Serbian villages feel like a step back in time—calm, welcoming, and full of rich culture. While cities rush, villages slow you down. You’ll find handmade crafts, family-run inns, and home-cooked meals made from fresh ingredients. Each village offers something unique, from stone houses to traditional pottery and local wines.
On the other hand, Serbia’s lakes sparkle under wide skies, and its villages add peace, charm, and authenticity to the journey. These spots are full of character but often hard to reach without flexibility.
That’s why renting a car in Serbia is important. Swiss tourists can explore hidden lakes, scenic roads, and authentic village life at their own pace.
Travelers from Switzerland often look for authentic and personal experiences. Serbia delivers just that at a much lower cost. Its rural areas offer peaceful landscapes far from busy tourist spots.
You’ll find scenic nature, quiet trails for hiking, and calm lakes perfect for swimming and picnics. There's cultural depth in everyday life, from how food is prepared to how traditions are kept alive in small towns.
Renting a car in Serbia allows Swiss tourists to access the country’s rich countryside. The roads take you past rolling hills, small farms, and forested parks. Serbia is affordable, meals are generous, locals are kind, and a modest budget stretches surprisingly far.
Many Swiss visitors enjoy Belgrade in the summer. The capital is seen as a rising cultural hub. In winter, they head to Kopaonik and other popular ski resorts. Others unwind at Serbia’s many spa towns.
What draws people in, beyond the prices and sights, is Serbia’s soul. It has a vibrant energy, a love for good living, and some of the warmest hospitality in Europe. Plus, Swiss citizens can enter Serbia without a visa for up to 90 days.
Renting a car in Serbia is a straightforward process for Swiss tourists. A valid Swiss driver’s license and passport are required, though an international license can be useful. Most rental agencies operate in cities like Belgrade, Niš, and Novi Sad, with convenient pick-up options at airports and major hotels. This makes it easy to start your trip right after landing.
Driving in Serbia is simple for those used to European roads. People drive on the right side; road signs use the Latin alphabet and common European symbols. Rental prices are lower than in Switzerland, averaging €45 to €53 per day for a compact car. Petrol and diesel are widely available, and fuel costs are cheaper than back home.
A compact car is ideal, especially when navigating narrow village roads and small parking areas. Most vehicles have manual transmission, so automatic models may cost more or need early booking. Insurance typically includes basic coverage, but you can pay more for extra protection or zero-deductible policies for peace of mind on longer drives.
Serbia has several beautiful lakes that are perfect for a road trip. Many are close to villages and surrounded by hills or forests.
Lake Palić is near Subotica, close to the Hungarian border. It’s peaceful, with walking paths and historic buildings. Its calm atmosphere makes it ideal for relaxing strolls and scenic views.
This is the largest natural lake in Serbia, covering about 4.5 square kilometers with an average depth of 2 meters. It lies within the Nature Park Palić, a protected area of over 700 hectares. The surroundings are known for their Art Nouveau architecture, including landmarks like the Grand Terrace and Water Tower. The lake’s mud is believed to have healing properties and was once used in spa treatments.
There are many things to enjoy around the lake. Visitors can walk along its 17-kilometer shoreline lined with trees or stop by the Women’s Lido, a historic building turned café.
The nearby Palić Zoo features animals like lions, tigers, zebras, giraffes, monkeys, bears, and various birds and reptiles. Paddle boating and cycling are popular activities. Each July, the area comes alive with the European Film Festival.
Uvac Lake is a stunning natural destination known for its winding river, dramatic canyons, and rich wildlife. The lake is part of the Uvac Special Nature Reserve, a protected area established in 1971 to preserve its unique ecosystem.
The lake's meandering curves, carved into limestone cliffs, create breathtaking views that attract nature lovers and photographers. The reserve is home to one of Europe's largest colonies of griffon vultures, majestic birds with wingspans reaching up to 3 meters. These vultures play a role in the ecosystem by feeding on carrion, thus preventing the spread of disease. Other wildlife includes golden eagles, owls, otters, and various fish species in the Uvac River.
