Located on the Danube River and home to approximately 400,000 residents, Novi Sad is the second-largest city in Serbia and the administrative center of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina. A modern and vibrant city, Novi Sad is a dynamic district for business and culture, hosting numerous notable events, including the International Agricultural Fair, the Street Musicians Festival, the EXIT Festival, the Interfest International Wine Festival, various international congresses, and more.
As a university and student-oriented city, it has become a popular gathering place for young people. Novi Sad boasts numerous cultural and historical landmarks of national importance, such as the Petrovaradin Fortress and the headquarters of Matica Srpska, the oldest cultural and scientific institution in Serbia.
In 2022, Novi Sad was honored with the title of European Capital of Culture.
The Petrovaradin Fortress is a classic example of 18th-century military architecture and a masterpiece in fortification. Covering a vast area of 112 hectares, it features a unique underground tunnel network stretching up to 16 kilometers. Constructed with intermittent breaks between the years of 1692 and 1780, today the fortress stands as the most significant cultural and historical monument and symbol of Novi Sad. It is one of the largest and best-preserved fortresses in Europe.
The fortress serves as a prime representation of culture, artistry, and especially tourism, which attracts numerous visitors. It is an artistic hub, housing the Academy of Arts and numerous studios of Novi Sad’s painters and sculptors. Additionally, it is home to two other significant cultural institutions: the Museum of the City of Novi Sad and the Historical Archives of Novi Sad.
Since 2001, every July, the fortress becomes a venue for the popular EXIT music festival, the largest of its kind in this part of Europe.
On the main road between Novi Sad and Belgrade, just outside of Petrovaradin, lies the largest Marian shrine in Serbia, the Church of Our Lady of the Snow at Tekije. In medieval times, this site was home to a sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary, which was destroyed by the Ottomans. In the 16th century, they built a small mosque and a tekije (a serene resting place in Arabic) in its place. After the peace treaty of Karlovci was signed and the Ottomans withdrew in 1699, the mosque was converted back into a modest church. Following 17 years of peace, a new war broke out between the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Ottoman Empire. On August 5, 1716, a major battle took place at Vezirac—Austrian forces, led by Prince Eugene of Savoy, were greatly outnumbered by the Ottoman army under Grand Vizier Damad Ali Pasha. Legend has it that Our Lady herself intervened, sending snow at a critical moment to disrupt the Ottomans. From that day forward, the church was dedicated to Our Lady of the Snow, and every year on August 5, many pilgrims gather there.
Today, the church bears both the crescent moon and the cross as symbols, marking the two religions that had sacred places at this site.
Thanks to its natural riches and beauty, Fruška Gora was declared a National Park in 1960 and became a member of the Federation of European National Parks. The protected area of Fruška Gora National Park spans 25,525 km².
The touristic appeal of Fruška Gora lies in its well-maintained picnic areas, lakes, viewpoints, hiking trails, and monasteries situated within its dense forests. This diversity has made this Pannonian Mountain range a popular destination for excursions.
The National Park’s offerings include hiking along forest trails, mountaineering, cycling, nature photography, birdwatching, wildlife observation, and swimming in reservoir zones during the summer months.
Krušedol Monastery
Located just 12 km from Sremski Karlovci, the Krušedol Monastery was built in the early 16th century. For a period, it served as the head of the metropolitan. Many prominent figures in Serbian history have been laid to rest in this monastery, including Patriarch Arsenije III Čarnojević, Patriarch Arsenije IV Jovanović Šakabenta, Princess Ljubica Obrenović, King Milan Obrenović, and others.
Velika Remeta Monastery
Located 12 km from Sremski Karlovci, the founding of the Velika Remeta Monastery is linked to King Dragutin Nemanjić, according to legend. The monastery is distinguished by having the tallest bell tower on Fruška Gora, standing at 40 meters.
Grgeteg Monastery
Situated 16 km from Sremski Karlovci, Grgeteg Monastery is considered one of the most beautiful monasteries on Fruška Gora. The iconostasis of the monastery church was created by Uroš Predić, one of the most prominent Serbian painters of all time. The monastery houses the most faithful copy of the icon of the Three-Handed Mother of God, the most famous and revered icon among the Serbian people.
Novo Hopovo Monastery
Located 30 km from Sremski Karlovci, Novo Hopovo Monastery was built on the site of an earlier church from the 10th century. The famous Serbian reformer and writer Dositej Obradović stayed here for three years. The monastery church houses the relics of Theodore Tyron (4th century), an early Christian martyr. These relics are the most complete and oldest preserved by the Serbian Orthodox Church.
Jazak Monastery
Located near the village of the same name, 45 km from Sremski Karlovci, Jazak Monastery is the youngest and arguably the most beautiful monastery on Fruška Gora, dating back to the 18th century. The monastery houses the relics of Saint Emperor Uroš, the last ruler of the Nemanjić dynasty. Within the monastery complex is a spring with water believed to have healing properties.
Vrdnik Monastery
Located 42 km from Sremski Karlovci, Vrdnik Monastery was first mentioned in 1566. The nearby town of Vrdnik was once a mining district, but now it functions as a spa destination. From the 17th century until World War II, the monastery was home to the relics of Saint Prince Lazar.
Located in the heart of Fruška Gora at an altitude of 240 meters, Vrdnik Spa is the youngest and one of the most beautiful spas in Serbia. It is situated in the village of Vrdnik, within the municipality of Irig. Protected by Fruška Gora from strong winds and enriched with a high percentage of ozone in the air, Vrdnik Spa is considered an air spa. It is known for treating sports injuries, all forms of rheumatism, soft tissue injuries, spinal deformities, migraines, gynecological issues, and more.
At the center of Vrdnik lies the “Termal” Institute for Special Rehabilitation. Thanks to its natural healing geothermal water and ecologically clean environment, it is a haven of health, peace, and tranquility. The institute offers 254 beds in double bedded and triple bedded rooms, three apartments, a restaurant, a congress hall (with 500 seats), an outdoor Olympic-sized pool, and an indoor recreational pool with thermal water maintained at a constant temperature of 32.5°C. It also features a modern therapeutic district equipped for hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, kinesitherapy, a fitness cabinet, a sauna, and areas for manual and vibration massages. The natural healing properties of thermal water are especially suitable for treating locomotor system disorders, sports injuries, and neurological conditions.
Hotel “Premier Aqua” (5)*
Located in the center of Vrdnik, this hotel features a modern spa center, pools with geothermal water, a congress hall, and a restaurant. The hotel has a capacity of 150 beds.
Fruške Terme Complex
A new addition to Vrdnik Spa, this hotel complex offers as many as nine thermal pools, modern conference halls, a medical block, and a wellness center. The SPA center is divided into several zones, including a family zone, children’s zone, aqua fun area, and sauna world.
Vrdnik Tower Tourist Complex
Vrdnik is also home to the Vrdnik Tower tourist complex, which features a restaurant, accommodation units, and additional amenities for visitors.
