If you want to see one of the most beautiful parts of Serbia, plan a trip to the Iron Gates and Djerdap National Park. Here, you will discover Roman ruins, village life, and stunning river views all in one place. As you follow the mighty Danube, it winds between high cliffs, past old fortresses, and through quiet valleys, with every turn of the road revealing something new. To truly enjoy this journey, start by renting a car in Serbia. Along the way, you can stop in quiet towns, take in breathtaking views, and spend more time at the spots that capture your interest.
From Belgrade Airport, it takes 2 hours by car to reach Golubac, the park's western entrance. The 145-kilometer drive starts southeast through central Belgrade, passing Terazije Square and Slavija before joining the E75 toll road. You’ll travel through open countryside for about 60 kilometers before exiting toward Route 33 near Požarevac.
From there, smaller regional roads lead you through towns and farming areas, passing local landmarks like Pizzeria Prima and Motel Jatagan. As you continue on Route 34, the scenery shifts to rolling hills and glimpses of the Danube River. The last stretch takes you through villages and riverside roads until Golubac Fortress appears at the water’s edge.
Djerdap National Park is often called the crown jewel of Serbia’s protected areas. It stretches about 100 kilometers from the medieval Golubac Fortress to the Sip Dam near Kladovo. The park is famous for the Djerdap Gorge, also known as the Iron Gates, the longest and deepest gorge in Europe. This natural wonder forms part of the border between Serbia and Romania.
The park is divided into four dramatic gorges—Golubac, Gospodjin Vir, Veliki Kazan, and Mali Kazan—separated by three valleys. The Veliki Kazan Gorge is the most striking, where the Danube narrows to only 150 meters and the cliffs rise nearly 300 meters above the water. In contrast, the river expands to over 6 kilometers wide near Golubac. These constant shifts between narrow canyons and broad river plains make the drive and boat rides here unforgettable.
Djerdap’s biodiversity is remarkable. More than 1,100 plant species thrive here, including rare flowers like the Djerdap tulip and protected plants found only in this region. Majestic golden eagles and black storks often patrol the skies, while the forests hide elusive animals such as lynx, jackals, and otters. Over 70% of the park is covered in dense forests, providing shelter for deer, wild boar, and countless bird species. If you visit in spring or autumn, you may notice the striking color changes in the leaves.
Djerdap is not only about history and scenic drives but also a great destination for nature lovers. You can hike to high peaks, explore caves, or follow short trails with stunning river views. Every adventure here brings you closer to the beauty of the Iron Gates and the Danube.
One of the most rewarding hikes in Djerdap National Park is the climb to Veliki Strbac, the highest peak in the park at 768 meters. The trail takes you through dense forests, rocky slopes, and flower-filled meadows before you reach the summit. You can see the Iron Gates and the Carpathian Mountains in Romania from here. The moderate difficulty is suitable for experienced hikers and fit beginners. On a clear day, the Danube’s winding path through the gorge is among the best things to see in Djerdap National Park.
Djerdap is home to fascinating underground worlds. Rajko’s Cave near Majdanpek has long passages, stalactites, and stalagmites, with guided tours explaining its geology and legends. The cave is cool at 8°C, perfect for summer visits. Boljetinska Cave features colorful walls and chambers shaped by water over thousands of years. The largest cave along the Iron Gates, Ponicova Cave, also called the Water Mouth or Bat’s Cave, can be entered by boat from the Danube.
For shorter walks, you can follow the marked trails near Donji Milanovac and Golubac. These paths take you to stunning viewpoints over the gorge, where the Danube narrows between cliffs and then widens into calm valleys. Hiking here is more than just exercise. It is a way to see and feel a river landscape that has shaped cultures and trade for thousands of years.
Djerdap National Park has charming towns, traditional villages, and cultural landmarks that give visitors a deeper sense of life along the Danube.
Donji Milanovac is one of the main towns inside the Djerdap National Park. Sitting right on the Danube River, it has fewer than 3,000 residents yet offers cozy places to stay and scenic riverside walks. Boat tours often start here, giving you easy access to see the gorge from the water. The town’s history is unique because the old settlement was relocated when the Djerdap Dam was built, and the original site is now underwater.
Kapetan Mišin Breg is an ethno-complex that showcases traditional Serbian life. You can see wooden houses, open-air art, and panoramic views over the Danube. Visitors often come here to taste homemade Serbian dishes, try local rakija, and learn about rural customs. The sculptures and gardens make this a peaceful spot to relax after exploring the park’s trails.
Nature lovers shouldn’t miss the Porečki Wetlands. This area is home to migratory birds like herons and cormorants, and walking along the trails feels far from busy roads. It is especially beautiful at sunset when the water reflects the golden light. This wetland area is also a reminder of how important the Danube is for wildlife and people in the region.
