Nestled in the foothills of Goč Mountain, Vrnjačka Banja is a town and municipality in central Serbia. It has been a popular spa destination since the 1860s, although the curative properties of its hot springs have been known since Roman times. The surrounding area is dominated by lush meadows, centuries-old vineyards and idyllic mountain streams.
Things to do in Vrnjačka Banja
One of Vrnjačka Banja’s most famous attractions is the “Bridge of Love”, which is where the tradition of leaving “love padlocks” is believed to have started. It’s said that the heartache of local schoolmistress, Nada, inspired young women to protect their love by writing down their names (and the names of their lovers) on padlocks. These were then bound to the bridge railings and the keys thrown into the water below.
For a dose of history, head to the Zamak Kulture, a regional museum that occupies an elaborate summer house once belonging to General Jovan Belimarkovic. In addition to archaeological findings and old photographs, its collection includes sculptures, paintings and graphic works by local artists. In the Memorial Room of General Belimarkovic, you’ll find 19th-century furnishings and rare books.
A short drive from Vrnjačka Banja is the Serbian Orthodox Ljubostinja Monastery, which was constructed in the late 14th century in a Morava style. Now designated as a Monument of Culture of Exceptional Importance, this female monastery houses portraits of Prince Lazar and Princess Milica created by Hieromonk Makarije, as well as an iconostasis painted by Nikola Marković.
Getting around Vrnjačka Banja
Vrnjačka Banja is 30 minutes’ drive from Kraljevo and just over 2.5 hours from Belgrade and Nikola Tesla Airport. Buses travel to Vrnjačka Banja and the town is compact enough to explore on foot. Renting a car is the most convenient way of exploring the surrounding municipality.