Novi Sad in three days - Picnic routes

PICNIC ROUTES

The wider city area of Novi Sad relies partly on the National Park Fruška Gora with its picnic sites, preserved eco-systems and complex of Serbian Orthodox monasteries.
The immediate vicinity of Novi Sad is filled with numerous “salaš” farmsteads, rural and wine areas, which all together contribute to the fact that Novi Sad area disposes with
unsurpassable variety of amenities.

The visitors can feel themselves free to venture outin the direction of one of four picnic routes: Čenej route extending further on towards Fruška Gora route, route around Futog and its surroundings and lastly route around Kovilj and its surroundings. No matter what your choice will be you may use the benefits
of local public transport or rent-a-car services, bearing in mind that it will take you one day to complete each of the above-mentioned routes.

Info: Local public transport buses depart from Inter-municipal Bus Station in Novi Sad, Bulevar Jaše Tomić no. 6. Bus lines: Begeč (56), Budisava (23), Čenej (35), Futog (53), Kovilj (24), Sremska Kamenica (71,72), Sremski Karlovci (61,62), Serbian Orthodox Monastery Rakovac (Stari Rakovac 77), Serbian Orthodox Monastery Beočin (Beočin Selo 78) and Stari Ledinci (76B). Info: www.gspns.co.rs

ČENEJ

If you decide to head along the old road to Subotica for ten kilometers of soothing ride you will arrive to a typical rural settlement in Bačka called Čenej, nowadays known after
numerous “salaš” farmsteads.

Salaš” farmsteads are rural houses scattered in the sea of Vojvodina flatland. Nowadays, they are the guardians of the spirit of past times, traditional way of living, domestic food and horses that run along the flatland. You will be able to slow the pace of time and give way to enjoyment for a brief moment while emerging yourself in an ambience inherent for Bačka rural household in shades of orchards while
treating yourselves to a selection of traditional food and wines.

Standing at your disposal should you decide to treat yourselves with a unique experience (booking required) are: Salašarska bašta/Salaš 137 (restaurant with accommodation 3*), Međunarodni put 137, www.salas137.rs ; Pajin salaš (restaurant), Međunarodni put 325, www.pajinsalas.com ; Brkin salaš (food and accommodation 4*), Međunarodni put 312, www.brkinsalas.rs ; Mitin salaš (restaurant with accommodation 2*), Vuka Karadžića 53, www.novisad.travel ; Equestrian Centre for Rehabilitation, Recreation, Relaxation and Education “U sedlu”Salaš 341, www.usedlu.org.rs and Educational camp Čenej ŠOSO Milan Petrović, Međunarodni put 238 www.smp.edu.rs.

The list goes on to include the following accommodation facilities: Kamp Farma 47, Međunarodni put bb, www.agrotourism-novisad.com
and Restaurant with accommodation ”Bulać”, Međunarodni put 80, www.pansionbulac.com

PICNIC ROUTES – TOWARDS FRUŠKA GORA

Our recommendation if you decide to head towards Fruška gora is to take the road that takes you across Petrovaradin and Tekija as you will be able to enjoy the beauty of the ecumenical sanctuary dominated by the Roman Catholic Church of Mary of the Snow (1881) erected in the memory of the battle at Petrovaradin (1716) and victory of the Christian Army over the Turks.

The Roman Catholic Church of Mary of the Snow at Tekije was built at the site where initially a catholic church stood and later on a mosque during the period of the Turkish rule. The church got its contemporary outlook in 1881 according to the project of Herman Bole. The two massive belfries contribute to the monumental nature of the church. The crescent below the cross on the top of the church dome is one of specific characteristics of the church. The other one is the copy of the icon of Holy Mary of the Snow made after the original from the Roman church of Santa Maria Maggiore that is kept inside the church. According to the legend, the victory of the Christian Army over the Turks in Petrovaradin battle that took place on August 5th, 1716 was attributed to the Holy Mother.

