The price list for individual visits and small groups can be downloaded HERE.
DANUBIAN FLOODPLAIN FORESTS AND MEANDERS
SPECIAL NATURE RESERVE “KOVILJ-PETROVARADIN MARSH” is located in the immediate vicinity of the E75 motorway, in the southeastern part of Bačka and partly in Srem. Its very favorable position, close to the international transport corridor and the large cities of Novi Sad and Belgrade, makes the reserve easily accessible for tourist visits.
The reserve stretches along the course of the Danube over an area of 5,895 hectares. It consists of the Kovilj Marsh, which makes up the larger part along the left bank of the Danube, while on the right bank lies the Petrovaradin section of the marsh.
The marsh–floodplain complex along the Danube represents a mosaic of forest, meadow, marshland, and aquatic ecosystems that are closely interconnected into a unique whole, distinguished by the preservation and diversity of the original forms of marshes, river islands (ada), ponds, and wetlands.
The richness of the marsh is reflected in the lushness of plant communities—forests, meadows, reed beds, and sedge fields—as well as in the diversity of fauna, especially in the presence of rare and endangered bird species.
DID YOU KNOW ?
The wetland and forest ecosystems are particularly significant due to the large number of bird species, among which the Black Stork (Ciconia nigra) and the White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) hold the status of natural rarities.
The surroundings of the reserve are renowned for the large number of White Stork pairs (Ciconia ciconia) that return each spring, in ever-increasing numbers.
The marsh is also the most important natural spawning ground for fish in the middle course of the Danube, hosting over 20 fish species, particularly Northern Pike (Esox lucius), Sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus), and Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio).
The naturally flooded forests of the reserve are composed of White Willow (Salix alba), Crack Willow (Salix fragilis), White Poplar (Populus alba), Black Poplar (Populus nigra), and Ash (Fraxinus angustifolia). Notable are also the rare plant species such as White Water Lily (Nymphaea alba), Yellow Water Lily (Nuphar lutea), Marsh Gentian (Gentiana pneumonanthe), Common Bladderwort (Utricularia vulgaris), Water Chestnut (Trapa natans), Four-leaved Clover (Marsilea quadrifolia), and Marsh Helleborine (Epipactis palustris).
HOW TO GET THERE?
The Ecological–Educational Centre is located near the Forest Administration building in the settlement of Kovilj. Considering the short distance from Novi Sad (25 km) and Belgrade (60 km), access to the Special Nature Reserve “Kovilj–Petrovaradin Marsh” is fast and convenient by all means of road transport. To the settlement of Kovilj there is also a regular suburban bus line, Line 24 from Novi Sad, and it is also located on the Danube cycling route EuroVelo 6. For all visits to the Special Nature Reserve, prior booking with the agency Vojvodinašume – Turist is required.
GPS coordinates: 45.216482 20.027988
HOW TO SPEND YOUR TIME?
The activities that can be organized for you during a visit to the Special Nature Reserve “Kovilj–Petrovaradin Marsh” and the Ecological–Educational Centre (with a capacity of up to 25 visitors) include: a presentation of the reserve, a guided walk along educational trails, accompanied by a professional guide- ranger of the protected area, motorboat rides, and birdwatching.
In the immediate vicinity of the Forest Administration you can take part in an eco-class in the OPEN-AIR CLASSROOM, during which a professional ranger will introduce you to the reserve and its rich and diverse wildlife, many species of which are strictly protected. The Open-Air Classroom is equipped with tables and benches, while next to it there is an information board and a birdwatching tower.
We continue the visit to the reserve with WALKING TOURS, starting with the Educational Trail at the Šlajz–Tikvara site, located right next to the settlement of Kovilj. The trail follows the embankment around the Šlajz pond and is equipped with information boards, benches, and tables for visitors to rest. This locality is one of the most visited and most attractive in the reserve, serving as a gathering place for nature lovers, anglers, and walkers.
To reach the Educational Trail at Kurjačka Greda, a transfer by some means of transport is required, since it is located several kilometers away from the Eco-Educational Center. The trail runs along the Aglu pond, laid out for a 1 km tour, and is equipped with information boards, benches, and tables where visitors can take a break during their walk.
At the end of the Educational Trail, we reach the observation tower, where we can observe birds and other wildlife around the Aglu pond.
Walking tours along the Educational Trails are organized for all interested groups of visitors, students, pupils, and all nature lovers who, in the immediate vicinity of large cities and main roads, can discover one of the preserved oases of peace among the old Danube meanders.
It is important to emphasize that the trails are suitable for all levels of physical fitness, as the terrain is flat and allows movement for all visitors, including children and elderly persons.
A visit to this marshland area would not be complete without a BOAT RIDE, accompanied by the warden service, organized at the site Šlajz–Tikvara.
During the leisurely ride, visitors are introduced to an entirely new world and a unique view of the remnants of once vast expanses of marshes and floodplains. Part of this water route was taken by His Royal Highness Prince Charles in 2016 during his visit to this protected area.
After visiting the Special Nature Reserve “Kovilj–Petrovaradin Marsh”, while you are already there, you can go swimming at Šlajz, visit Kovilj – the “village at the end of the world,” widely renowned for its watermelons, traditional meat products, fish specialties, and mulberry brandy. In the village you can also visit the Chapel of St. Petka and the Kovilj Monastery, dedicated to the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel.
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All information regarding programs and visits to the Reserve can be obtained from the agency “Vojvodinašume–Turist” Petrovaradin, Preradovićeva 2 – Office hours: weekdays from 07:00 to 15:00.
The visit to the Special Nature Reserve must be announced to the tourist agency at least 3–5 days prior to the planned arrival.
“Vojvodinašume–Turist” – Phone: +381 21 6432 401, +381 21 6432 976
Email: travel@vojvodinasume.rs
If you have special interests or requirements, we will prepare a special program of visit to the Special Nature Reserve “Koviljsko–Petrovaradinski Marsh.”
