Top 5 less known but breathtaking mountains in Serbia

When people think of Serbian mountains, names like Kopaonik, Zlatibor, Tara, and Stara Planina immediately come to mind. They’re famous for a reason—natural beauty, ski resorts, and rich tourist infrastructure. But Serbia hides many lesser-known mountains that are just as stunning, offering peace, adventure, and authenticity.

Here are five mountains in Serbia that deserve a spot on your travel list.

Golija

Golija, located 32 km north of Novi Pazar, is a majestic mountain stretching in the shape of the letter “S” for about 32 km. It’s one of the most forested mountains in Serbia, known for untouched nature, dense beech forests, and rich biodiversity.

Why visit:

• UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (Golija-Studenica)

• Panoramic views from peaks like Jankov Kamen (1,833 m) and Crni Vrh (1,795 m)

• Over 100 species of birds

• Great for skiing, with one of the longest snow seasons in Serbia

• Ideal for paragliding, herbal foraging, and monastery tours, including the iconic Studenica Monastery

Rudnik

Only 100 km from Belgrade, near Gornji Milanovac, Rudnik Mountain stands tall with Cvijićev Vrh (1,132 m)—the highest point in Šumadija. This air spa, officially declared in 1922, is rich in forests, fresh air, and historical significance.

What makes it special:

• Lush forests of beech, oak, maple, and spruce

• Archaeological finds from Roman mines

• Site of the first Serbian dinar with Cyrillic (King Dragutin)

• Dramatic views of Veliki Šturac Nature Reserve

• A dormant volcano, Ostrovica, dominates the landscape

Suva planina

Called the southern Serbian Alps

Located just 17 km from Niš, Suva Planina (“Dry Mountain”) rises dramatically above the landscape. Its limestone terrain gives it a rugged look and makes it one of the driest yet most visually striking mountains in Serbia.

Why adventurers love it:

• Home to Trem (1,810 m), the highest peak in southeastern Serbia

• Over 1,260 plant species, including 120 endemic

• Habitat of the Natalie’s Ramonda, rare and beautiful flower

• World-famous for paragliding, with a championship held here

• Known as the “Alps of Southern Serbia” by geographer Jovan Cvijić

Maljen

Just 120 km from Belgrade, Maljen is a charming limestone mountain near Valjevo, best known for its resort village Divčibare, a growing favorite among families and casual hikers.

Must-see features:

• Crni Vrh (1,098 m) and Kraljev Sto (1,104 m) offer great hiking

• The Skakalo Waterfall, Serbia’s 6th tallest (30 m)

• Ideal for skiing in winter and hiking in summer

• Popular for spring water sources like Zujan

Kosmaj

At just 622 meters, Kosmaj may be modest in height, but it offers a perfect nature escape only 55 km from Belgrade. Its name comes from the Celtic word for “forest” and the ancient word for “mountain.”

Why it’s becoming trendy:

• Over 70% forest cover, rich in oak and beech

• Ideal for weekend trips, quad biking, and picnics

• Home to 95 natural springs

• Site of the luxury Renew complex, combining nature with high-end hospitality

If you are visiting Kosmaj, make sure to try delicious food in the restaurant "Kod Tome i Nade", as well as craft beers produced in the "Kabinet Brewery".

We hope you enjoyed our selection of lesser-known Serbian mountains worth visiting.Serbia’s nature is incredibly diverse—and absolutely beautiful. Let it surprise you.
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