Sremski Karlovci

Sremski Karlovci are the next stop on the road, a baroque city that was of great importance for the history of the Serbs as it was the head-office of Karlovci Metropolitanate and Patriarchy. Sremski Karlovci was the founding place of the Seminary, the second one in the Orthodox world, as well as the Grammar School of Sremski Karlovci, the first school of this type among the Serbs. It is known after monuments of culture and institutions that were founded mainly during the 18th and the 19th century: Patriarch’s Residence, Grammar School of Sremski Karlovci, Orthodox Cathedral – a Baroque temple dedicated to St. Nicholas, Chapel of Peace – erected at the site where Karlovci peace treaty was signed in 1699, Karlovci Theological School – the boarding school for students of the Seminary, Fountain “Four Lions” – erected to commemorate the completion of the first public water pipeline in Karlovci. The town has a long tradition of grapevine growing and wine production.

Chapel of Peace is a Roman Catholic religious temple erected at the site where Karlovci peace treaty between the Ottoman Empire on the one side and Austria, Venice, Poland and Russia on the other side was signed on January 26th, 1699, with the mediatory aid of The Netherlands and England. The debate chamber made of wood served as the venue for hosting of 72 day long painstaking negotiations. The
chamber had four entry points so that neither side would be given advantage at the moment of entry. The records mention the use of a round table for negotiations, which is probably the first time it was used in the course of official diplomacy.

We recommend you to pay a visit to the Tourist Organisation of Sremski Karlovci and ask about various tour guides and sightseeing of local amenities as well as an inventory of proposed wine cellars. The picnic area Stražilovo, home to the grave of the poet Branko Radičević (1824-1853) is located in the immediate vicinity in the territory of the National park of Fruška Gora. Info: Roman Catholic Church of Mary of the Snowwww.tekije.com; Touristic organization of Sremski Karlovci www.karlovci.org.rs

Fruška Gora area is a congregation of extraordinary amenities. Fruška Gora with its unique flora, fauna, landscapes, thermal sources-spa, lakes represents the basis for tourism of special interests (hiking, cyclotourism, observing of rare species of plants and birds, as well as hunting and fishing) as well as for recreational and excursion programmes, schools in nature, nautical and medical-spa/wellness tourism. The mountaineering programmes leading hiking fans to the picnic areas are organised on a weekly basis. Some of the sites covered by the hiking programmes include: Stražilovo, Glavica, Popovica, Iriški venac, and TV tower, Zmajevac, Brankovac, Andrevlje, Osovlje, Ležimir, Letenka and Testera.

Vrdnik

Vrdnik, a renowned spa resort is located some twenty kilometres away from Novi Sad on Fruška Gora. Thermal water with temperatures of around 32 oC is used for treatment of numerous diseases. Special hospital for rehabilitation “Termal” with outdoor and indoor pools, congress hall, restaurants, different types of accommodation together with its team of experts offers primarily excellent conditions for rehabilitation as well as ideal conditions for exercising of recreational sports making it an ideal place for preparation of athletes. Vrdnik is also home to a modern hotel “Premier Aqua” that can satisfy the needs of the most choosy guest with its abundance of different amenities. The above-mentioned hotel has a modern spa centre, congress hall, restaurant and richly equipped rooms and suites.

Another tourist resort located in the vicinity of Vrdnik is Ethno Complex “Vrdnička kula” lying on the foothills of Fruška Gora. The resort has at its disposal an ethno restaurant with terrace, wine cellar, bungalows for accommodation, church, children playground and numerous other amenities

 

Wellness & Spa hotel “Fruške terme” is the first luxury hotel complex in Serbia that includes eight thermal pools, 11 state-of-the art conference halls, Wellness & Spa Center, restaurant and bars. This unique thermal spa complex is located next to the Ethno complex Vrdnička kula.

The monastery Vrdnik (Vrdnik Ravanica) is located in the very centre of the settlement. The church itself is mentioned for the first time in written records from the end of the 16th century, while its current monastery building dedicated to the Christ’s Ascension was constructed in the 19th century. The monks that fled from the monastery Ravanica (at Ćuprija) at the end of the 17th century brought with themselves the relics of the Serbian lord Lazar murdered during the battle of Kosovo polje 1389. The bust of a poet Milica Stojadinović Srpkinja (1828-1878) is located in the courtyard of the monastery.

