Syrmia Travel Guide (Balkans/Europe)

Syrmia, a region in the Balkans of Europe, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With a rich history, picturesque landscapes, and a welcoming local culture, Syrmia is a destination worth exploring. In this travel guide, we will provide you with a comprehensive tour of Syrmia, including must-visit attractions, hiking and biking routes, local food, customs and culture, safety and health tips, transportation options, and nearby excursions.

Introduction to Syrmia

Syrmia is a historical and geographical region of the Balkans, located between the Sava and Danube rivers. It is divided between Serbia and Croatia, with Novi Sad being the largest city in the Serbian part. Syrmia has a rich history dating back to the Roman Empire, and you can still see the remnants of Roman architecture in the region.

Syrmia is known for its stunning landscapes, including the Vojvodina plains, the Fruska Gora National Park, and the Sava River. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or culinary delights, Syrmia has something to offer.

List of Places to Visit in Syrmia

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Syrmia is home to numerous museums and historical places, making it an ideal destination for history buffs. The following are some of the must-visit cultural attractions in Syrmia:

Petrovaradin Fortress: a 17th-century fortress located in Novi Sad with stunning views of the Danube River.
Museum of Vojvodina: a museum located in Novi Sad that showcases the cultural heritage of Vojvodina.
Archeological Site of Sirmium: the remains of the Roman city of Sirmium, located in Sremska Mitrovica.
Brankovina Cemetery: a World War II memorial located in the village of Gradacac.

Natural Attractions of Syrmia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Syrmia’s breathtaking natural landscapes beckon outdoor enthusiasts to explore. From hiking and biking to birdwatching and scenic drives, Syrmia offers a range of outdoor activities. Here are some of the best spots to explore in Syrmia:

Fruska Gora National Park: a nature reserve with over 40 species of wild animal and plant life and dozens of biking and hiking trails.
Sava River: the longest river in Serbia, offering a range of boating, fishing, and kayaking excursions.
Sremski Karlovci: a historic town with stunning architecture, surrounded by vineyards and wineries.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Syrmia

If you’re looking for an alternative way to explore the region’s nature, you can always try hiking and biking routes. Syrmia has a range of trails suitable for both experienced and novice hikers. Here are some of the best routes to explore Syrmia’s natural beauty:

RTB Krajiški Biker Tour: an eight-hour bike tour that takes you through the northern part of the Fruska Gora National Park.
Vucedolska Bumin plovidba: a four-hour hike through a forested hilltop above the Danube River.
Vojlovica Saddle Trails: a range of trails suitable for experienced mountain bikers with stunning views of the Danube River.

Best Things to Do in Syrmia: Activities and Tours

Beyond outdoor activities, Syrmia offers a range of activities and tours suitable for all ages and interests. Here are some of the best things to do in Syrmia:

Wine Tastings: Syrmia is known for its wine production, and you can’t miss the opportunity to try Croatia’s top-rated wines.
Water Sports: with the Sava River running through the region, there are plenty of options for various water sports, such as kayaking, stand-up paddling, and rafting.
Historical Walking Tours: Discover Syrmia’s rich history and culture through guided tours of different towns and cities.
Visit to Monasteries: Explore some of the most beautiful Serbian Orthodox monasteries, including Hopovo, Grgeteg, and Jazak.

Week-Long Itinerary for Syrmia

If you have a week to spare, Syrmia can offer a complete and unforgettable travel experience. Here is an itinerary for your week-long visit to Syrmia:

Day 1: Arrival in Novi Sad and a tour of the city.

Day 2: Fruska Gora National Park: explore the national park and monasteries within it, taste the famous local wines.

Day 3: Sremski Karlovci: discover the town’s architectural beauty and cultural heritage, try some local food and beverages.

Day 4: Petrovaradin: take a walk through the Petrovaradin Fortress, explore the city on the Danube.

Day 5: Sirmium archeological site: learn about the Roman Empire in Syrmia, take a tour and learn about its history.

Day 6: Vojvodina’s Plain: enjoy the plains’ vastness, explore local traditions, and save your memories through the camera lenses.

Day 7: Departure day

Food and Drink Scene of Syrmia

Must-Try Dishes

Syrmia offers a variety of local dishes and flavors, as well as delicious regional wines. Here are some must-try dishes in Syrmia:

Ćevapi: grilled meat rolled in bread and served with onions and sour cream.
Prekmurska Gibanica: layered pastry with cottage cheese, poppy seeds, apple, and walnuts.
Paprikaš: traditional Serbian stew made of meat and paprika, served with noodles or bread.

