Posted May 15, 2009 Hi all, I am new to this forum but it seems very nice. I will be in Serbia for a few weeks in July this year. I plan to go to Vojvodina for about half of my time but I would also be interested in doing some trekking/hiking. I am interested in something that is a little bit off-the-beaten-track. No more than 4 or 5 days really. I've also heard that the Zlatibor area is quite touristy, is this true? I appreciate any comments or ideas anyone can give me, Thanks, Dave Reply Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted May 15, 2009 For trekking in mountains in Vojvodina, I guess there's not much choice apart from Fruska Gora. It's a relatively small mountain (the highest peak being at about 500 meters). Fruska Gora is really nice, the nature and everything, but it's hardly off-the-beaten-track experience. As for the rest of Serbia, there are dozens of mountains wherever you go, so it's really hard to single out one or two of them. Zlatibor is probably the most touristy mountain in Serbia (or the second most touristy one, after Kopaonik), which doesn't make it less beautiful However, for real adventure trekking I'd suggest Eastern Serbia, but I think there are two things that should be taken into consideration: transport, and accommodation. So first of all - do you have your own car, and are you planning to sleep in a tent? Furthermore, do you have any experience with the mountains? Many mountains are sparsely populated, so if you don't speak the language you're running the risk of getting lost - not that it's anything dangerous at this time of year, but it can be a bit unpleasant. So give us the initial values, and we'll try to figure something out Reply Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted May 15, 2009 Hi Lazar, Thanks for the quick reply. I won't have my own car (unless I rent one, which I might but would rather not). I was hoping to stay in some form of lodge (i.e. not camping). I'm actually looking to set up a tour that others could do after (with a local guide) but I wanted to have something unique to offer... Thanks again, Dave Reply Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted May 15, 2009 Most of the mountains in Serbia - in fact, all I've ever been to - are pretty tame & easy to climb. There's always a trek that leads all the way to the top - you just have to follow the paint signs on trees and rocks. Accommodation is available in form of mountain lodges, which are generally cheap and easy to find. However, as some of them aren't open around the clock, it's good to call in advance, so that they can send someone to let you in. They are usually run by local mountaineering clubs. Stara Planina - with the highest peak of Serbia (not counting the mountains in Kosovo, some of which are substantially higher), offers some of probably the best views from the top. The slope is really mild and just about anybody can do it, so it's a bit of an uneventful experience. The accommodation is plentiful - at the beginning of the trek you'll find a hotel and a hostel. Here are some pics from Stara Planina. Suva Planina - in the vicinity of Nish, altitude 1810 meters. The trek is way more interesting, at least in my opinion, and not nearly as easy, although it requires no special skills/equipment, just some endurance. This area is generally more densely populated than Stara Planina, but as for the accommodation I really have no idea. Another problem is that the beginning of the trek is not so obvious - you have to know where to look. Here are some pics. Beljanica - near Despotovac, a lush green place with many creeks and streams running everywhere. The trek to the top (around 1300 m altitude) is relatively easy and goes through some beautiful meadows and an old beech forest. There's a semi-defunct lodge there, and there was a hotel as well, but I remember it got burned down some years ago, so you'll have to inquire. Pics Besna Kobila - really off-the-beaten track, as not many people go there, mostly due to it's location (near Vranje, in South-eastern Serbia). However, the place is really nice, there's a functioning lodge, and the view from the top (1923 m) is excellent. The trek is really easy as there's not much forest. Here's a couple of pics from Besna Kobila. I think that should be enough to get you started. Reply Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted May 16, 2009 Hi Lazar, Thanks again for all that info. Really looking forward to the trip now. Regards, Dave Reply Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites