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Djerdap National Park, Serbia’s Largest National Park

Djerdap National Park, Serbia’s Largest National Park

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The Danube, Europe’s second-longest river, stretches approximately 2,850 kilometers (1,770 miles), reaching nearly two kilometers in width at its broadest point. In sharp contrast, its narrowest section is just 150 meters wide. Known as the Iron Gates Gorge, this dramatic passage now lies within Serbia’s largest national park, where visitors can explore forested trails, enjoy panoramic views, and discover ancient traces of long-lost civilizations.

By: Omri Westmark

Date: 18:56 14.04.25

Last Update: 18:56 14.04.25

Nature Scenic Points Serbia Europe & Arctic Circle

Eastern Serbia’s rugged terrain unfolds along the mighty Danube, where limestone cliffs and thick forests form a dramatic landscape. For millennia, this stretch of river has served as a gateway between cultures, with its waters carving through the Balkans as a conduit for trade. Today, it is home to Djerdap National Park, Serbia’s largest protected area and a refuge for rare species, ancient ruins, and quirky geological formations.

Spanning more than 63,000 hectares, Djerdap shelters a remarkable variety of flora and fauna. The park’s dense woodlands host over 1,100 plant species, including 167 classified as endangered. Among the wildlife, visitors may spot golden eagles soaring above or glimpse the elusive Eurasian lynx, a rare predator navigating the remote terrain.

Dominating the landscape is the Iron Gates Gorge, a striking 134-kilometer stretch where the Danube narrows between sheer rock faces towering up to 300 meters. This natural wonder is also a historical treasure trove.

The archaeological site of Lepenski Vir preserves evidence of human habitation dating back more than 10,000 years, while the remains of Trajan’s Bridge, an astonishing feat of Roman engineering, tell the story of the site’s former role as a strategic stronghold.

For those willing to tackle a challenging ascent, the trail to the Ploče viewpoint provides one of the most spectacular vistas in the park, and perhaps in the country. The narrow, winding path leads to a karst plateau gazing over the Danube’s tightest choke point, where the river constricts to just 150 meters wide. Though there are a handful of viewing platforms along the route, some with rickety wooden railings, safety measures are minimal, so caution is highly advised.

Sitting quietly along the Danube’s banks, the small town of Donji Milanovac serves as the park’s primary gateway. While unassuming, the town houses Djerdap’s main visitor center, where travelers can pick up maps, souvenirs, and tickets to the park’s attractions. A stop here also provides a chance to sample local Serbian cuisine and stroll along the riverfront before venturing into the wild expanse of Djerdap.

Whether exploring prehistoric settlements, trekking to remote lookouts, or simply watching the Danube carve its path through the cliffs, visitors will find themselves at the crossroads of nature and history.