What Dracula is in Romania, the vampire Sava Savanović is in Serbia. He is said to have wreaked havoc in the country in the 17th or 18th century. There were even reports of vampires up until the 20th century. But I don’t think you have much to worry about today. Just enjoy your drive through the country!

Rest stops with flair

Numerous well-kept rest stops await you in Serbia:

• The largest is Stari Hrast on the A1 highway (E75) near Velika Plana.
• Architecture fans head for the Zmaj service area on the A1 north of Belgrade. It impresses with its modern design with clear lines, its harmonious integration into the landscape and its functional design.
• From the Motel Predejane on the E75 highway between Niš and Vranje, you have a wonderful view of the surrounding nature.
• The Nais rest stop is steeped in history. The eponymous town of Niš is one of the oldest in Europe.
• The Jezero rest stop near the town of Vranje is ideal for a longer break. Here you have a spectacular view of a picturesque lake and can enjoy the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.

Steeped in history

Serbia breathes history from every pore. The capital Belgrade is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, founded in the 3rd century B.C. Here, the historic Kalemegdan Fortress offers you a sweeping view of the city and the rivers Danube and Sava.

Your tour takes you past numerous well-preserved medieval fortresses. The impressive Golubac Fortress on the banks of the Danube is particularly worth a stop. The Studenica Monastery near the town of Raska is a masterpiece of Byzantine art and architecture. It is considered the cradle of the Serbian kingdom. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site is the old Serbian town of Stari Ras. It was added to the World Heritage List in 1979 together with the Sopoćani Monastery, St. Peter’s Church near Raska as the oldest Serbian sacred building and the Đurđevi Stupovi Monastery.

Typically Serbian: the hand-woven Pirot carpets. Photo: iStock

Typical local food and drink

Who hasn’t heard of these little grilled meat rolls, which are often served with rice or flatbread and ajvar bell pepper paste? Of course, we’re talking about the Serbian national dish Ćevapčići! Followed by the national drink rakija, a strong plum brandy.

If you happen to pass by the small town of Guča at the right time, you’re in for a treat. The three-day Guča Trumpet Festival attracts hundreds of thousands of music lovers from all over the world every August. What makes it so special are the countless unofficial, unamplified and spontaneous performances by the artists on the streets and in the city’s pubs and beer tents. The artists have banknotes stuck into their instruments or taped to their sweaty foreheads.

The Exit Festival attracts up to 200,000 visitors to the Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad every year. It is also one of the biggest music festivals in Europe. Rock and electronic music fill the air here for four days every year.

Serbia is also famous for its traditional, hand-woven pirot carpets: These are known for their vibrant colors and complex patterns. And they also come in small – for the dashboard.

How have you made yourself comfortable in your cabin? Post a photo in the comments!