Local Beverages

Syrmia is known for its wineries, and you can’t leave without trying some of the region’s top-rated wines. Here are some of the most popular Syrmia beverages:

Bermet: a dessert wine from Sremski Karlovci, made from various herbs and spices.
Rakija: a traditional Serbian brandy made from fermented fruit, popularly plum brandy.
Jelen Pivo: a Serbian beer with a distinct light taste

Where to Stay in Syrmia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Syrmia has a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Here are some of the best places to stay in Syrmia:

Hotel Garni Rimski Novi Sad: A four-star hotel located in Novi Sad’s city center, with comfortable rooms, excellent food, and roof terrace.
Hostel Podbara: A budget-friendly hostel mainly preferred by solo backpackers and students, located in the city’s historic district.
Guesthouse Zeravica: A family-owned guesthouse with excellent hospitality, located in Vrdnik’s heart, with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.

What to Buy in Syrmia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Syrmia offers numerous fun and local souvenir options to take back with you. Here are some of the best things to buy in Syrmia:

Local wines and spirit bottles
Hand-painted traditional ceramics
Honey and homemade fruit jams

Local Culture and Customs of Syrmia

Syrmia’s local culture is highly influenced by its history, geography, and surroundings. Here are some essential local customs and traditions to be aware of during your visit:

The welcoming culture of Serbian people is very hospitable and cordial towards their guests.
Serbian people’s celebratory spirit and inclination towards music, dance reflects in their festivals.
Orthodoxy church holidays and rituals, named Slava, are essential events in every family.

Best Time to Visit Syrmia

The best time to visit Syrmia is during the spring and fall seasons (from April to June and September to November). The weather is mild, and the landscapes are stunning. Also, the summer (from July to August) is the high season, and many tourist attractions are crowded during this period.

Do’s and Don’ts of Syrmia

Do:

Respect the local customs and traditions.
Try some famous local wines and beers.
Explore the natural wonders and outdoor adventures of Syrmia.
Enjoy the local cuisine and taste the traditional dishes.
Learn about the history and cultural heritage of Syrmia.

Don’t:

Avoid being disrespectful towards the history and heritage of Syrmia.
Don’t litter. Keep the environment clean and green.
Do not neglect the safety and health measures communicated to you.

Safety and Health

Safety in Syrmia

Syrmia is a relatively safe region, and petty crime is low, however, you should always take necessary precautions. Follow these tips to stay safe during your trip to Syrmia:

Keep your passport, cash, and valuables in a safe place or locker.
Don’t leave your belongings unattended in public areas.
Watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas, especially public transport.

Health in Syrmia

When traveling to Syrmia, make sure to have medical insurance, and vaccinations up-to-date against any local diseases. Medical services in urban centers are generally good, but they vary in rural communities. Health and safety measures are communicated thoroughly and attended when in train stations and shopping areas, follow them for your safety.

Getting to Syrmia: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Syrmia

The best way to reach Syrmia is by flying to either the Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG) in Belgrade or the Franjo Tuđman Airport (ZAG) in Zagreb. From there, you can take a bus, taxi, or rental car to reach Syrmia.

Bus Stations Near Syrmia

Syrmia is well connected to neighboring regions by bus. The largest and busiest bus station in Syrmia is the Novi Sad Bus Station and from there, you have multiple destinations in and around the region. Likewise, you can also travel to Syrmia by train.

Other Options

You can also travel to Syrmia by rental car or taxi from either Belgrade or Zagreb, also available are bike rentals through the various rental services according to your desired route itinerary. All being done with ease and efficiency.

How to Get Around in Syrmia

Syrmia is a relatively small region easy to travel around. To explore Syrmia, you can avail of public transportation like buses and trains or opt for car rentals or taxis, but the most adventurous way of discovering the region would be through bike rentals and other outdoor activities like hiking.

Where to Go Next from Syrmia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

After exploring Syrmia, you can also visit the neighboring regions and destinations. Here are some of the nearby destinations worth exploring:

Belgrade, Serbia: The capital of Serbia is just an hour’s drive away, full of history, local culture with a blend of modern and traditional urban living.
Zagreb, Croatia: Just 2 hours away, this city is a blend of ancient and modern, thanks to the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Budapest, Hungary: Another two-hour ride from Syrmia, enjoy the pleasure of vast cultural experiences and historic architecture discovered through wine cellar tours, street festivals, etc.

Conclusion

Syrmia is a region worth visiting for its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, welcoming people, and delicious food. We hope this comprehensive travel guide helps you plan your trip and enables you to explore Syrmia to its fullest. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or culinary delights, Syrmia has something for everyone. So, pack up and travel explorers, lift your backpack, and embark on this adventurous journey today.

Syrmia Image Gallery

A monument in Sremska Mitrovica dedicated to local breeds of pig and dog