Visitors can explore the area by taking boat tours through the lake's meanders, often combined with hikes to panoramic viewpoints like Molitva and Veliki Vrh. These spots offer stunning canyon vistas and opportunities to observe the soaring vultures. The reserve also features the Ice Cave, part of the Ušak cave system, rich in stalactites and stalagmites, and provides a cool retreat during warmer months.
Silver Lake, also known as Srebrno Jezero, is located east of Belgrade near the Danube River. This man-made lake, formed by damming a branch of the Danube, spans approximately 4.5 square kilometers and stretches 14 kilometers in length. Its name derives from the shimmering silver hue the water reflects during sunset.
Its calm, clear waters are ideal for swimming, and the surrounding area offers various recreational activities. Children can enjoy playgrounds and a mini water park with pools and slides. The lakeside promenade features cafes, restaurants, and shops, creating a lively yet relaxed atmosphere.
Fishing enthusiasts will find the lake abundant with freshwater species such as carp, catfish, and perch. The nearby town of Veliko Gradište provides additional amenities, including accommodations and dining options. For those interested in history, the medieval Golubac Fortress is a short drive away, offering a glimpse into Serbia's past.
Zaovine Lake lies deep within Tara National Park in western Serbia. This artificial lake was created by damming the Beli Rzav River near Kik Peak. It covers an area of 15 square kilometers and features five branches or bays.
Also, its clear, blue waters are so clean they require minimal treatment for drinking. The lake is part of the Bajina Bašta II hydroelectric system, connected to the Drina River via an 8-kilometer pipeline.
The area around Zaovine Lake is rich in biodiversity. It is where the Serbian spruce (Picea omorika), a rare and endemic tree species, was discovered by botanist Josif Pančić in 1875. The region hosts over 600 plant species, including protected ones like edelweiss. The lake is home to 14 fish species, such as rainbow trout, European chub, and common barbel.
Visitors here can swim in its clear waters, especially near the Lazići dam and Lake Spajići. Fishing is popular, with species like trout and chub available. The surrounding area offers hiking opportunities, with scenic viewpoints like Zmajevac and Gavran. The village of Đurići, near the lake, is known for its natural beauty and as the site where the Serbian spruce was first identified.
Lake Ludaš is a shallow lake near Subotica, in northern Serbia. It is part of a special nature reserve and is about 4.5 km long. However, it is only 1 meter deep on average. It was formed around one million years ago by wind shaping the sandy terrain. The lake lies between the Danube and Tisza rivers and is surrounded by wetlands, meadows, and woodlands.
Lake Ludaš is a haven for birdwatchers. Over 214 bird species have been recorded here, with 140 protected. Notable birds include the white-headed duck, bearded reedling, and moustached warbler. Other species like mallards, green-winged teals, and ring-necked pheasants are also common.
Beyond birds, the lake area is home to European otters, turtles, and rare insects. The surrounding meadows host unique plants like wetland orchids and milk-vetch. The peaceful environment is perfect for quiet walks, cycling, and nature observation. Sunrise is an especially beautiful time to visit, as the light reflects off the calm water.
Serbia’s countryside holds some of its best-kept treasures. These Serbian villages offer history, crafts, and a warm local spirit.
Kovačica is a colorful town about an hour from Belgrade, best known for its lively art scene and Slovak community. One of the top things to do here is visit the Gallery of Naïve Art, which displays bright, bold paintings of farming, family life, and village traditions. Many works are by local artists still living and painting in the area.
Walking around town, you’ll find smaller private galleries and art shops where artists often welcome visitors. You can see them at work and even buy original pieces. The town also hosts the October Salon, a month-long event where the village turns into an open gallery with art exhibits, performances, and local food stalls.
Beyond art, you can enjoy the town’s Slovak cultural center, where traditional costumes, music, and crafts are displayed. Stop by one of the local bakeries to try Slovak pastries or visit nearby farms to learn about daily life in the region.
Zlakusa is a quiet village near Užice, best known for its traditional pottery and peaceful rural charm. The village has become a cultural hub where visitors can watch skilled artisans shape clay and calcite into pots using slow-turning wheels and open kilns. These ancient techniques are so unique that UNESCO has recognized them as intangible cultural heritage.
