If you plan to explore Serbia by car, Fruška Gora is one of the best places to start. This mountain is close to both Novi Sad and Belgrade. You can easily reach it in less than an hour by car. Renting a car in Serbia allows you to visit small villages, stop at picnic spots, and enjoy the national park’s hills. Fruška Gora is the oldest national park in Serbia. It is also one of the most beautiful driving routes in Vojvodina. Our Fruška Gora road trip guide will help you discover the best places and activities to enjoy when you visit.
When you start your Fruška Gora road trip, you will see how different it is from the flat lands of northern Serbia.
Millions of years ago, Fruška Gora was an island in the Pannonian Sea. Today, this long mountain stands alone, surrounded by flat plains. It stretches about 80 km and rises with rolling hills, forested ridges, and sharp slopes. The highest point is Crveni Čot, reaching 548 meters. You will also notice how the mountain is divided into separate ridges, shaped by rivers and streams. From some parts, you can even see the Danube River curving through the lowlands.
Fruška Gora became a national park in 1960 to protect its rare nature. The park has over 1,000 plant species and 700 types of medicinal herbs. Its forest comprises linden, hornbeam, beech, oak, and cherry trees. It is home to more than 60 mammals, 220 bird species, and many types of amphibians and reptiles. You might see deer or hear the golden eagle overhead. This park has a special climate. It’s not very high, but the forest cover keeps it cool in summer and snowy in winter.
Fruška Gora has 12 manmade lakes, mainly used for fishing or swimming. Ledinci Lake was once popular, though it is currently dry. Lakes like Borkovac, Sot, and Bruja are great for relaxing. Many of them have small beaches or picnic spots. On the northern slopes, you can find Dumbovac waterfall. It flows under the meadows of Brankovac and Beočin. This natural cascade is beautiful, especially in spring or when it freezes in winter. The park also has natural springs and thermal waters supporting plant life.
One of the most unique attractions in Fruška Gora is its many monasteries, which are hidden in quiet valleys or on forested slopes.
The mountain is known as the "Serbian Athos" because it once held more than 35 Orthodox monasteries. These were built between the 15th and 18th centuries when Serbian monks escaped the Ottoman invasions. They came here to practice religion peacefully and continue Serbian cultural life. Today, about 16 of these monasteries are still standing. They are filled with art, relics, and sacred history. They were built mainly by the Branković family and reflect a blend of Baroque and Morava architectural stles. Many are open to visitors.
Some of the most important monasteries in Fruška Gora include Krušedol, Novo Hopovo, Grgeteg, and Rakovac. Krušedol is one of the oldest and best-preserved. It was founded by Archbishop Maksim, formerly known as Despot Đorđe Branković. The monastery is known for its elegant frescoes and as the resting place of several Serbian royals, including King Milan Obrenović and Princess Ljubica. Novo Hopovo stands out for its tall bell tower and detailed Baroque architecture.
Despot Vuk Grgurević founded Grgeteg Monastery. Its white walls and golden iconostasis stand out against the green landscape. Rakovac Monastery also has beautiful paintings and is easy to reach by car. Although damaged in past wars, it has been carefully restored. Other monasteries, such as Bešenovo and Kuveždin, are now partly in ruins due to heavy destruction, especially during World War II. Most monasteries in Fruška Gora are located near springs or forest paths, creating a calm and reflective atmosphere.
No road trip through Fruška Gora is complete without stopping for local wine and food. The region is full of vineyards and old wine houses.
Winemaking here began with the Romans. Emperor Probus brought vines from Italy and planted them on the mountain slopes. Today, the area is famous for high-quality wines and cozy wine shops. Driving through the vineyards of Fruška Gora is both relaxing and scenic. One of the best places to start is Sremski Karlovci, a Baroque town near the Danube River. It is home to many wineries and even a wine festival every September. You can stop by and taste local white or red wine in the cellars.
The region of Srem, which surrounds Fruška Gora, is known for simple but tasty food. Meat dishes, homemade bread, and pastries like strudel are all popular. Restaurants near the lakes or monasteries often serve fresh local meals made with seasonal ingredients. You can also find traditional Srem-stle houses that now work as wine taverns.
Fruška Gora National Park is not only about sightseeing. It is also a great place for walking, hiking, or climbing. Fruška Gora’s trails and landscapes offer many ways to enjoy the outdoors.