Vrdnik and Slankamen spas actively work on developing wellness and anti-stress programmes for wider target groups along with providing therapy programmes.

Fruška Gora is an area of good wines. Some of the famous wine producing centers include: Irig, Banoštor, Sremski Karlovci and Šid. The most renowned types of wine produced in this area are: Riesling, Bermet, blue Frankish, Merlot, Vranac, Portugieser, Ausbruch…

If you are interested in learning more about organised walking tours we recommend that you visit one of the following websites: www.psdzeleznicarns.org.rs www.vilinavodica.org.rs www.pdnaftas.org.rs Picnic, wine, educational and gastronomic programmes are offered by tour agencies www.novisad.travel/vodici-i-agencije/ Info: Banja Vrdnik www.vrdnik.travel Stari Slankamen www.indjija-tourism.com

Vrdnička kula (Vrdnik Tower) is located at a highpoint at approximately 400 meters and dominates over its surroundings. It represents a remainder of the medieval settlement Castellum Rednek dating back to the 14th century. Vrdnička tvrđava (Vrdnik Fortress) constructed on a strategic location was a part of the defense system of the former Hungarian Kingdom. It is assumed that the area surrounding Vrdnička kula was inhabited during the Roman period as well, when the Roman Emperor Probus planted the first grapevine on Fruška Gora. The area below the tower is reserved for the tourist resort and ethno complex that offer numerous amenities.

Monasteries

As many as thirty monasteries have been constructed throughout the history on Fruška Gora, which is why it has been given the name “Sacred Fruška Gora”. The unique cultural heritage of Fruška Gora is personified in its most important representatives, namely 16 monasteries that have been preserved till today. All of the monasteries were created during the period from the 15th till 18th century and are predominantly connected with the construction activities carried out by the Branković dynasty and resistance directed against the Turkish invaders. The monasteries of Fruška Gora have stood for centuries as one of the most important harbours of spiritual life of the Serbs, as they used to be the epicentre of Serbian literacy, literary creativity and arts.

Info: http:/novisad.travel/en/kategorija-lokacije/manastiri-fruske-gore-en

Stari Ledinci

Stari Ledinci is the place located on the slopes of Fruška Gora, near Novi Sad. This is where one can find the estate of the Miljević family, which is famous for its wine production. In addition to the local cuisine and wines, such as the famous Burgundy and Traminac the visitors are offered the accommodation in local households and rural tourist household (3*). Podrum Miljević (Miljević Wine Cellar) (3*), Sime Šolaje 41, www.podrum-miljevic.co.rs Ranč Dobro prase (“Dobro Prase” Ranch) is located in Stari Ledinci. Apart from enjoying in nature and fresh air, there is also the possibility for an active leisure time, such as walking through the forest, horse riding, sledding, and medicinal herbs and mushrooms collecting. The accommodation is also offered. Ranč Dobro prase, Stari Ledinci, Jovana Dučića 1; Announcement is required. www.rancdobroprase.com

We recommend you to visit two family wineries and taste excellent wines on your way to Stari Ledinci. Prior announcements are required. Info: SZR Podrum Šukac, Sremska Kamenica, Karađorđeva 4, Phone: +381 (0) 21 475 51 32 and Family Winery Antonijević, Ledinci, Fruškogorska 1 Phone: + 381 (0) 21 2986327. On the road to Stari Ledinci there is also the Restaurant Vidikovac, Samarski put www.vidikovac.rs

Rakovac and Beočin

The first written records on the Serbian Orthodox Monastery Beočin date back to the 16th century. The present monastery church, dedicated to Christ’s Ascension dates back to the 18th century. The iconostasis is of great value and it is the work of Teodor Dimitrijević Kračun, Janko Halkozović and Dimitrije Bačević. The park surrounding the monastery is the protected example of landscape and garden architecture.

