Written by: Milica Bokšan

Did you decide to spend the winter in Serbia?

You will not regret knowing that Serbia offers numerous activities and events during the winter season.

Here’s your guide on how to spend winter in Serbia!

#1 Winter in Serbia: Visit Serbian Mountains

Serbia has many mountains that will amaze you with breathtaking nature, fresh air and numerous activities.

Not to mention that you can try some beyond-delicious food such as:

  • Komplet lepinja
  • Priganice
  • Ajvar
  • Čvarci
  • Kiselo mleko
  • Uštipci
  • Suvo meso
  • Beli sir

Most of them can be found in almost any mountain restaurant or hotel, but Zlatibor Mountain and Užice City are most well-known for the mentioned delicacies.

winter in serbia delicious food
If you’re hungry, you better not look at this picture

Besides enjoying delicious food, when you visit the mountains in Serbia, you can:

  • Go on a walking tour through the forest (of course, you should find the guide)
  • Ride the gondola when you’re at Zlatibor

Fun fact: Zlatibor has the longest gondola in the world!

  • Drive quads

Many Serbian mountains offer this activity.

  • Go on a zip line if you visit Zlatibor, Tara or Zlatar

Some other popular mountains in Serbia are Divcibare, Stara planina, Šar planina and Kopaonik.

Kopaonik is best known for one of the favorite winter activities – skiing.

By the way, Serbia has a total of 133 mountains!

#2 Winter in Serbia: Go Skiing

If you are a fan of skiing, you will love to spend winter in Serbia.

The trails are clearly marked by difficulty so you can see which ones are suitable for you.

winter in serbia mountain kopaonik ski trails
Ski map of Kopaonik
Source: Skijanje

Even if you don’t know how to ski, you can easily find an instructor to ski with you and show you everything you need to know about this beautiful sport.

Ski schools for children are organized on every mountain that has ski resorts.

Ski centers in Serbia represent important tourist places arranged and organized to enable safe, high-quality service.

When it snows, the beauty of the Serbian mountains becomes even more obvious.

The most famous ski centers in Serbia are:

  • Kopaonik
  • Tara
  • Zlatibor
  • Stara planina
  • Divčibare
  • Goč
  • Brezovica
  • Zlatar
  • Crni vrh

If you’re planning a winter vacation in one of these mountains, you’d better hurry up because most of them are very popular not only among Serbs but also among tourists from all over the world.

#3 Winter in Serbia: Visit Some of Serbian Thermal Spas

If you want a more relaxed vacation, some of the Serbian spas (banje) are the place to go.

Serbia has numerous thermal springs known for their healing properties.

Vrnjačka Banja and Sokobanja offer a perfect retreat. You can indulge in thermal baths, wellness treatments, and rejuvenating massages.

winter in serbia snow
Vrnjačka Banja offers a ski resort located on Goč mountain.
Source: Vrnjačka Banja

Spending a day at some spa center is particularly inviting during the chilly winter months, contrasting the frosty air outside.

Besides Vrnjačka Banja and Sokobanja, there are more popular spa resorts in Serbia:

  • Banja Vrujci
  • Niška banja
  • Koviljača
  • Prolom banja
  • Ovčar banja
  • Banja Ždrelo

#4 Winter in Serbia: Go on Tour Through Cities

Winters in Serbian cities are usually not that cold, so you can make a plan and visit some of them. Average temperatures can be between 0 and 15 degrees Celsius.

Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, comes alive with festive decorations, Christmas markets, and lively street performances.

You can explore Kalemegdan and museums, visit The Temple of Saint Sava, or just walk through vibrant Belgrade streets. You can warm up at any time in some of the cafes.

Novi Sad, known for the EXIT Festival, also can be attractive in winter.

The Petrovaradin Fortress provides a stunning panoramic view of the Danube, especially when the city is covered in snow.

Charming architecture and cultural heritage are complemented by cozy coffee shops, perfect for warming up with a hot drink.

Niš, one of the oldest cities in Europe, offers a glimpse into Serbia’s rich history, with landmarks like Niš Fortress and the Skull Tower.

Subotica offers a unique combination of Serbian and Hungarian culture and architecture. You can visit the City Hall or the Modern Art Gallery.

winter in serbia subotica snow
Subotica in winter
Source: Subotička tržnica

You can join Winterfest in Subotica, enjoy the local gastronomy, and find some interesting souvenirs to bring home.

Each Serbian city or village has its unique vibe, but one thing that is common to all of them is Serbian hospitality.

#5 Winter in Serbia: Celebrate Holidays in Serbia

During winter in Serbia, there are many festive celebrations.

From Christmas to New Year’s Eve, Serbia embraces the holiday spirit with various traditions.

  • Božić

Božić, Serbian Orthodox Christmas, is celebrated on the 7th of January.

It includes unique customs such as Unošenje badnjaka (bringing an oak branch into the house) and the family gathering for a Christmas dinner.

  • Nova godina

New Year’s Eve is a huge celebration, particularly in Belgrade, where numerous locals and tourists are in the streets looking for places to welcome the new year.

Fireworks, concerts, and lively parties create a festive atmosphere.

  • Slava

Serbian Slava is a unique traditional celebration where families celebrate their patron saint.

This custom involves a special feast and is a significant aspect of Serbian culture, often shared with friends and relatives.

This is another Serbian custom that emphasizes the importance of community and family ties.

Conclusion

Although we tried our best to show you how interesting Serbia can be in the winter months, you will only see it when you visit it.

In addition to the activities mentioned, here are some others that are not mandatory in winter but are important if you want to get to know Serbian culture and spirit.

When you visit Serbia, you should:

Do you want to find out more about Serbian culture or start learning the Serbian language? Subscribe to our newsletter!