Zasavica I: Nature, Boat Trips and Cultural Heritage

Zasavica I is part of the Zasavica Nature Reserve area. The reserve lies between several villages, including Zasavica I and Zasavica II. The location details are important for orientation: the visitor centre is in Zasavica II, while the Church of the Holy Trinity and a monument are in Zasavica I. This lets you consider the reserve’s nature activities and the history of the village as distinct focal points for your trip.

Landscape and Nature Reserve

The Nature Reserve’s landscape includes the Zasavica watercourse, the Batar tributary, canals, marshes, flood meadows and forests. Waterways and wetlands are therefore as much a part of the landscape as wooded areas. The reserve covers 1,825 hectares, of which 675 hectares fall under the first protection category. These figures give an idea of the size and structure of the protected area without reducing its varied landscapes to a single place.

The plant and bird life also shape this natural environment: more than 650 plant species have been recorded in the reserve. In the Zasavica area, you can observe rare marsh and forest birds in their natural habitat. Nature enthusiasts will therefore find both botanical diversity and opportunities to observe birds in this landscape. This is a different experience from a boat trip or a visit to the exhibition rooms in Zasavica II.

Boat Trips and Visitor Centre

The Nature Reserve offers boat trips. An official waterway was established for the “Umbra” excursion boat in 2003. It is seven kilometres long and runs from Valjevac to Šumareva ćuprija. If you would like to plan a trip at a particular time, check the current sailing times in advance.

The Nature Reserve’s visitor centre is in Zasavica II. There is an 18-metre-high tower offering panoramic views of the pastures and the Zasavica watercourse. Boats and the “Umbra” excursion boat depart from the wooden pier. The tower and pier are specific points of reference for a visit to Zasavica II; check the latest visitor information in advance if these facilities are important to your plans.

Another aspect of the reserve is the opportunity to sample distinctive regional products. These include products made from donkey’s milk and from Mangalica pigs. Along with the waterscape, wildlife-watching opportunities and boat trips, they complement the natural attractions with regional foods. You can therefore choose between landscapes, plant and animal life, and tastings when planning your excursions.

Culture and History in Zasavica I

The Serbian Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity stands in Zasavica I. It was built between 1894 and 1899 in the Serbian-Byzantine style, based on a design by Serbian architect Svetozar Ivačković. It is protected as a cultural monument of great importance.

A monument dating from 1921 commemorates the local population’s participation in the Balkan Wars and the First World War. A traditional custom is also documented in Zasavica I: the raising of a bandera continued in 2024 before Đurđevdan. The bandera prepared for this custom was painted in the traditional colours of the Serbian flag—red, blue and white—and decorated with crosses to which handkerchiefs were attached.

When planning your stay, it helps to keep the locations separate: the church, monument and bandera custom are associated with Zasavica I; the tower, pier and ethnographic and historical room are in the visitor centre in Zasavica II. The room displays household and agricultural items as well as tools from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This lets you include nature experiences in the reserve and its distinct cultural and historical themes in your travel plans.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Stari Banovci, Surduk, Kupinovo, Sremska Mitrovica, Morović, Platičevo, Stara Pazova, Šid.

For the broader travel overview: Srem District.