Čerević and Banoštor

Upon leaving Beočin and embarking on a road along the Danube, you will be arriving to the settlements of Čerević and Banoštor. The Roman Catholic Church of St. Joseph
constructed in the 18th century dominates over the centre of an old settlement Čerević. Arsa Teodorović (1817) and Konstantin Pantelić (1835), two renowned Serbian painters, were hired to paint the iconostas for this church. The literary sources of the time say that a Roman epitaph was built in the walls of the Catholic church. The baroque style building of the Serbian Orthodox Church of St. Sava constructed in the 18th century is located in the vicinity. Čerević has a National Museum that preserves the legacy
left behind the painter Milenko Šerban and sculptor Jovan Sodatović. The settlement itself is also renowned for numerous wine shops and wine cellars: Kuzmanović, Belo Brdo, Radojčić and Žabić.

Info centre in Banoštor: Tel. +381 (0) 21 879 011, E-mail: banostor.infocentar@gmail.com Wineries Banoštor www.banostorinfo.wordpress.com Wineries Čerević www.beocin.rs Ferries: We suggest that you plan your field trip during the summer period. Ferry Futog-Beočin commutes once per hour, while the ferry Banoštor –Begeč as needed. Additional info: www.novisad.travel Local public buses depart from Inter-municipal bus station in Novi Sad Bulevar Jaše Tomić no. 6. Lines: Čerević (79), Banoštor (81). Additional info on schedule of departures: www.gspns.co.rs

Banoštor is an old settlement. Banoštor is also called by its inhabitants a “village with two suns” because of the reflection coming from the mighty river of Danube considering that it is located at a meeting point between the Danube and slopes of Fruška Gora. The remains of the Roman Catholic Church of St. Rudolph that was constructed in 1913 by the count Rudolph Kotek from Futog dominate nowadays over the settlement. The visitors are highly recommended to visit the Serbian Orthodox Church of St. George constructed in 1682 at the time of Great Migrations of the Serbs lead by Arsenije Čarnojević. The church bells were donated by Mihajlo Pupin in 1925. Banoštor is a settlement of wine makers and wine growers, as well as home to some of the renowned wineries such as: Fruškogorski vinogradi (Fruška Gora wineyards), Ačanski, Silbaški, Stojković, Urošević, Radošević and Šijački. The Women Association ”Majkina radionica” dealing with manufacture of souvenirs is also located in Banoštor.

Banoštor can be reached by ferry departing from Begeč, while the other ferry line connects Futog with the nearby Beočin. Crossing the Danube with a ferry is an interesting and pleasant occasion, while we recommend that you do it in summer or beginning of autumn.

PICNIC ROUTES – FUTOG AND ITS SURROUNDINGS

Futog is an old settlement that has nowadays been incorporated into the city of Novi Sad. The Roman Catholic Church of Jesus’ Heart with the Parish can be seen in its centre. The original church building was constructed by count Hadik in 1776. At the site of the old church, the Countess Chotek built a new one dedicated to Jesus’ Heart. Serbian Orthodox Church of St. Cosmas and Damian was built in Futog in 1776. The iconostasis was painted by Arsenije Teodorović, and wall painting is attributed to Janko Halkozović.

Futog is particularly renowned for its production of
cabbage, dating back to the 16th century according to the written records. The specific variety of cabbage is protected as a product with geographical origin. ”Futoška kupusijada” is organised every year at the beginning of November as a way of paying tribute to cabbage. The above-mentioned event is a place of gathering for the cabbage producers, organising of competitions in preparing dishes made out of cabbage and choosing of the heaviest cabbage complemented by a rich cultural-entertaining programme.

 

The Nature Park “Begečka Jama”, a significant habitat for nesting birds’ borders with the settlement Begeč. The above-mentioned park is a home to fishing grounds, beach, weekend resort and restaurants.

