Knjaževac Gondolas on Water and in The Air | Where to Go for a Trip?!

The small town in eastern Serbia, which earned the nickname Serbian Venice in the mid-19th century, is an ideal destination to explore throughout the year. Knjaževac is a town full of tourist attractions due to its specific architecture, stone walls, and numerous bridges over the river that cuts through the city center. In addition, its exceptional natural treasures, from spa springs to powerful mountain streams and waterfalls, are some of the landmarks that position Knjaževac high on the tourist map of Serbia. Stara Planina, with its peaks Midžor and Babin Zub, ski resort, hotels, and recreational facilities, is a precious gem of this region that will captivate tourists for more than just one day. Those who venture to Knjaževac should set aside at least an extended weekend to enjoy all the benefits of this part of Serbia.

Timok River Cruise - a unique tourist attraction

One thing not to be missed is a boat ride on the Svrljig Timok River. Although not very strong, this river is navigable through Knjaževac thanks to a dam that accumulates water. This allows tourists to take a boat ride for a few kilometers and enjoy the view of the city center. The ride starts from the Memorial Park in the city center (although the river is navigable upstream as well) and continues past the Cultural Center, City Park, and the famous Hotel Timok, ending at the Student Home. The starting point of the cruise is the most beautiful part of Knjaževac since on the opposite side of the Memorial Park, there are buildings of exceptional architectural beauty and value. Residential houses with beautiful facades, built at the beginning of the last century, adorn this part of the city. Above them is another building housing the police station. The entire ambiance of the central part of Knjaževac creates a romantic atmosphere reminiscent of old European towns, and because of the river, it resembles Italian Venice. At the other end of the city, there is Džervinova Tower (although not in such good condition), another landmark of this city that should be visited.

Cable Car on Stara Planina

Besides water, visitors to Knjaževac can also take a cable car ride on Stara Planina. The starting point of the cable car is Jabučko Ravnište, and it transports visitors from the hotel to the ski slopes. As announced by the Municipality of Knjaževac, the cable car is soon expected to be extended to the village of Ćuštica, making it about 3 kilometers long. Skiers and other winter sports enthusiasts will have a great time here, as well as those who enjoy recreational walks and mountain rides. The untouched natural landscapes are dotted with numerous mountain villages where friendly and dedicated hosts offer accommodation and prepare delicious traditional food. Among the natural attractions, Babin Zub and its viewpoint, a café on the slopes, and the Bigar Waterfall are not to be missed, among many other locations.

Town surrounded by smaller mountains

The less popular Tupižnica is also near Knjaževac and is especially attractive to hikers who often organize walking tours. Additionally, paragliding has been developing on this mountain in recent years, and it is also known for the "Days of Lilacs" event. It is highly appealing to spelunkers as well, primarily due to the Davidova Propast and Tupižnička Ledenica caves.

Tresibaba should not be overlooked either, as it separates the Knjaževac and Svrljig basins and has several well-maintained picnic areas with benches and gazebos that offer incredible views of the basins and Knjaževac itself. This mountain is approximately 800 meters high and is rich in medicinal herbs and berries that are harvested at different times of the year.

Banjica - bathing in healing soothing water

Knjaževac is also well-known for its healing water, Banjica spring, or Rgoška Banja, where bathing is possible even during colder days. The water temperature is around 27 degrees, which has a beneficial effect on the bather's body. According to the locals, the thermal water is good for rheumatism and mental illnesses. Therefore, this bathing spot is always crowded, and the construction of a Rehabilitation Center next to the natural pool is planned, expected to be completed by 2023. The water from this spring also fills the public swimming pool in Knjaževac, which is covered during winter and accessible to swimmers who want to stay in shape outside the open swimming season.

Local Museum and other cultural-historical landmarks of Knjaževac

Visitors to Knjaževac can learn about the rich history and heritage of this region at the Local Museum, which has three locations - two in the town itself and one in the nearby village of Ravna. One of the museum buildings is the house of Alekse Ace Stanojević, the founder of the People's Radical Party who succeeded Nikola Pašić as the party's president. The second building dates back to 1906 and is protected as a cultural monument. This renovated facility houses permanent museum exhibitions and hosts thematic exhibitions. In the village of Ravna, there are archaeological and ethnographic parks, and nearby is the ancient settlement of Timacum Minus.

Gurgusovačka Tower, located on a hill above Knjaževac, is another landmark of this town. It was built in the mid-19th century on the site where a Turkish trench for observing the town once stood.

Knjaževac is a paradise for food lovers

Roasted lamb and pork are specialties of Knjaževac, and the grilled meats, numerous hot and cold appetizers, and salads are equally delicious. There is simply no bad food in Knjaževac's taverns, and they can also boast of high-quality wines, brandies, and tasty cheeses. Some of the most famous taverns are Kod Saše, Mala Verona, Kastelo, Srpska kafana, Markov konak, and JB. Knjaževac is the gastronomic center of this part of Serbia and an ideal destination for food lovers who will "lick their fingers" even after breakfast at the bakery. This region is also famous for its cherry production, so specialty products made from this fruit, such as homemade jams, preserves, and juices, can be found here.

Knjaževac and its surroundings abound with places that will provide an unforgettable experience for adventurers who expect more than just lounging around on vacation. The fastest way to reach Knjaževac from Belgrade is by the highway to Niš, and then via Malča and Svrljig, the drive takes just under an hour. In total, it takes about three hours from the capital to reach Knjaževac, an attractive destination for relaxation and enjoyment. Visitors will take away many beautiful memories, souvenirs, and locally made products, and they will particularly enjoy the atmosphere of Knjaževac if they visit in July, when the traditional Festival of Youth Culture of Serbia is held, which has been around for 70 years. Another precious aspect of this region is the friendly and warm-hearted people of this part of Serbia, who will make tourists feel at home.