Šumadija Tour: 3 Peaks for 1 Weekend | Where to Go on a Trip?!

Šumadija in the warmer part of the year presents an exceptionally vibrant landscape. This harmonious region of rolling hills, covered with deciduous forests, fields, and orchards, is occasionally "interrupted" by gentle peaks of low mountains that stretch in an unusual sequence almost meridionally from the Sava and Danube rivers to the Western Pomoravlje region.

The region of Šumadija, as the core of Central Serbia, represents an area of exceptionally beautiful and tranquil nature, as well as rich history and tradition, offering plenty to see.

Taking Belgrade as the starting point, the following is an itinerary for a two-day visit to some of the major attractions in Šumadija.

Summit of Avala

Well-known to most Belgraders, Avala is an excursion site that always provides a certain pleasure, no matter how many times you have visited it before. If you have been to the Avala Tower in the past, this "million-dollar view" simply can't get boring. The exceptionally beautifully arranged space with numerous walking trails and resting spots satisfies both the adventurous and the sporty types, while for those who prefer more comfortable nature experiences, an excellent and attractive asphalt road through dense forest leads to the very top. And up there, there are plenty of entertaining activities, but since Avala is only a stopover and the first destination on this trip aimed at conquering three peaks, we recommend taking a walk to the Monument to the Unknown Hero, which is also the highest point of this mountain (511 meters).

Lake Trešnja

Moving along Avala Road towards Ralja, after about 15 kilometers, you'll come across a turnoff for the hunting ground and Lake Trešnja. A narrow and winding asphalt road through dense forest leads us to a small artificial lake that, together with the surrounding trees, forms an extremely beautiful ambient setting. Originally built as a water collector in case of fires in the hunting ground, the lake became one of the popular destinations for Belgrade residents in the late 1960s. Its peak of popularity came in the early 1980s when a legendary scene from the movie "Marathon Family" was filmed at this location. A small hotel and restaurant in the immediate vicinity of the lake added to the experience for visitors until the late 1990s, but due to neglect, they are now literally in a state of decay. Nevertheless, a well-trodden path of about 500 meters allows for a pleasant walk around the lake, after which you should continue your journey to the next destination - the mountain.

Peak of Kosmaj

About 50 kilometers away from Belgrade, Kosmaj is the second mountain in Šumadija on our route. In addition to being taller than Avala (626 meters), Kosmaj is much larger but also less developed than the most popular "Belgrade" mountain. In fact, on Kosmaj, you finally get the impression that you are truly on a mountain, which is probably what many people miss on Avala. Closer contact with nature and the proximity of some extremely attractive tourist sites (monasteries Tresije and Pavlovac, viewpoints, the Memorial Ossuary on Beli Kamen, etc.) are the main highlights of Kosmaj. However, the most recognizable feature that sets Kosmaj apart from miles away is located at the top of Mali Vis (576 meters). It is an impressive concrete monument to the fighters of the Kosmaj Partisan Detachment, which is also the most common destination for visits to Kosmaj. Unfortunately, it is physically impossible to reach the highest peak of the mountain as it has been occupied by military-strategic facilities for several decades. Therefore, we must be satisfied with the lower ones and continue according to the plan.

Selters Spa

If we descend from Kosmaj via the village of Koraćica, after about 15 minutes, we will arrive at Selters Spa, a well-known health resort, holiday resort, and one of the most important tourist destinations in this part of Šumadija. The unusual name of the spa comes from a similarly named one in Germany, which is very similar to ours in terms of the quality and composition of mineral water. Selters Spa primarily treats orthopedic and nervous system disorders, but in recent times, its facilities have been used by anyone who is eager for relaxation through spa treatments and swimming in pools. However, since this is just one of the stops on a two-day route, you can take a stroll in this well-maintained spa and refresh yourself before continuing the journey.

Markovac Lake

Refreshment can also be prolonged for about ten minutes if you wish to do so in a beautiful natural environment, near Markovac Lake. Namely, just 5 kilometers from Selters Spa, right before the turnoff for Markovac, there is a sign for the lake - one of the oldest and best-maintained water reservoirs in the vicinity of Belgrade. Besides providing a beautiful ambient experience, this lake is a true paradise for fishermen, campers, and excursionists. Swimming in it during the summer season is at your own risk due to the absence of lifeguard services, but taking a walk around the lake on the pedestrian path is a pleasure at any time of the year. There are several catering facilities on the lake shore, so it would be a shame to miss Markovac Lake on this tour.

Monument to Despot Stefan Lazarević

The popularity of Markovac Lake as a tourist destination is certainly contributed by the proximity of an historically important place in the nearby hamlet of Crkvine. Namely, in the yard of the present-day village church, there is a monument at the place of death of Despot Stefan Lazarević, dating back to 1427. At this place, in the mentioned year, the famous ruler and enlightener, the son of Prince Lazar, fell from his horse during hunting and died unexpectedly. A stone monument made of marble with an epitaph was erected at the spot where he fell, which has withstood the test of time, various social and historical circumstances, and weather conditions for almost six centuries. This monolithic sculpture is one of the oldest monuments in Serbia and was legally protected as a monument of exceptional importance in 1979.

Orašac

After about 10 kilometers from Orašac, the direction towards Aranđelovac, we reach another historical and fateful place. In truth, few are those who haven't visited Orašac and Marićevića Jaruga - a locality where the decision to initiate the First Serbian Uprising was made in 1804. The area from which the most massive organized rebellion against Ottoman rule started is rich in monuments, among which the magnificent monument made of white marble dedicated to the leader of the uprising - Vožd Karađorđe Petrović stands out, as well as the Museum of the First Serbian Uprising, an impressive memorial school building, and the village church. In the vicinity, worth visiting as well is the ethno village Karađorđev vajat, after which the first day of the trip can come to an end.

