Discover Vrnjačka Banja – Springs, Park and Culture

Vrnjačka Banja combines mineral springs, parkland and unusual cultural sites into a destination with many different facets. Here, you can learn about the history of spa treatments, stroll along the Vrnjačka, discover distinctive bridges and viewpoints, or include Mount Goč in your travel plans. When searching for a holiday apartment, it is therefore worth first deciding on your preferred focus: springs and park, culture and events, or a combination of local experiences and mountain scenery.

Mineral Springs and the History of Spa Treatments

Seven mineral water springs are known in Vrnjačka Banja. The “Topla voda” spring is located in the central spa area and has a water temperature of 36.5 °C. Its history dates back to the Roman era: the mineral spring was used from the 1st to the 4th century AD. Four springs belong to Merkur: Topla voda, Jezero, Snežnik and Slatina. In front of all four mineral water springs and in every drinking hall, information panels describe the chemical composition of the water, its therapeutic effects and the correct way to use it.

The Rimski Izvor spa centre also demonstrates the breadth of the destination’s offerings. It comprises five centres: the Centar Medicinske Estetike, the Velnes, the Peloid Centar, the Centar za masaže and the Balneo Centar. Anyone interested in the development of spa treatments can find the permanent exhibition “Muzej banjskog lečenja” in a department of the Museum of Science and Technology.

Park Paths, Stream Banks and Japanese Garden

Vrnjački Park offers various ways to spend a day outdoors. Riverside promenades stretch for almost two kilometres along the Vrnjačka stream. The promenade is lined with cafés, restaurants and shops, combining exercise with a break or a stay in the town. Vrnjačka Banja’s main tree-lined path is 1.5 kilometres long.

The Japanese Garden in Vrnjački Park has a distinctive design. It covers 3,000 square metres and consists of several characteristic elements: a small lake with an island, a tea house, a cascading waterfall and a bridge. When planning your trip, you can therefore choose between a walk along the stream, a park path and a garden with clearly identifiable individual features.

Cultural Sites with Unusual Details

Zamak Belimarković is situated on a slope above the “Topla voda” mineral spring. Construction took place from 1888 to 1894 under the supervision of engineer Franc Vinter. The Zamak houses the Zavičajni Museum, with archaeological, ethnographic, historical and art-historical collections. Crkveno brdo, also known as Čajkino brdo, is a rock of volcanic origin in the centre of Vrnjačka Banja and is protected as a spatial cultural and historical unit.

Crkveno brdo is home to a glass viewpoint with a total area of 60 square metres, including 22 square metres of glass surface. It is located 24 metres above ground level. The hill is also home to Letnja pozornica, a cultural events venue that hosts the film festival as well as other events. The Festival filmskog scenarija was founded in 1977 and is dedicated to film scripts and the authors whose stories take their final form on the big screen. It takes place in Vrnjačka Banja in mid or late August; the accompanying programme includes the Summer Academy of Film Dramaturgy, held since 1996.

Other distinctive features can be found along the waterways. The “Zlatni most” bridge over the Vrnjačka is dedicated to mathematics and displays a plaque with the formula for the golden ratio. Most ljubavi is the best-known of a total of 32 bridges along the Vrnjačka and Lipovačka rivers. Lovefest is also a cultural platform originating in Vrnjačka Banja that promotes music, art and urban youth culture. The cultural event “Dani Bate Stojkovića” has been organised since 2010 and features theatre performances, meetings with actors, literary evenings and concerts.

Panoramic Views, Goč and Seasonal Experiences

The Ferris wheel in the park near Jezero offers a change of perspective. It is 50 metres high, has 32 air-conditioned cabins and provides views of Vrnjačka Banja. The central event of the Vrnjački Carnival is the Grand International Carnival Parade. The “Poljubi me” competition takes place at Most ljubavi on 14 February and was first held in 2007. “Na Desankin Dan” is held on 16 May, the poet’s birthday, as an event for writers, poets and admirers of her work.

Mount Goč rises above Vrnjačka Banja; its highest peak is Ljukten, at 1,216 metres. In the surrounding area, Goč offers opportunities for skiing in winter and long walks and picnics in summer. Vrnjačka Banja’s adventure park has nine obstacles, professional equipment and certified operators. These different options help you plan your trip according to your preferred pace and choose a suitable accommodation location.

Getting There and Choosing Accommodation

For travelling to the destination, Kraljevo Airport is 40 kilometres from Vrnjačka Banja. From Belgrade, the town can be reached via the Belgrade–Vrnjačka Banja motorway. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, you can base your choice on your planned priorities: springs, promenades and the park favour a stay closely connected to the town; cultural events, viewpoints and Goč provide additional highlights. Accommodation in Vrnjačka Banja provides the framework for incorporating the destination’s different sides into your own travel plans.

More Destinations for Your Travel Plans

Mataruška Banja, Jošanička Banja, Goč, Lopatnica, Vrba, Raška, Kraljevo and Kopaonik.

To the higher-level travel overview: Raška District.