Srem District: Wetlands, History and Wine

Srem District offers something for a wide range of travel interests: horseshoe-shaped wetlands, Roman history, monastic heritage, wine and regional cycling routes. When planning, consider which theme you want to shape your stay. That way, you can make the places and experiences that interest you most central to your choice of accommodation.

Wetlands and landscape

Obedska bara is a horseshoe-shaped wetland formed from a former course of the Sava. Its shape and origins give the nature theme a tangible historical dimension. Its protection history also has two clearly distinct dates: initial administrative protection measures date back to 1874; in 1977, Obedska bara was added to the list of wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.

The Zasavica visitor center offers another perspective on the landscape. Its 18-meter-high observation tower looks out over a 300-hectare pasture and the widest and most beautiful section of the Zasavica River. Visitors can also explore the protected area by boat, including on the tourist boat Umbra. The visitor center grounds are open to visitors 365 days a year. The view from the tower and exploring by boat are two different ways to experience the landscape.

Roman and monastic history

Sirmium was the birthplace of five Roman emperors. In addition to the imperial palace, it had a theater, an amphitheater and a large hippodrome. Its historical significance thus extends from its connection to the emperors to several different structures. Those interested in Roman history will find more than one building to use as a starting point.

The history of Krušedol Monastery can be traced through its foundation and dedication. Bishop Maksim, later Despot Đorđe Branković, founded it between 1509 and 1516 with the support of Mother Angelina and the Wallachian voivode Jovan Njagoja. The monastery church is dedicated to the Annunciation. Another historical figure associated with it is the hieromonk Jerotije Dragabović, who wrote the first Serbian cookbook in Srem, printed in Zemun in 1855. In this way, the monastery's history is linked to a distinctive culinary heritage.

The Serbian Museum of Bread – Jeremija is located in the village of Pećinci in the Srem region. Its theme adds a further focus specifically on bread alongside the Roman, monastic and culinary histories.

Wine and regional heritage

In the Fruška Gora wine-growing area, which is part of the Srem wine region, predominantly white, fresh and harmonious wines are produced. For wine enthusiasts, this offers a concise introduction to the region's wine style. Bermet offers a different facet: this aromatic sweet wine is associated with a historical tradition. In the 18th century, Zaharije Orfelin recorded its recipe in Iskusni podrumar, the first wine book in the Serbian language. Bermet is still considered a source of pride in Sremski Karlovci.

Cycling and choosing accommodation

For a cycling trip, consider the Srem regional cycling route and the Sava cycling route. Both run mostly through the regions of Srem, Mačva and South Bačka. Their shared regional reach is a useful point of reference if you are considering making cycling the focus of your trip.

Discover more destinations: Nikinci, Beška, Jarak, Stara Pazova, Surduk, Sremska Mitrovica, Ruma, Stari Banovci, Kupinovo, Morović, Vrdnik, Ležimir, Šid, Pećinci, Zasavica I, Šimanovci, Platičevo, Inđija.

For the broader travel overview: Serbia.