Tag: Serbia

  • Drvengrad Mećavnik

    Drvengrad Mećavnik

    As you step inside Drvengrad you immediately get the feeling you’re in a fairytale or at least in an old movie. And you would be right for thinking both. As the name suggests (Timber/Wooden Town) is a town on Mecavnik hill where everything is made out of wood. From town square to wooden houses which are authentic to this part of the country. There’s even a small wooden church in the middle of the town.

    In reality, this whole place makes an unusual 4-star resort with everything you need for a relaxing vacation. You can enjoy the view and get the full comfort with spa, indoor pool, and free Wi-Fi. There are a few restaurants, shops with souvenirs and local produce, cafés and even a movie theatre.  

    The reason why this place looks like a movie set is because it was made for a movie directed by a world-famous director Emir Kusturica. He is also the mastermind behind the idea of making this intriguing place. Drvengrad is also known as Kustendorf which is the name of the film festival being held there every year.

    Apart from the beautiful nature of Mokra Gora, one of the main attractions is The Sargan eight (Sarganska osmica). It’s an old railroad system with a twist. Literally, it goes winding through the tunnels making a number eight on its way up the mountains. During season old train makes regular departures and that is a scenic ride you shouldn’t miss.

    Note: it can get busy during summer with people coming from all around the country.

    Tip: You can get to Mokra Gora and Drvengrad by car, by a bus or a train. Because Zlatibor is a short ride away you can plan your stay and enjoy both in one trip.

  • Kopaonik

    Kopaonik

    If you are into skiing or snowboarding my guess is you wouldn’t consider Serbia as a place for your next winter holiday in Europe. That’s where you would be very wrong. Kopaonik is Serbian premier ski resort and a great place for a ski weekend or a winter holiday. With its highest point at 2000 m and around 55 km of pistes it’s perfect for novices an intermediate skiers. Ski tracks zigzagging through the pine forest are well managed and groomed. Most importantly this charming place won’t break your budget.

    Kopaonik ski resort is pretty small but very convenient. Sure its not big Alp resort but everything you need is right there. Restaurants and cafes are all minutes away. Note about the food…vegans and vegetarians may have some hard time finding the right place. Also a lot of places allow smoking so non smokers will be spending more time outside on fresh and crisp forest air.

    As for places to stay there is something available for every budget. There are a few premium hotels with spas with a great location next to ski lifts. More budget options are available outside of the ski center itself and places there are a bargain. Most offer free shuttle vans to get you to the center and ski lifts.  Ski lift tickets start around 30 EUR (3.900 RSD) for a single day / 7 day pass will cost about 150 EUR (18.000 RSD).

    If you come on a weekend or a national holiday it maybe be crowded, and you should definitely avoid February 15th. On any other occasion you will enjoy it without too much crowd on the slopes. You can get to Kopaonik by car or a bus. Its about 4 hour drive from Belgrade. With new places and tracks being made every year its definitely a regional ski resort with a lot of potential and it’s easy on the budget.

    Tips: Stay during workdays if you can. Try some hot rakia or mulled wine after a long day at snow. Blueberry pie in Skituljko ski hut is a must. Enjoy the view at Vucja staza.