Beyond pottery, Zlakusa offers a rich village experience. You can visit Terzića Avlija, a restored traditional household that serves as a small open-air museum. It displays old tools, furniture, and costumes, and hosts cultural workshops and meals made with local ingredients. Dishes like beans cooked in clay pots offer a true taste of the region.
The nearby Potpeć Cave, with its massive entrance and limestone formations, adds to the experience. Surrounded by forested hills, Zlakusa is ideal for travelers who enjoy quiet places, homemade food, and hands-on cultural experiences in a natural setting.
Sićevo is a peaceful village about 17 kilometers east of Niš, perched above the scenic Sićevo Gorge. The village is renowned for its vineyards and the historic Sićevo Art Colony, the oldest in the Balkans. This colony continues to attract artists who find inspiration in the area's natural beauty.
Visitors can explore the village's art studios and enjoy local wines from grapes grown on the surrounding hillsides. The region's Mediterranean-like microclimate contributes to cultivating high-quality grapes, making wine tasting popular.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Sićevo Gorge offers hiking trails that wind through forests and meadows, leading to panoramic viewpoints over the Nišava River. The gorge is also a haven for birdwatchers, home to species like the golden eagle and griffon vulture. After a day of exploration, visitors can savor traditional Serbian dishes, such as goulash and homemade cheeses, often accompanied by locally produced rakija.
Tršić is a peaceful village near Loznica, best known as the birthplace of Vuk Karadžić, the reformer of the Serbian language. The village is an open-air museum that offers visitors a glimpse into 19th-century rural life.
A key attraction is the memorial house of Vuk Karadžić, a traditional wooden cabin furnished with period items like a fireplace, bed, and gusle. Surrounding the house are barns, workshops, and other structures that showcase traditional Serbian architecture.
Visitors can stroll along cobblestone paths that wind through the village, connecting various historical buildings and leading to the nearby Tronoša Monastery. This 14th-century monastery is notable for its role in preserving Serbian culture and for being the place where Karadžić began his education.
In September, Tršić hosts Vukov Sabor, Serbia’s oldest cultural festival. The event features concerts, art exhibitions, and performances celebrating the Serbian language and folklore.
Sirogojno is a tranquil village nestled in the Zlatibor region of western Serbia. It is renowned for the "Old Village" open-air museum, which spans five hectares and features over 50 authentic wooden structures relocated from surrounding areas. These buildings, including homes, barns, and workshops, glimpse 19th-century rural life.
Visitors can explore traditional interiors, observe demonstrations of old crafts, and even stay overnight in rustic-stle cabins. The village is also famous for its hand-knit wool garments, particularly sweaters, crafted by local artisans. A dedicated knitting museum showcases this tradition, highlighting the intricate designs and techniques passed down through generations.
Nearby attractions include Stopića Cave, known for its cascading limestone formations, and the picturesque Gostilje Waterfall, best visited during winter and summer.
Driving in Serbia is simple, especially on main roads. But when visiting remote areas like Tršić or Tara, plan ahead. Always carry cash, since many small villages don’t accept cards. Download offline maps before entering regions with weak signals, such as Uvac or deep areas of Tara National Park.
Learning a few basic Serbian phrases can go a long way. Saying “Hvala” for thank you or asking “Gde je put?” for directions shows respect. Locals are friendly and often go out of their way to help when you make the effort. Food is a big part of the travel experience. Don’t miss local dishes like kajmak, sarma, and proja, especially in family-run inns or roadside restaurants.
Nature parks have conservation rules, so follow posted signs and avoid leaving trash. Serbia is best enjoyed at a slower pace. Leave time for surprise stops. Some of the most memorable moments come when you least expect them.
Swiss tourists in Serbia often find more than they expect. Lakes shimmer under blue skies. Villages share their traditions with kindness. With a car, the whole country opens up. You see it on your terms, one calm lake and welcoming village at a time.
Renting a car with Finalrentals makes this easy. Choose your car, pick-up point, and start exploring Serbia. Your journey is smooth with locations at Belgrade and Niš airports, flexible options, and full support. Enjoy a hassle-free drive through Serbia’s towns, villages, and beautiful nature spots.