In Futog you can find SUR Gostiona Splav-Dunavac, Dunavska 000, www.splavdunavac.com and Plavi Dunav, Ribarska 2x, while at Begečka Jama there are “čardas”: Čarda kod Braše, Begečka jama 56, +381 (0)21 899-111 and Čarda na jami, Begečka jama bb. In Begeč you can visit Cvejin salaš *** Begeč, Nikola Tesla 2 www.cvejinsalas.com It is an authentic rural households where tourists are offered with an accommodation in rural tourist household categorised with 3* along with the standard offer that includes the tastes of domestic cuisine. It is necessary to make the reservations.

Info: Roman Catholic Church of Jesus’ Heart www.suboticka-biskupija.info/zupe.php; Serbian Orthodox Church of Saint Cosmas and Damian www.eparhija-backa.

PICNIC ROUTES – KOVILJ AND ITS SURROUNDINGS

Kovilj is an old settlement in Bačka located at the edge of Koviljsko-petrovaradinski rit (Kovilj-Petrovaradin Marsh). Its name was mentioned in the records for the first time in the 13th century. The settlement has two churches and a monastery. Serbian Orthodox Monastery Kovilj with the church dedicated to St. Archangels Michael and Gabriel was founded by St. Sava. Its name was mentioned in the records for the first time in the 17th century. The monastery has had its current outlook since the middle of the 18th century. The iconostasis was painted by Aksentije Marodić, while wood carved pieces were made by Jovan Kistner. Serbian Orthodox Church of Christ’s Ascension (Upper Kovilj Church) was built in 1829. Serbian Orthodox Church of St. Thomas the Apostle (Lower Kovilj Church) was built in 1845 at the site of an older church. The birth house of Laza Kostić (1841- 1910), a painter, poet, and interpreter is located next to the Upper Kovilj Church.

Koviljsko-petrovaradinski rit (Kovilj-Petrovaradin Marsh) is a special nature reservation spanning on 4,840 acres across the territories of
municipalities of Novi Sad, Sremski Karlovci, Inđija and Titel. The spacious marshes were created on the old armlets of the Danube. It is a habitat for rare species of birds and as such registered as IBA area. Arkanj is a well known fishing resort.

Info: Monastery Kovilj + 381 (0)21 298 8020; e-mail: kovilj@eunet.rs (group visits need to be announced ahead); Agricultural holding of Sava Graorac +381 (0)21 298 8558, www.mangulice.com (necessary to call ahead); Winery ”Do kraja sveta” +381 (0)21 298 9966; www.dokrajasveta.com

 

The settlements of Budisava and Kać are located in the vicinity of Kovilj. Budisava is a suburban settlement of Novi Sad. The centre of Budisava is dominated by the Roman Catholic Church of Assumption (the Holy Virgin Mary) constructed in neo-Gothic style in 1908. The tower of the church is 45 meters high with three bells. The ethno house built thanks to great effort of Mr. Tibor Milanović is located in the immediate vicinity of the church (first street to the right). The above-mentioned house is a home to the exhibition showing what was the interior and exterior like of the houses inhabited by the residents of Budisava at the crossing from the 19th to the 20th century. A collection of agricultural tools, devices that were used for tillage, an old well as well as a series of photographs depicting a social life of local people during the period between the two World Wars are located in the courtyard of the ethno house.

Kać is 8 kilometres away from Novi Sad. The Serbian Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas constructed during the period from 1840 to 1844 is located in the centre of the settlement. The newly founded monastery of the Serbian Orthodox Church dedicated to Christ’s Ascension is also located in the immediate vicinity. Passionate fishermen can enjoy themselves in arranged fishing ground –Crni vir.

Info: Ethno House Budisava Cara Dušana street no. 110; it is necessary to call ahead: +381 (0)21 719 235 (9-14h); Rajšli Laslo, e-mal: budiszava.petefi@gmail.com; Serbian Orthodox Monastery of Christ’s Ascension Kać, Sunčani breg; open for visits during the summer period from 6 a.m. till 19 p.m. and in winter from 6 a.m. till 18 p.m. Applications for group visits: +381 (0)21 621 33 12, manastirvaskrsenja@gmail.com