Great War Island Belgrade
A forest within the city
Some would say Belgrade has its own Central Park. Or something even better that goes beyond comparison. The Great War Island, one of most central city's oasis to beat the heat, is located at the heart of the Danube & Sava confluence.
Actually, it was formed due to the confluence, which has slowed down the water course, and island emerged as a sediment formation. Each late June to September you can reach it on foot from Zemun quay via a temporary bridge, and throughout the year (except winter) you can be taken there on a boat by the locals. Within minutes you'll go from urban to true jungle, home to numerous birds who nest and spend time there during migration.
Its name came in 18th century, for it was between Austrian Zemun and Turkish Belgrade, and war ships would gather around it before battles. There were attempts to connect it to the land, but the Danube would take away the sand brought by bulldozers.
The stroll around the island is some five kilometers long through the forest from which you can sometimes see the tops of skyscrapers, just to remember you're still very close to the city center. You can also reach the small 'beaches' at some points from which you can have a great, different perspective of Belgrade. The island has its official Lido beach, where locals gather during summer, mostly for relaxing, beach volley or water sports rather than actual swimming - the waters around the island are mostly shallow.
About this spot
Kej Oslobođenja
- 08:00 - 20:00 daily
RSD
free
Find your way with 199 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Belgrade
Belgrade Design District
A ghost town's afterlife
"Belgrade Design District" used to be an abandoned shopping mall - now it's an emerging space where established artists and designers showcase their work!
by
Svetlana
Copic
DJ
Tradional cakes in the neighborhood
"DJ" in Belgrade is a confectionery that has had its fans for more than 50 years! The sweets and cakes here are based on the Austro-Hungarian tradition...
by
Maša
Seničić
Bioskop Zvezda
Occupied cinema
"Bioskop Zvezda" in Belgrade is an impressive, historical, occupied, or should we say liberated cinema that's run by a small group of enthusiastic people.
by
Maša
Seničić
Beton Hala
Trendy Belgrade
"Beton Hala", or 'Concrete Hall' in Belgrade is a popular restaurant oasis with restaurants lined up just 10m from the Sava. Everything's quality here...
by
Nedeljko
Ivaniš
Cetinjska 15
New clubbing spot
"Cetinjska 15" is Belgrade's new hotspot. It's the Serbian Kreuzberg at what once used to be a beer factory. Much more worth it than Skadarlija...
by
Nedeljko
Ivaniš
Savska Promenada
New Sava riverbank
"Savska Promenada" Belgrade is a brand-new walking zone on the bank of the river Sava. It's a perfect place w/ many terraces for working out brain & body.
by
Nedeljko
Ivaniš
The Clock
Digital mural
"The Clock" is a mural in Belgrade created in 2011. It's a working clock made of 20,000 LEDs. It's a symbol of time passing and a new, digital era...
by
Anđa
Savić
Televizorke
Back to the 1970s
The "Televizorke" in Belgrade always take my childhood, to idyllic Yugoslavia, when this building with the windows that look like televisions was built...
by
Vladimir
Dulović
Chilean mural
Solidarity, comrade!
In Belgrade there aren't many murals, though the art form has gained recognition in last few decades. One of these rare examples is on the garden wall...
by
Vladimir
Dulović
Kaimaktsalan Watchtower
Freedom breakthrough
The "Kaimaktsalan Watchtower" in Belgrade was constructed by stones brought back from its namesake 1916 battle. This monument always gives me goosebumps...
by
Anđa
Savić
Daska & Veslo
Danube SUP
"Daska & Veslo" offers a perfect getaway from Belgrade's city jungle. Stand up paddling is something you should try at least once, so why not here?
by
Anđa
Savić
Heading to Belgrade?
199 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Belgrade?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 199 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Belgrade
Our team loves Belgrade
Get to know our other Spotters from Belgrade
As featured on:
