Kovilj – Nature, Culture and Traditions

Kovilj lies on the edge of the Koviljsko-petrovaradinski rit Special Nature Reserve. The area covers 5,895 hectares and offers a clear connection with nature for travel planning. Churches, the monastery, the cultural station and local traditions also offer other points of interest. If you are planning a stay in Kovilj, you can organize your time around nature watching, cultural history or local customs.

Nature at Koviljsko-petrovaradinski rit

Birdwatching is among the organized activities in the Special Nature Reserve. A nature trail leads to a viewing point by Agla Pond, from which birds and other living creatures can be observed. A motorboat trip through Koviljsko-petrovaradinski rit is organized by Vojvodinašume in cooperation with the Kovilj Eco-Center. By comparison, the nature trail leads to a specific observation point, while the boat trip travels through the protected area. Seasonal operating details for the boat trip may vary; check the planning information before your trip.

Getting there and travel planning

Suburban bus line 24 from Novi Sad serves Kovilj. The town is also on the EuroVelo 6 Danube Cycle Route. For your journey, you can consider whether the bus connection or the cycle route better suits your plans. Check the bus timetable before setting off.

Culture and architectural history

The Kovilj Cultural Station is housed in an authentic Vojvodinian house that is more than a hundred years old and was completely renovated by the City of Novi Sad for cultural programs. The specific program may change. If an event is important to your visit, check the current schedule before your trip.

Two churches reflect different historical points of reference: the Serbian Orthodox Church of the Ascension of Christ, also known as the Upper Church of Kovilj, was built in 1829; the Church of Saint Apostle Thomas is designated a cultural monument. Kovilj Monastery houses a memorial museum dedicated to Archimandrite Jovan Rajić (1726–1801). The cultural themes thus range from a specific year of construction and a heritage designation to a historical figure.

Regional traditions and tastings

The traditional event “Parastos dudu” marks the beginning of mulberry picking and the production of the well-known Koviljska dudovača mulberry brandy. If the event date is important to your trip, check the latest dates in advance. Visitors can sample products made from Mangalica pork and mulberry brandy at Sava Graorac’s farm; advance notice is required.

The Christmas custom “Vijanje Božića” is still observed in Kovilj. As a seasonal custom, it is especially relevant to your planning if you also want to time your trip around local traditions.

Visiting with children

Bački zoo vrt is an educational mini-zoo on a family farm in Kovilj, intended for children and families. Children can take part in workshops about bird eggs, snails, insects and larvae. Check in advance whether these are taking place during your stay; access arrangements may also change.

Discover more destinations: Bački Petrovac, Temerin, Petrovaradin, Kać, Novi Sad, Futog, Bač, Sremska Kamenica

View the broader travel guide: Juzna-Backa.