Do not forget, this is where people have been shaped by water for centuries and that is why you can get to know them best at places near the Danube such as beaches, “čardas”, wineries, monuments, promenades or nature parks and picnic sites.
Written by: Dragan Gmizić
For a long time I have lived being convinced that I know excellently the panorama of the city I was born in, that perfect symmetry with Petrovaradin Fortress on the one bank of the Danube and elegant verticals of the City Hall, “cathedral” and Congregational Church on the other. However… I have had the opportunity to sail into Novi Sad from the direction of Belgrade (on the bow of a cruiser!). The change of perspective from meter to meter has changed my previous perception. No, the Danube does not meander between Petrovaradin and Novi Sad at all. The Danube is a flat line! The horizon on which everything was created and which defined everything. From “flat” vocals of the Novi Sad residents all up to their typical lifestyle. Do not forget, this is where people have been shaped by water for centuries and that is why you can get to know them best at places near the Danube such as beaches, “čardas”, wineries, monuments, promenades or nature parks and picnic sites.
A Hungarian writer Béla Hamvas makes a clear distinction in his essays between the terms space and place. As far as he is concerned, the space has its geographic determinations – surface, position, etc. but only the place has its poets. In addition to poets, Ribarsko Ostrvo (Fishermen’s Island) has also got excellent caterers and cooks!
Here, in the Pannonian valley, fish restaurants are called “čardas”. There are dozens of “čardas” in wider surroundings of Novi Sad, on the left and right bank of the Danube. Originally, the word “čarda” comes from the Persian language and means… While you Google the meaning of the word I suggest you let yourself indulge in tastes of local fish specialties (fish soup, fish stew, fried perch, catfish and carp) and excellent local wine.
When it comes to local wines, their taste reflects precisely the geographic position they originate from. Numerous wineries at places on the Danube in the vicinity of Novi Sad, such as Banoštor, Čerević, Ledinci, Sremska Kamenica or Sremski Karlovci, keep in their cellars the wines with unique sweetness of the south and freshness of the north. There are several wineries in Sremski Karlovci or Banoštor with excellently equipped tasting amenities where you can try local specialties such as ham, goat cheese or honey.
In addition to good wineries there are numerous beaches on the banks of the Danube that make ideal places for recreation and relaxation during the summer months. Novi Sad beach “Štrand” is one of the most beautiful and best arranged beaches along the entire Danube course. Štrand offers many possibilities – numerous cafes, sports grounds, children’s playgrounds. If you forget to take your book to the beach there is also a branch of the city library there! However, what makes Štrand different than other unarranged or partially regulated beaches, such as Bećarac and Oficirac, is the lifeguard service. Bathing at Štrand is the safest.
Kamenica Park is located on the opposite bank of the Danube from the Štrand beach. Although it is one of the oldest in the city, Kamenica Park has only recently got its new face. Bathing at Štrand in combination with a walk across the Liberty Bridge and after that through the park that holds the statues from the 19th century makes a perfect example of active relaxation for individuals or a family. A walk to the Kamenica Park is merely a suggestion. You can also ride a bicycle or rollers along the quay.
At the distance of only several kilometres from the city centre, Nature Reservation Begečka Jama and Special Nature Reservation Kovilj-Petrovaradin Marsh represent rare and well preserved micro eco-systems of flatland flood areas. In addition to educational programmes, these protected nature resorts also offer the programmes for recreation in nature such as walking, rowing, boat sailing and bird watching.
