Iriški Venac recreational area (Fruška gora)
Iriški Venac is one of the most visited recreational areas in the National Park. It is located at an altitude of about 450 meters, 20 kilometers from Novi Sad.
At the very crossroads on the Iriški Venac, there is the Information Center of the Fruška Gora National Park, where you can get information and suggestions for a tour, but also visit the naturalist display with exhibits that best represent the natural and cultural values of the National Park.
The most recognizable feature of Iriški Venac is the “Freedom” monument, the most monumental symbol of the National Liberation Struggle on Fruška Gora. The monument was uncovered in 1951 and is the work of sculptor Sreten Stojanović. The figure of a woman on top of the obelisk, a group of partisans and scenes of struggle and suffering symbolically glorify the sacrifices made by partisans and civilians in the fight for freedom.
Near the monument is a circular Educational Trail 850 meters long with boards presenting the most famous natural and cultural-historical values of Fruška Gora. On the path, there is a lookout point – a wooden observation tower “Crni čot“, from which you can see Novi Sad and the surrounding area.
On Iriški Venac, we recommend walking along the new Trim Trail. The length of the track is 5.5 km. It starts from the Info Center of the Fruška Gora National Park and stretches towards the Freedom Monument and the Norcev Hotel. Within the large circle is a smaller circle about 3.5 km long with exercise equipment. The trail was built on the initiative of the Serbian Athletics Association.
Nearby is Ruben’s Circle, a memorial footpath, dedicated to the former member of the Novi Sad Rotary Club, humanist and great nature lover, Ruben Dajč (1947-2019). The circular trail, about 7 km long, starts and ends at Iriški Venac.
After the hike, you can rest and satisfy your hunger in the “Restoran na Vencu“, surrounded by greenery, with numerous grilled dishes and specialties of the house. This restaurant is particularly recognizable for its venison dishes. For those who want to replace the city with the forest in a few days, but not deprive themselves of many comforts, they can choose the nearby Norcev Hotel for a multi-day vacation.