Golubac is the western entry point to Djerdap National Park. It is one of the first places you will see when starting your road trip to the Iron Gates. The town sits on the Danube River. Its biggest highlight is the Golubac Fortress, a medieval stronghold that has guarded this part of the Danube for centuries. The fortress was recently restored. Visitors can now walk through its towers, walls, and viewing platforms.
Beyond the fortress, there are riverside cafes near Golubac. You can enjoy local coffee or Serbian wine while watching fishing boats and river traffic pass. Small shops sell local products, from honey and jams to handcrafted souvenirs.Golubac also has parking areas near the fortress, a tourist information center, and hiking routes that lead into the park.
Kladovo is located near the Sip Dam, at the park's eastern edge. It’s a riverside town where you can taste fresh fish dishes prepared in traditional ways. The town also has a walking promenade along the Danube, giving you open views of the river and the Romanian hills across the water. It’s a great final stop if you are driving to Djerdap National Park from the east.
Tekija is a small fishing village close to the Veliki Kazan Gorge. It is a popular stop for boat tours, and you can often see fishermen preparing their catch for the day. The location gives you excellent vantage points over the narrowest parts of the Iron Gates. It’s the perfect spot for photography and quiet moments by the river.
The Iron Gates is the name given to the gorges and valleys where the Danube cuts between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains. This is one of Europe’s most impressive river landscapes. When you visit the Iron Gates, you stand at a natural border between Serbia and Romania.
The Iron Gates stretch for over 80 miles, but the narrow gorges like Veliki Kazan are the most dramatic sections. Here, the Danube reaches depths of up to 90 meters and flows between towering cliffs. Before the construction of the Djerdap Dam in the 1960s, this part of the river was full of dangerous rapids and whirlpools. The dam calmed the waters and raised the river level by about 40 meters, flooding some historical sites. The road hugs the river, with frequent tunnels and curves that open suddenly to wide views of the water. You can see it from the shore, a hiking trail, or a boat.
One of the best ways to experience the Iron Gates is by boat. Cruises from Donji Milanovac, Golubac, or Tekija take you through the most beautiful sections of the gorge. On the water, you can get close to the Tabula Traiana, a Roman memorial plaque carved into the rock nearly 2,000 years ago by Emperor Trajan. The plaque commemorates the construction of a military road that linked the Roman Empire to its province of Dacia.
Boat tours also pass the rock sculpture of Decebalus, the last king of Dacia, on the Romanian side. At 40 meters high, it is the largest stone sculpture in Europe. It was completed in 2004 after a decade of carving. Another sight is the Mraconia Monastery, a small church rebuilt on the Romanian bank after the dam submerged the original. Short cruises last an hour or two, while longer ones can take you through multiple gorges and past more landmarks. From the water, the scale of the cliffs, the river's changing width, and the mix of natural and man-made history become even more striking.
The Iron Gates are home to some of Serbia’s historical and natural sites. You can visit fortresses, ancient settlements, and unique rock formations within 30 minutes to 1 hour from the Iron Gates.
Moving east, you will reach Lepenski Vir, an archaeological site dating back to 9500 BC. This settlement is known for its trapezoid-shaped houses and unique stone sculptures resembling fish-like humans. The glass-covered museum protects the site’s foundations, allowing you to see them in their original arrangement. Informative displays explain how the community lived, fished, and built spiritual traditions along the Danube thousands of years ago.
Located near the village of Vratna, the Vratna Gates are three massive limestone arches formed by centuries of river erosion. They are among Serbia’s most striking geological features, and the surrounding trails make them a rewarding stop for hikers and photographers. The arches change color throughout the day as sunlight filters through the valley.
Near Kladovo, you can see the last surviving pillar of Trajan’s Bridge, built in the 2nd century AD under Roman Emperor Trajan. At its peak, the bridge stretched 1,100 meters across the Danube, making it the longest bridge in the ancient world. Even with only one pillar left, its scale and location are reminders of the Roman Empire’s reach and engineering skill.
The best time to visit is in spring or autumn, when the weather is mild and the landscapes are at their most colorful. Summer is also popular, especially for boat tours, but temperatures can be high. In winter, there are fewer visitors. While some services may be limited, the park’s quiet beauty can be appealing.
Accommodation options range from hotels and guesthouses in towns like Donji Milanovac and Kladovo to smaller rural stays. Booking ahead is a good idea during peak season. Remember to bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection for summer, and a light jacket if you plan to visit caves or take evening cruises.
A road trip to the Iron Gates and Djerdap National Park takes you through history, from ancient villages to old fortresses and Roman roads. You will also see one of Europe’s most beautiful river views. Rent a car in Serbia with Final Rentals to travel at your own pace, stop where you want, and enjoy the nature and culture that make this region unforgettable.
