Dead Tisa

Vojvodina has a lot to offer when it comes to inland waters – from one of the biggest rivers in Europe, the Danube, to artificial formed lakes in former quarries (some of those are, sadly, disappearing).

But, for me personally, the best summer time spot for some fun in the sun is, without a doubt, the National Park Dead Tisa, or Mrtva Tisa in Serbian.

This boggy marshland was cut of from the main flow of the Tisa river in 19th century, and is located near the village Curug, some 30 kilometers from Novi Sad by car.

But, although it’s technically a swamp, the main part of the national park is a canal-like lake, constantly supplied by fresh water from a series of natural underground wells that are located in the area.
Because of them, the water is never stale or smelly, and because of its relatively small surface area, easily heated by sun.

The place is perfect for swimming or canoeing, and even possibly sailing in small, one-seat boats.

Thanks to its status as a park, building is allowed on its banks, but installment of electricity, sewers or running water is not.
Without any waist waters, the Dead Tisa is amazingly clean and odorless.

Also, the practice of locals for the last 10-20 years was to build small summerhouses right next to the water, and equip them with wooden docks.
The banks are very steep, making those docks, alongside small patches of land where they are built ideal for jumping and sunbathing.

The best thing is that anybody can use those docks when the owners aren’t around.
They are public property, and there are a lot of them.

A lazy summer afternoon, little BBQ, a few beers cooling in the water and lot of friends and/or family – sounds like an ideal setting for a great day on Dead Tisa.

Devil’s Town

Recently, there’s been a lot of talk in Serbia about a place called Devil’s Town (Djavolja varos).
It’s a relatively small nature park, or nature monument, as defined by local law.
What is it exactly?
Well, simply put – a collection of weird rock formations. There are around 200 of them in Devil’s Town and they look like strange, elongated sculptures. Every one is really narrow and has a stone on its peak. They are created by erosion, and as I understand it, are somewhat of a geological rarity.
I never visited this place, or even heard about it till recently, but I’ll give it this: it sure looks like out of this world.


Devil’s Town became more famous when it entered the ‘’New wonders’’ competition, under the ‘’nature’’ section. Currently, it’s on the 24th place.
Generally, I’m always skeptical about any ‘’new and hip’’ tourist locations. Devil’s town it located in the southern Serbia, near the town of Kursumlija, so it’s not exactly very accessible because of the distance and road quality (except if you’re visiting Nis or some other southern city). For example, a one-day visit from Belgrade would take up around 10 hours just in transit.

Devil’s Town does look like it’s worth a visit, but don’t expect much more than what you have seen in the pictures.
Near-by Kursumlija has more tourist sites, so it’s probably best to incorporate Devil’s Town into a bigger sightseeing trip, just in case.

Kopaonik National Park

National park Kopaonik is located in central Serbia, 230km from the capital Belgrade. It is accessible from two corridors - Josanicke Banje and Brisa.

Although its one of the biggest nation parks, it doesn't cover the whole Kopaonik mountain; its situated on a flat region, a plateau caller Suvo Rudiste, and is surrounded by mountain peaks.
Around 118 square kilometers of protected forest and other mountainous landscape are incorporated in the park, and there are 12 separate zones (Kozje rocks, Vucak, Mrkonja, Jankova pond, Gobelja, Barska river, Samokovska river, Metodje, Jerak, Suvo rudiste and Duboka plain)

These zones are classified as ''special interest'' areas, because of the animal and plant species that live there, and are intentionally isolated and additionally protected (I'm not sure does this mean that they are no-go areas for tourist). Local laws, as well as a number of different international conventions regulate the park.

Of all the wildlife species that are living in the park, its variety of birds is probably most famous; those include scops owl, rock partridge and red-backed shrike. Bigger species of mammals like wolfs and bears are a rarity.

I have never visited Kopaonik National Park, but I have traveled to Kopaonik Mountain - the landscape is beautiful and often simply stunning. I can only imagine what the park looks like, but I can bet it's even more picturesque, due to it's protected status.

If you're into bird watching or are interested or love untouched mountain scenery, Kopaonik National park is the perfect place for a one-day visit.
For more info - kopaonik.net