Seven mineral water springs are known in Vrnjačka Banja. Topla voda is in the central spa area; its water temperature is 36.5 °C. The spring was already in use during the Roman era, from the 1st to the 4th century AD.
Mineral Springs and Spa History
At all four mineral water springs in Vrnjačka Banja and in each drinking hall, information boards provide details about the water’s chemical composition, therapeutic effects and proper use. Check on arrival whether the information has changed. Merkur includes the springs Topla voda, Jezero, Snežnik and Slatina. The Rimski Izvor spa centre comprises five centres: Centar Medicinske Estetike, Velnes, Peloid Centar, Centar za masaže and Balneo Centar. If you include this area in your plans, confirm the current operating arrangements before your trip.
Park, Promenade and Goč
In Vrnjački Park, riverside promenades stretch for almost two kilometres along the Vrnjačka stream; cafés, restaurants and shops line the promenade. The Japanese Garden is also in the park. It covers 3,000 square metres; its features include a small lake with an island, a tea house, a cascading waterfall and a bridge. The promenades follow the stream over a longer stretch, while the garden brings together several individual design features within a defined area.
In contrast to the park, the nearby mountain Goč shapes the landscape above Vrnjačka Banja. In winter, there are opportunities for skiing; in summer, for longer walks and picnics. Seasonal conditions vary. The highest peak on Goč is Ljukten, at 1,216 metres. This gives you a choice of activities in town and seasonal options in the surrounding area, each offering a different focus.
Architecture, Museums and Cultural Venues
Zamak Belimarković stands on a slope above the Topla voda spring. Construction was supervised by engineer Franc Vinter from 1888 to 1894. The castle houses the Zavičajni Museum, with archaeological, ethnographic, historical and art history collections. The permanent exhibition “Muzej banjskog lečenja” offers another perspective on spa history; it is located in a department of the Museum of Science and Technology in Vrnjačka Banja. Visiting arrangements may vary.
Crkveno brdo, also known as Čajkino brdo, is a rock of volcanic origin in the centre of Vrnjačka Banja and is protected as a spatial cultural and historical unit. The hill features a glass observation platform with a total area of 60 square metres, of which 22 square metres are glass; it stands 24 metres above ground level. The Letnja pozornica on Crkveno brdo is a cultural venue that hosts the film festival and other events.
Founded in 1977, the Festival filmskog scenarija is dedicated to film scripts and the writers whose stories take their final form on the big screen. Lovefest also originated in Vrnjačka Banja: this cultural platform promotes music, art and urban youth culture, and its programme varies with each edition. At the Vrnjački Carnival, the Grand International Carnival Parade is the main event. The cultural event “Dani Bate Stojkovića” has been held since 2010, featuring theatre performances, actors’ gatherings, literary evenings and concerts. “Na Desankin Dan” takes place on 16 May, the poet’s birthday, and is aimed at writers, poets and admirers of her work. Check the current dates and programmes of events before travelling.
Getting There
Kraljevo Airport is 40 kilometres from Vrnjačka Banja; the airport services available there may change. From Belgrade, Vrnjačka Banja can be reached via the Belgrade–Vrnjačka Banja motorway.
Discover more destinations: Plešin, Goč, Gradac, Kraljevo, Vrba, Mataruška Banja, Tutin, Metikoš.
For the broader travel overview: Raška District.
