Serbia’s mountains offer peaceful nature, fresh air, and scenic landscapes perfect for hiking, skiing, or relaxing. From dense forests to panoramic peaks, the appeal of these highlands is undeniable.
For travelers from Spain, the journey becomes part of the experience. You can uncover hidden villages and sweeping views with the open road ahead. Renting a car in Serbia makes it easy to explore the mountains freely.
Craving fresh air, quiet trails, and stunning views? Here are five mountains in Serbia you shouldn’t miss.
Golija is one of Serbia’s most untouched mountain areas. It’s a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, home to rare plants, wildlife, and cozy villages. Travelers looking to escape busy city life will find calm trails, open meadows, and endless views here.
Things to do in Golija
How to reach Golija by car
From Belgrade, drive south on the E-75 highway toward Kraljevo. Then continue on Route 22 through Ivanjica. Follow the signs for Golija Nature Park. The full drive is about 250 km and takes around 4 hours. Roads near the mountain become narrow and curvy. Drive slowly and enjoy the views.
The Valjevo Mountains are a quiet, scenic region in western Serbia. It is known for wild rivers, deep canyons, and peaceful trails. This area is less visited than other mountain regions, making it ideal for travelers who want nature without crowds. The landscape blends green hills, limestone cliffs, and crystal-clear streams.
Things to do in Valjevo Mountains
How to reach the Valjevo Mountains by car
From Belgrade, take the A2 highway toward Lajkovac, then continue on Route 27 to Valjevo. From Valjevo, follow signs to natural areas like Gradac Canyon or Taor Springs. The drive covers about 134 km and takes around 2 hours. Roads are paved, with some winding sections near rivers and hills.
Kopaonik is Serbia’s most popular mountain resort, famous for its ski slopes in winter and sunny trails in summer. The mountain is part of a national park, home to rich wildlife, pine forests, and open views. Kopaonik also has spas, mountain lodges, and cozy cafés for local and international travelers.
Things to do in Kopaonik
How to reach Kopaonik by car
From Belgrade, drive south on E-75 to Pojate, then turn onto Route 210 through Kruševac and Brus. Continue to Kopaonik National Park. The full trip is around 280 km and takes about 4 hours. Roads are well maintained, but winter tires or chains are needed during snowy months.
The Šar Mountains are a stretch across southern Serbia and into North Macedonia. It offers a rugged alpine feel with high peaks, green pastures, and glacial lakes. This area is also rich in shepherd culture and old traditions, with remote villages living close to the land.
Things to do in Šar Mountains
How to reach the Šar Mountains by car
From Niš, drive south on the E-75 to Leskovac, then follow Route 35 through Preševo toward the town of Brezovica. Enter the mountain area through the Šar Mountain National Park entrance. The drive covers around 271 km and takes about 3 hours. Roads become steeper and narrower as you approach higher elevations.
Rtanj Mountain stands out with its near-perfect pyramid shape, sparking myths and legends for decades. It rises steeply from the plains of eastern Serbia. Travelers can hike to its sharp summit and take in the views. The mountain is peaceful, often wrapped in clouds.
Things to do in Rtanj Mountain
How to reach Rtanj by car
From Belgrade, head east on A1/E-75 toward Paraćin, then take Route 214 through Boljevac toward Rtanj village. The total drive is about 205 km and takes around 3.5 hours. Roads are mostly paved and easy to follow, with clear signs near the mountain base.
Jadovnik is one of Serbia’s least explored mountains, located near the border with Montenegro. It’s quiet, untouched, and far from busy roads or cities. The mountain offers scenic drives, slow-paced hikes, and vast alpine pastures with wildflowers during warmer months. These highland meadows have a rich mix of plant life rarely found elsewhere in Serbia. Winters here are harsh, with deep snow and freezing winds.
Things to do in Jadovnik
How to reach Jadovnik by car
From Belgrade, take the E-763 highway toward Nova Varoš, then follow Route 21 to Sjenica. From there, drive toward Velje Duboko and continue to Jadovnik Mountain. The journey covers around 280 km and takes about 5 hours. The final stretch includes gravel roads, suitable for slower driving during the day.
Suva Planina, meaning “Dry Mountain,” is a rugged and steep range in southeastern Serbia near Niš. It’s perfect for active travelers who enjoy tough hikes and wild nature. The rocky and dramatic terrain offers epic views and fewer crowds than well-known peaks.
Things to do in Suva Planina
How to reach Suva Planina by car
From Niš, drive southeast on Route 221 toward Gornja Studena. Follow signs for Suva Planina trailheads or Bojanine Vode and Rakos villages. The trip takes around 30 to 45 minutes and covers about 30 km. The roads are paved, but some mountain parts are steep. Drive slowly and carefully.
Driving in Serbia feels familiar to Spanish travelers. Cars drive on the right side, and traffic signs are similar to those in Spain. You can use your Spanish license without needing any special permit.
However, you still need to check with your specific car rental company, as some may have their own requirements.
Most main roads are in good shape, especially routes to popular places like Kopaonik or Zlatibor. However, roads in the mountains can be narrow and winding. Slow down and be extra careful on curves. Some village roads or trails are gravel, so a standard car is fine, but an SUV is better for rougher paths.
Before heading into the mountains, check your car. Ensure the brakes work well and fuel up early. Gas stations are rare in remote areas. Use a GPS, but also download offline maps since the signal may disappear in deep forests or valleys.
Always check the weather. In early spring or late autumn, snow can fall in high areas. Some roads may need winter tires or even snow chains. Keep an eye on road signs and avoid driving at night if you’re unfamiliar with the area.
Serbia’s mountains reward those who venture beyond the usual tourist routes. From alpine lakes to peaceful meadows, each region offers something different. Renting a car with Finalrentals makes exploring at your own pace simple. Finalrentals offers affordable daily rates, easy online booking, and pick-up locations across Serbia, including Belgrade and Nis.
