Serbia is full of beautiful natural spots, from thick forests and flowing rivers to rocky mountains and quiet lakes. It's quickly becoming an appealing destination for Dutch travelers seeking nature, culture, and freedom. The best way to explore these landscapes is by car. Renting a car in Serbia lets you discover peaceful villages, national parks, and hidden mountain roads. It also makes the journey smooth and allows you to enjoy every view.
Serbia is a top travel spot for Dutch travelers. Dutch citizens don’t need a visa and can stay up to 90 days, making travel easy and stress-free. With average daily costs of around €50, Serbia offers great value.
From flights to food and hotels, Dutch tourists can enjoy more for less than other European countries. Many Dutch travelers visit Serbia for its scenic drives, historic towns, and national parks. Belgrade is a popular starting point, but the real charm lies in the countryside.
Below are top Serbian nature escapes perfect for a scenic road trip in Serbia and easy to reach by car.
Tara National Park is one of the country’s most scenic natural reserves. It is in western Serbia near Bajina Bašta and the Bosnia and Herzegovina border. The park is famous for its thick pine forests, deep river gorges, and rare wildlife like the Eurasian lynx.
Its most iconic site is Banjska Stena, a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Drina River Canyon. Tara also draws attention to cultural landmarks like the Rača Monastery, a 13th-century Serbian Orthodox monastery tucked among the trees.
Best Things to Do and See in Tara National Park
How to Reach Tara National Park by Car
Drive southwest on the A2 highway toward Čačak from Belgrade, then continue on Route 27, passing through Valjevo. Follow the signs leading to Bajina Bašta, then take local roads marked for Tara National Park. The total distance is about 205 km and takes roughly 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and stops.
Located in southwestern Serbia, between the towns of Nova Varoš and Sjenica, the Uvac Special Nature Reserve is one of the country’s most striking natural areas. The reserve is best known for its serpentine Uvac River meanders, which create jaw-dropping viewpoints perfect for drone and landscape photography.
It’s also the prime habitat for the griffon vulture, a rare bird species with a wingspan of up to 3 meters. Travelers are especially drawn to Uvac for its untouched beauty, peaceful river landscapes, and thrilling wildlife encounters.
Best Things to Do and See in Uvac Special Nature Reserve
How to Reach Uvac Special Nature Reserve by Car
From Belgrade, head south on the A2 highway toward Čačak and continue through Požega. Follow the route toward Nova Varoš, then look for signs directing you to the Uvac Reserve. The drive is approximately 275 km and takes about 4 hours. Local roads near the reserve can be winding, so drive during daylight hours.
Đerdap National Park is famous for the Iron Gates Gorge, the largest river gorge in Europe. The park stretches along the Danube River in eastern Serbia, near Donji Milanovac and the Romanian border. Towering cliffs, ancient Roman ruins, and rich biodiversity make this park a must-see for nature lovers and history buffs.
The most iconic site here is Golubac Fortress, perched dramatically over the river. Travelers enjoy Đerdap's natural beauty and cultural depth, especially the scenic drives along the Danube and boat rides through the gorge.
Best Things to Do and See in Đerdap National Park
How to Reach Đerdap National Park by Car
From Belgrade, drive east on the A1/E75 highway until Požarevac, then take Route 34 heading toward Golubac and Donji Milanovac. The park entrance is well-marked along the Danube River route. The total distance is around 185 km, and the drive takes about 3 hours. Expect scenic views as the road hugs the riverbanks for much of the journey.
Zlatibor is one of the country’s most popular mountain resorts. Known for its rolling green hills, fresh alpine air, and year-round tourism, Zlatibor is a top pick for travelers seeking relaxation and activity.
The area combines natural beauty with modern comforts. There are ski resorts in winter, hiking and cycling trails in summer and a lively central promenade. Travelers often enjoy Zlatibor for its balanced mix of nature, local culture, and easy access to wellness centers and traditional cuisine.
Best Things to Do and See in Zlatibor
How to Reach Zlatibor by Car
From Belgrade, take the A2 highway heading southwest through Čačak. Continue on Route 21 toward Užice, then follow the signs to Zlatibor. The distance is about 226 km, and the journey takes 3 hours. Roads are well-maintained, and the drive becomes especially scenic as you approach the mountains.