There are more than 400 kilometers of marked hiking trails across the mountain. One of the most popular is the Stražilovo hike, which starts in Sremski Karlovci. It leads to a viewpoint and a monument to the poet Branko Radičević. The hike is about 10 km and takes 5 to 6 hours. The forest is dense but easy to walk through, and the view from the top is one of the best in the park.
Another trail is the Iriški Venac hike, which covers 12 km through forested hills. It passes memorials and old Partisan hospital sites from World War II. This hike is quiet and shaded, with a moderate incline. You will also see the large stone monument built to honor fighters from the Srem region.
For a lighter walk, try the Ledinci hike, which starts in the village of Ledinci. The trail goes through orchards and vineyards and offers views of the Danube and the flatlands of Vojvodina. You can also explore the Crveni Čot trail, which leads to the highest peak in Fruška Gora. At 548 meters, the climb is steady and rewarding. Another good choice is the Velika Remeta trail, which connects the Velika Remeta Monastery to nearby forest paths.
Popular picnic spots in Fruška Gora include Stražilovo, Popovica, Letenka, and Brankovac. You can park your car nearby and walk to a grassy hilltop or shaded grove. Many areas have wooden benches, signs, and small shelters in case of rain. You may also find restrooms or nearby food stalls depending on the location. These spots are perfect for families or groups of friends who want to spend the day outdoors. On weekends, you will often see people playing music or grilling food.
Fruška Gora is home to over a dozen artificial lakes open for fishing. Lakes like Bruja near Erdevik and Sot near Ruma are especially popular. Some lakes have small beaches, and a few have basic visitor facilities.
The park has more than 220 bird species, including eagles, falcons, and sparrowhawks. Many birds only pass through during spring and autumn migrations, so timing your trip can offer exciting sights. You will also find rare plants, including over 30 species of protected orchids, especially near sunny meadows and forest edges. Walking with a camera or notebook can become a rewarding outdoor activity if you enjoy photography or botany.
Besides trails and forests, Fruška Gora has historical landmarks along its ridges. The Iriški Venac memorial, built for the Partisan fighters of World War II, stands at 509 meters and can be reached by car or on foot. The area offers panoramic views of the Srem region and nearby forests. Other historical sites, such as old hospital ruins and war memorials, are spread across mountain points.
Planning your road trip to Fruška Gora is simple. It is close to major cities and easy to access.
If you rent a car in Belgrade, you can reach Fruška Gora in 1 hour and 30 minutes. The journey covers 86 kilometers, mainly along the E75 highway. Starting in central Belgrade, you head southeast from Terazije Street, passing landmarks such as EROR Architecture and KFG Centar before turning onto Svetozara Markovića Street. You continue through Birčaninova and Kneza Miloša Street, driving past shops, offices, and small local businesses.
Soon after, you merge onto the E75, a major highway leading out of the city. This stretch is fast and efficient, with clear signs pointing toward Fruška Gora. After staying on the road for several kilometers, you take the exit toward A8 and then Route 21. The road narrows into smaller regional routes, passing by monuments, small villages, and farmland.
As you get closer, the scenery changes into wooded hills and quiet countryside. Roads like Vladimira Nazora, Industrijska, and Pinkijeva lead deeper into the national park. You will pass landmarks such as the Blue Wing Monument, Fruškogorska Lugarnica, and Mala Remeta Cemetery. The final stretch includes winding turns and narrower local roads, eventually bringing you into Fruška Gora National Park. Buses also go to villages near the park, but they are not ideal if you want to visit many places. That is why having a car makes your travel more flexible and comfortable.
Spring and autumn are the best seasons to enjoy the views, flowers, and hiking trails. Summers can be warm but still pleasant under the forest shade. Winter is cold and snowy, great for quiet walks and photography. Always bring water, snacks, and good shoes. Many trails go through forest paths and gentle hills.
Signs in the park are often in Serbian, so it helps to use a translation app. Many picnic areas have waste bins. There is no entrance fee for Fruška Gora, and most monasteries do not charge admission. However, some may have donation boxes to help with upkeep. Take your time, drive slowly, and enjoy each stop.
Fruška Gora is one of the most peaceful and beautiful places in Serbia to explore by car. The mountain range has green forests, scenic lakes, quiet monasteries, and local wine trails. Whether you're interested in hiking, relaxing near a lake, or visiting historical sites, everything is close and easy to reach. To make your trip smooth and flexible, rent a car in Belgrade with Final Rentals.
