sports. During the 1 or 2 hours boat ride visitors of the Ovcar-Kablar Gorge enjoy in tranquility and serenity of the environment. Besides all there are numerous Medieval Monasteries scattered along the river valley, some of them very difficult to access due to their hidden locations in the rocks. Thus those Monasteries and hermitages provide premium opportunities for prayers and spiritual retreat for Orthodox monks who live and serve here in their isolated residences, in deep seclusion.

Kamena gora village

Kamena Gora (Stone Mountain) Air Health resort is considered to be the most beautiful village in Prijepolje Municipality and most propably one of the most beautiful places in Serbia. Thanks to its astonishing tranquility, fragrant meadows, beautiful pine woods and plenty of fresh mountain springs Kamena Gora attracts visitor at first site and stays in the heart for long time…. Kamena Gora is tiny village of some 160 inhabitants, raised above towns of Prijepolje, Pljevlja and Bijelo Polje at the altitude of more than 1300 m, from where the magnificent view to Durmitor, Jadovnik, Zlatar, Golija and Zlatibor Mountains spreads. Kamena Gora village is famous for its symbol – the centuries-old “Svetibor” pine dominating the region and collecting many secrets and traditional tales of longevity inhabitants for centuries.

Rich in thick pine-woods and wealthy fresh mountain waters Kamena Gora hamlet justifies the genuine life philosophy of its native inhabitants – highlanders simply offered to any visitor. Thus visitors of Kamena Gora soon become friends with local highlanders and come again and again. Kamena Gora village is a perfect place for nature lovers proclaimed as the air health resort in the middle of last century. There are 6 well-marked hiking trails in Kamena Gora, of total length of 80 km, along meadows, numerous mountain springs and thick forests. Hiking in Kamena Gora provides wonderful relaxation and invigoration of the whole body and soul. One can get to Kamena Gora by the 20 km paved road from Prijepolje. Kamena Gora is the unique paradise for sports and recreation thanks to its existing mountain-bike and marked trekking trails, exciting rafting on Lim River, paragliding grounds, magnificent Sopotnica waterfalls that are situated on the opposite mountain, fishing, hunting. For all who seek true invigoration during nature-friendly vacation memorable Kamena Gora is the best choice !

Jelasnica River gorge

Jelasnicka Klisura – Jelasnica River Gorge is situated at the foot of Suva Mountain in the south-east Serbia, within the municipality of Nis. During the Roman rule here was military road of “Via Militaris”, which remained significant during the Turkish conquest also,  testified by vivid remains of strategic signs carved in the cliffs of Jelasnica Gorge. The Gorge of Jelasnica was accorded protected status as the Special Nature Reserve of First Protection Category of Serbia in favor of protecting few endemic flora species as well as few tenths of Balkans endemic species which were found in this spot. The Jelasnicka Klisura Nature Reserve covers 115,73 ha, while 20,50 ha is private estate, 57,29 ha is owned by the government and 37,94 ha is public estate. Jelasnica River Gorge is only 4 km long and its maximim width is only 30 meters. Here you may see creations in stone, such as interesting rocks, dolomite columns, resembling teeth, kneeling figures and windows. The mountainous and the Mediterranean and the mild-continental climate interchange in Jelasnica River Gorge.

One part of Jelasnicka Klisura – Jelasnica Gorge is under protection as a Nature Value of high importance and classified as The First Protection Category within The Special Nature Reserve of “Jelasnicka Gorge”. Determined Second Category Protection Regime within the area of the Special Nature Reserve “Jelasnicka Gorge” forbids following actions: building of houses, except those with a presentation purpose, observation deck modification and research, actions that modify morphological relief characteristics, collecting and use of protected flora and fauna species, water pollution, making dumps for municipal and industrial waste, hunting and afforestation protection, quality improvement of forest units and pedestrian approaches regulation with the obligation of preservation of protected flora species. Although it is not very spacious, Jelasnicka Gorge has several spots convenient for picnic and camping. Studena River flows through the gorge and its water is extremely cold, as its name says it for itself. A narrow road leads through the gorge to Bojanine Vode, vacation spot at Suva Mountain. Beside the beautiful boulders of Jelasnicka Gorge, Ripaljka Waterfall is also very interesting, as well as the remains of Roman fortifications. Club for Climbing and Mountaineering of Nis has established climbing spot in a natural boulder, which represents the high challenge for all keen to experience joy of danger in wilderness and to test Jelasnicka Klisura as the climbers paradise.

Devil's town

The “Đavolja Varoš” (Devil’s Town) natural landmark – Monument of Nature is situated on the southern slopes of Radan Mountain on the right bank of Žuta reka (Yellow river), in the central part of South-Eastern Serbia, 310 km from Belgrade and 75km from Niš. “Đavolja Varoš” (Devil’s Town) is unique Serbian natural phenomenon that got the name due to its spooky features and unique appearance. The region of South-eastern Serbia and Djavolja Varos itself feature gorgeous nature that provides exotic formations described as earth pyramids. Djavolja Varoš is the result of the constant erosive process of the soil that experienced intense volcanic activity million of years ago – the caps on the top of towers /how locals call them/ protect the columns while the rest of the dissolute is constantly washed away. The red earth columns and pyramids of Djavolja Varos have various interesting shapes on the area of 4,300 sq. meters. There are over 200 pyramids – towers standing tall from 2 -15 meters with width at base 4 to 6 meters and at the summit 1 – 2 meters. Bizarrely shaped tree-crowns twisted by wind which make itselfs strange noises/murmurs passing by the columns that has frightened the local population for centuries and is behind their superstitious lore. Close to Djavolja Varos stand two springs whose red-water color local people call “Devils Waters”.

The remains of two old churches stand in the vicinity of the natural sculptures of Djavolja Varos. There are many mystical legends on this unique natural highlight. The rich cultural tradition and folk customs of this region of Serbia are closely associated with this natural phenomenon. Close to Djavolja Varos and its intact natural ambiance there are great facilities for sports, nature exploration and genuine vacations. Djavolja Varos is on tentative UNESCO list as Natural Landmark of Criteria VII.