Fruška Gora National Park is the country’s oldest national park, established in 1960. Often called the "Jewel of Serbia" and the "Serbian Mount Athos," it’s famous for its green hills, peaceful forests, and many historic Serbian Orthodox monasteries, some dating back to the 15th century.
The region is also well known for its vineyards, producing top-quality wines like Traminer, Riesling, and the sweet Bermet wine once served on the Titanic. Travelers enjoy Fruška Gora for its relaxing trails, cultural charm, and close access from Novi Sad and Belgrade.
Best Things to Do and See in Fruška Gora National Park
How to Reach Fruška Gora National Park by Car
From Belgrade, take the A1 highway north toward Novi Sad. Exit near Sremska Mitrovica, then drive toward Irig, which leads to the park. The total distance is about 87 km, and the drive takes roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes, making it ideal for a day trip.
Stara Planina, also known as the Balkan Mountains, is located in eastern Serbia near the town of Pirot and stretches along the border with Bulgaria. This rugged mountain range is famous for its untouched natural beauty, dramatic waterfalls, and high-altitude plateaus. It's one of the best places in Serbia for outdoor adventures in a wild, less-crowded setting.
The region is also home to one of Serbia’s highest waterfalls, Kopren, and its diverse landscape makes it a favorite among hikers, skiers, and nature lovers. Dutch travelers seeking unique experiences will appreciate the peace, fresh air, and wide-open alpine scenery of Stara Planina.
Best Things to Do and See in Stara Planina
How to Reach Stara Planina by Car
Take the A1 highway south from Belgrade to Niš, then follow signs to Pirot via Route A4. From Pirot, local mountain roads lead to various points within Stara Planina Nature Park. The total driving distance is about 330 km, and the journey takes 4 hours. Roads become steep and narrow in some areas, so drive during the daytime.
Vlasina Lake is Serbia's highest and largest artificial lake, created between 1947 and 1951 by damming the Vlasina River over a former peat bog. The lake is renowned for its unique floating peat islands, a rare natural phenomenon in which chunks of peat detach from the shore and drift across the water, carried by the wind.
The largest of these, affectionately called "Moby Dick" by locals, spans about 2 hectares and is covered in trees and shrubs. Surrounded by the Čemernik, Vardenik, and Gramada mountains, Vlasina Lake offers a quiet retreat for nature lovers and outdoor travelers.
Best Things to Do and See at Vlasina Lake
How to Reach Vlasina Lake by Car
From Belgrade, drive south on the A1 highway toward Niš, then continue on the E75 route. Exit at Vladičin Han, follow signs to Surdulica and take the M1.13 road for about 19 kilometers to reach the lake. The total distance is approximately 340 kilometers, and the drive takes about 4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Add depth to your Serbian nature escape with these authentic experiences:
Enhance your Serbian nature trip by booking a rural homestay or eco-lodge near destinations like Tara National Park or Uvac Reserve. These locally run accommodations offer more than just a place to sleep. They provide home-cooked meals, personalized hiking tips, and a relaxing chance in peaceful surroundings.
In places like Zlatibor or Stara Planina, many hosts are eager to share stories, serve traditional food, and guide you to lesser-known trails. It’s a deeper, more personal way to connect with Serbia’s landscape and culture.
In highland areas such as Fruška Gora or Vlasina Lake, small eateries and households serve dishes like ćevapi (grilled minced meat), kajmak (creamy dairy spread), and rakija (fruit brandy). These meals are often made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Don’t leave Serbia without visiting a local open-air market, especially in towns near national parks like Pirot, Užice, or Sjenica. These markets contain fresh produce, seasonal fruits, wild herbs, and locally harvested honey, cheese, and jams. In some villages, you can pick your berries or plums depending on the season.
Markets are a great place to support local farmers, try new flavors, and take home authentic Serbian products you won’t find in tourist shops.
Serbian nature escapes offer a unique experience beyond typical European routes. For Dutch travelers in Serbia, a car unlocks remote wonders that tours often skip. Plan your journey to Serbia now. To make the most of your trip, consider renting a car with Finalrentals. Ensure a hassle-free journey with our compact cars and spacious SUVs if you plan to explore historic sites, national parks, or scenic mountain roads.