From Orašac, it takes less than 10 minutes to reach Aranđelovac, a beautiful town in the heart of Šumadija where you can find decent accommodation for relaxation and summarize the day that is coming to an end, preparing for the second part of the Šumadija excursion. The city is rich in interesting tourist attractions and is worthy of a leisurely evening stroll.

Bukulja Peak

The second day of the trip could begin with an ascent to Bukulja, a mountain located at the very foot of Aranđelovac. Moreover, the ascent to the top of Bukulja can start right from the city center, marked by a pedestrian path that begins in the city park and then leads through dense forest, taking us to the top of this Šumadija mountain after an hour and a half of walking. The mountain reaches a height of 696 meters. At the top of Bukulja, it is possible to climb to a viewpoint from which the entire Šumadija region is visible on a clear day. At the foot of the viewpoint, there is a pleasant café where you can take a break and enjoy coffee or a drink. If you are not in the mood for a walk to the top, you can also reach it by car in just about 15 minutes from the center. However, the experience of being at the top will be more complete with a little sweat.

Park and Bukovik Spa

Just as the ascent begins, the descent from Bukulja usually ends in the city park of Aranđelovac, one of the most beautiful parks in the country, abundant in greenery, colorful flowers, and discreetly displayed white marble sculptures. In its immediate vicinity, there is also Bukovik Spa - one of the best-kept spa complexes in the country. It is named after the nearby village of Bukovik, where the first beneficial water source was registered back in the late 18th century. Today, the Special Rehabilitation Hospital "Bukovik Spa" is located in the spa, with four developed mineral water springs, where drinking and bathing in the healing water are used to treat various ailments. The hospital is located on the outskirts of the park and has several outdoor fountains where all visitors, passersby, and tourists can drink the beneficial water, which will certainly be refreshing after increased physical activity.

Risovača Cave

When we arrive in Aranđelovac from Orašac, at the entrance to the city, we will be greeted by a signpost for Risovača Cave. Located in the hill of the same name, on the right side of the Kubršnica River valley, this cave is easily accessible to any curious visitor and therefore is one of the best-organized and most visited speleological sites in Serbia. Although not particularly lavish, grandiose, or rich in cave formations, Risovača is an extremely significant natural monument from an archaeological, paleontological, and anthropological point of view, as it has yielded numerous fossils from the last ice age period since the mid-20th century. In addition, precious remains of the prehistoric Neanderthal man have been found here, which, according to experts, places Risovača among the only five caves on the Balkan Peninsula where remains of prehistoric humans have been discovered. All these findings, fossils, and artifacts are exhibited in the National Museum of Aranđelovac. The cave itself can be visited every day of the week from 9 am to 5 pm, at a symbolic price of 200 dinars per person.

Oplenac

After visiting Risovača, we leave Aranđelovac and head towards Topola, where a new and well-known destination awaits us - Oplenac. Situated in the heart of Šumadija, this hill represents the "stronghold" of the Karađorđević royal dynasty. At the top of the hill stands the magnificent Church of St. George, which also serves as a mausoleum for the royal dynasty. The crypt of this church contains the tombs of all members of the Karađorđević family, including its founder. The interior of the church is adorned with replicas of the most beautiful and famous frescoes from Serbian monasteries, made in mosaic from over 40 million pieces. In the immediate vicinity of the church, there is also the House of King Peter, adapted into a museum space with exhibited portraits of royal family members, painted by renowned Serbian artists of the 19th and 20th centuries. There is also the old Karađorđe's church and part of his residence. Oplenac, a place filled with peace and history, is one of the most popular tourist destinations not only in Šumadija but in Serbia as a whole.

Radovanje Grove

Oplenac is also the southernmost point of this two-day trip, so after that, we should slowly make our way back to Belgrade. For admirers of the Karađorđević dynasty and history in general, the route through the village of Radovanje will be interesting, as it is symbolically marked as the site of the death of Vožd Karađorđe. After the defeat of the uprising and years of exile, Karađorđe returned to Serbia in 1817, where he became undesirable due to the new circumstances under the rule of Miloš Obrenović. Fearing that the return of Black Đorđe would endanger his power, the future Serbian prince ordered his assassination. Karađorđe's death occurred in Radovanje Grove, where his beheaded body was initially buried. Today, this place is marked by a wooden cross, and in its immediate vicinity, the Memorial Church was built, which the people named Zahvalnica (Gratitude).

Moravski Konaci Ethno Village

Less than a 15-minute drive is needed to reach one of the most picturesque ethno villages in Serbia. Moravski Konaci is a complex of authentic old houses that serve practical purposes. The interior of each house is adapted to the modern needs of tourists and is in line with the contemporary way of life. On the large area occupied by this ethno village, there is also a artificial lake with nine small islands connected by wooden bridges. The lake is open for panoramic boat rides, and on its shore, there are two water mills. Next to the lake, a walking trail has been created with benches for resting. After a pleasant walk and enjoying the beautifully arranged space of the ethno village, there is a restaurant of traditional Serbian cuisine suitable for lunch and refreshments, where you can conclude another two-day trip in Serbia.

Trip type: Two-day

Transportation: Car/motorcycle

Approximate distance: 200 km

Physically demanding: 3/5

Average budget (per person): 6,000 - 6,500 RSD