Outdoor adventures in Djerdap National Park
Although the Djerdap National Park is spread over a wide area, the Danube is naturally the primary focus for activities, including kayaking, fishing, and swimming. Kayaking is a great way to embark on a river adventure and take in the spectacular scenery from the water, including some sights only visible from the river. While it is possible to rent kayaks and strike out on your own journey, it is recommended that you take a guided kayaking tour with experienced guides to get the most out of it and stay safe.
Another way to take in the views without much effort is to cruise. A range of itineraries is available, from an hour jaunt to a full day floating along the Danube from Belgrade, alongside the national park, and terminating in Kladavo with its beaches and fine medieval fortress.
The park has many trails for hikers and cyclists to explore. Cycling is a good way to get around the park, and bikers can pick up the Serbian leg of the EuroVelo 6 along the Danube, a continuous cycle route that connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Black Sea. Hikers can take their own route or join organized tours and benefit from a professional guide’s insight into the park’s nature and history. Tours can be arranged with transport from Belgrade, ascending 768 meters to the peak of Veliki Strbac, for panoramic views of the river and the entire region.
Manmade sights in Djerdap National Park
Although the main attraction of Djerdap National Park is its glorious natural surroundings, there are also some fascinating archaeological and historic sites to check out. The most striking is the imposing Golubac Fortress, which looks like something from “Game of Thrones.” The stronghold commands a stretch of the Danube that leads into the park’s most famous natural attraction, the Djerdap Gorge. Nicknamed the Iron Gate, it is the longest and deepest gorge in Europe, running for about 62 miles and flanked on either side by high cliffs, creating a vista that might have inspired symphonies. Further downstream by the hydroelectric dam at Novi Sip is another popular historic site, the impressive ruins of the Diana Fortress.
The park is dotted with small settlements, and a small range of accommodation is available if you plan to make it more than a day trip. Camping Asin is a small campsite located near the banks of the Danube with basic facilities, and there are a few private guesthouses in the village of Dobra. For a wider choice of lodgings and amenities, the larger towns of Golubac and Donji Milanovac are popular with tourists. Both have beaches and several restaurants to choose from, with most offering traditional Serbian fare, such as Pljeskavica and Cevapi. With its riverside terrace and white tablecloths, Kafana Zlatna Ribica in Golubac shoots for a modern take on these classics and serves fresh grilled fish.
