Novi SadSerbia
The northern Serbian city of Novi is perhaps most famous for the EXIT festival, a musical extravaganza that takes place in the Danube-side fortress called Petrovaradin Citadel, and is a dream come true for any true reveller.
The EXIT festival is unique in that the concert stage is located in the huge ruins of the city walls. Access to the festival site is through old tunnels and stone bridges, and at the foot of the walls is the ever-flowing Danube River. In the distance, the center of Novi Sad can be seen. The EXIT stage creates a very different concert and party atmosphere that fuses the past and the present. This electrifying festival runs its course over four nights. Every day the party starts when the sun goes down and continues until late at night and early in the morning!
But aside from being a festival venue, the Petrovaradin Citadel is actually an important historical monument built in the late 17th century. Although the citadel is the perfect place for bass sounds and rowdy festival-goers, it once had a more practical use. The citadel’s underground tunnels, known locally as katacombe, are used primarily for military purposes. But over the centuries, the tunnels have been the subject of stories and speculation related to the safekeeping of treasure, strange reptilian creatures, and enduring ghosts. Fortunately, you get a chance to learn about the history and mysteries surrounding the Petrovaradin Citadel and its tunnels when you sign up for a guided tour given by the fortress staff.
If you are already in the fortress area, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Vojvodina Museum, which houses a collection of 400,000 amazing artifacts and reflects several centuries of history of the Northern Province of Serbia. Take the opportunity to also enjoy the Danube as it is definitely more than a backdrop for the EXIT festival. It is a beautiful river that offers not only natural delights but also fun recreational activities.
For starters, the Danube is home to a beautiful 700-meter-long stretch of sand called the Strand. This beach has become quite popular with families and sun seekers, especially during the summer when the riverside cafes and bars are in full swing. Sitting in one of these bars and perhaps listening to live music at the same time is one of the many relaxing things to do in Danube.
But if you want to break a sweat, you always have some viable and exciting options, like renting a canoe or kayak and going on the ultimate paddling adventure. On dry land, you can choose to cycle part of the 2,000+ kilometer Danube Cycle Path that follows the river through not one or two, but nine countries! Of course, you are not expected to walk the whole way, but the Novi Sad section covers enough distance to burn a few calories and have a pleasant journey at the same time. Also, renting bikes in Novi Sad is very affordable, and there are even stations set up throughout the city to pick up and drop off bikes.
If you think strolling along the riverbank is enjoyable enough for you, try waiting until the tide is out and you can cross from the western side of the Strand to the wonderful Ribarsko Ostrvo peninsula. Known as the Fisherman’s Island, Ribarsko Ostrvo is a favorite place for picnic lovers and fans of seafood restaurants.