Wetland Landscapes and Wildlife Watching
In the Kovilj–Petrovaradin wetlands, forests, meadows, marshes and water interweave. The area comprises interconnected forest, meadow, marsh and aquatic ecosystems; the mosaic also includes river islands, ponds and wetlands. It is not a single habitat but the interplay between them that defines this natural area. Rare black storks and white-tailed eagles occur in the wetland and forest ecosystems. Their status as natural rarities is monitored ecologically—these species are an interesting part of the landscape, but sightings are not guaranteed.
Boat trips accompanied by a supervisor can be arranged at the Šlajz–Tikvara site. Prior arrangements may be required, so check how to organise your visit beforehand. Kovilj is served by Novi Sad’s regular suburban bus route 24. Check the timetable before travelling. The wetlands are also on the Danube Cycle Route EuroVelo 6; check the current route before setting off.
BaÄŤ: Landscape and Cultural Heritage
The cultural landscape of Bač is shaped by the Danube and the Mostonga, as well as by wetlands, loess plains, riparian forests, marshes and freshwater habitats. The status of the Bačko Podunavlje Biosphere Reserve is also clearly defined: since 2017, it has been part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Three important cultural assets central to the history and character of this cultural landscape are Bač Fortress, the Orthodox Monastery of Bođani and the Franciscan Monastery of Bač.
Bač Fortress is a protected cultural monument of exceptional importance. From Bač, access is via a concrete pedestrian bridge, through the Varoš Gate and along Bačke tvrđave Street. By car, the fortress can be reached via the Bač–Vajska road towards the Donjon Tower. This makes it possible to plan a visit as a close-up encounter with Bač’s architectural heritage, without confusing the two routes described.
Petrovaradin and Novi Sad
The clock tower defines the look of the Upper Town at Petrovaradin Fortress. Its distinctive feature is how its hands are assigned: the large hand shows the hours, and the small hand shows the minutes. The main building of the City Museum of Novi Sad is also located in the fortress; its permanent exhibitions include “The Fortress in the Past” and “Novi Sad from the 18th to the 20th Century.” The Underground Military Galleries offer a different experience: they form a four-level communication and defence system 10 miles long. The fortress terrace by the Officers’ Pavilion offers views of Novi Sad.
Events and crafts are also part of the cultural scene. The EXIT Festival takes place every July at Petrovaradin Fortress; the exact dates and programme vary from year to year. If you would like to combine your visit with the festival, check that year’s dates. Atelier 61 was established in 1961 as a workshop for large-format artistic tapestries. One of its aims is to preserve the tradition of making textile products.
Sremski Karlovci: History and Wine
The town centre of Sremski Karlovci is designated a cultural and historical ensemble of exceptional importance. The town was the seat of the Serbian Metropolitanate; the Karlovac High School is considered the oldest secondary school for Serbs. Wine adds another avenue of discovery to these historical facets: wine production and wine tours are among the most important tourist offerings. Optional tastings at the wine cellars are connected with local winemaking traditions and methods of wine production. They are served with Srem specialities, such as a Srem snack, poppy-seed strudel or kuglof. Arrangements for these experiences may vary; if interested, check the details in advance.
Museum and Hiking Routes
The Muzej vojvođanskih Slovaka (Múzeum vojvodinských Slovákov) includes historical, ethnological and art collections. Its aim is to research, document, present and preserve material and spiritual records from the past of the Slovaks of Vojvodina. Alongside the major stories of fortresses and towns, the focus is also on collecting a variety of records.
For hiking enthusiasts, Fruška Gora National Park offers a clearly defined selection: its 23 recommended routes are circular trails and can be hiked in either direction. Special PNG maps and GPX and KMZ tracks for the hiking routes shown are available to download free of charge. The maps and tracks provide a basis for choosing a route and viewing its course in advance; check the information provided before setting off.
Discover more destinations: Kovacica, Bečej, Temerin, Backa Palanka, Gložan, Novi Sad, Petrovaradin, Turija, Sremski Karlovci, Novi Bečej, Futog, Čerević, Sremska Kamenica, Kovilj, Bački Petrovac, Čenej, Bač, Žabalj, Srbobran, Kać.
For the full travel overview: Vojvodina.
