Country characteristics

Landscape
Serbia is situated in two distinct geographic parts of Europe. The northern part of the Republic are Central-European lowlands while the southern parts are hilly and mountainous. There are more than 15 mountain peaks rising to over 2,000 metres above sea level. Serbia offers a great richness of natural sites, including five national parks. The main navigable rivers are the Danube, Sava and Tisa. The Danube, the longest river in Europe, runs for almost 600 km through the country. A moderate continental climate predominates in Serbia, with a more mediterranean climate in the south.

History
The Serbian lands have always been at the crossroads of various civilizations, with different spiritual, architectural, artistic and cultural influences. Numerous prehistoric and classical monuments represent some unique examples of the changing times. Serbia still is a land of natural, historic, cultural and ethnic contrasts. Serbia and Montenegro formally declared independence from each other following a May 2006 referendum on independence in Montenegro. The southern province of Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in February 2008. Its independence is recognized by some countries and opposed by others, including Serbia itself.

Major cities

Belgrade
Belgrade (or Beograd) is the capital and the "soul" of modern Serbia. It is is situated at the confluence of the Sava and the Danube. In the course of its long history it has been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times. Today, it is a modern city of about 2 million inhabitants. Belgrade offers visitors a rich programme of cultural, artistic and sports events, many museums, cultural and historic monuments.
More info: Belgrade tourism.

Patriarch's Residence and Cathedral in Belgrade

Novi Sad
Novi Sad is one of the more multi-ethnic cities in Serbia, and is the capital of  the region Vojvodina, in the north. This city has a similar charm, culture, and night-life as the capital, but on a smaller, more personal scale. Novi Sad is a perfect combination of urban sophistication and bohemian relaxation. Novi Sad draws visitors from all over the world to the annual EXIT music festival in July. 
More info: Novi Sad tourism.

Niš
Nis is a great place to relax and enjoy the Balkan urban experience. The third largest city in Serbia offers many historical monuments, museums and archeological sites. The city has a lively shopping district and good places to eat and drink. Niš also hosts various renowned events, like the annual international film festival in August.
More info: Niš tourism.

Regions

Nothern Serbia
Vojvodina is the northern part of Serbia. It consists of the regions of Backa, Srem and Banat. The Danube, Tisa and Sava rivers pass through this largely flat area. There are charming cities in this region like Novi Sad, which often have preserved their baroque heritage. The biggest part of Vojvodina consist of villages and farmland with vast fields of sunflowers, wheat and other crops.

Central Serbia
The region south of Belgrade is the heart of Serbia, where the tourism is very developped. Here you have numerous hills and low mountains. It's the place where Serbian kings had built  their capitals, but also where the nicest monasteries in the Serbian Orthodoxy were constructed. The folklore festivals and the gipsy music, like Guca Festival give this area a particular charm.

The Zica Monastery near Kraljevo

West Serbia
Western Serbia has a diverse landscape: the plains of Macva lie in the north, while the rest is covered with mountains and high plains. Its lower regions are famous for their orchards (try to drink a local sljivovica!). The powerful river Drina offers wonderful views and borders to the lovely national park Mt. Tara. Visitors are advised to see the area's medieval monasteries.

East Serbia
An excellent region for adventure tourism. The mountain region is made of numerous planes wedged in and many water sources. Various caves in the mountains are open to tourists. This part of Serbia offers many unique itineraries in the unspoiled nature. Several historical Roman locations like Gamzigrad and Caricin Grad are amongst the biggest tourist attractions in Serbia. Otherwise the town of Nis has been a good example of this history with its Ottoman and Roman remnants.

The fortress of Golubac overlooking the Danube in Serbia & Montenegro

Related Pages

• InterRail Global Pass (valid in 30 countries, incl. Serbia)
• InterRail One Country Pass Serbia
• Train Information for Serbia
• Pass Benefits in Serbia