Magical Belgrade is a city full of captivating beauty and culture. For centuries it has attracted visitors from all corners of the world, who come to explore its vibrant history and stunning views.
Belgrade’s parks are a key part of this attraction, providing locals and tourists with places to relax and enjoy their surroundings. Whether you are looking for a peaceful place to relax, a spot for an outdoor adventure, or just somewhere beautiful to spend some time outdoors, Belgrade’s parks have something to offer to everyone – there are plenty of options when it comes to finding a park in this vibrant city.
The benefits of green parks in cities
By providing a crucial space for physical activity, relaxation, and a general appreciation of nature, green parks have countless positive benefits – from reducing air pollution and noise pollution to improving mental health, and air quality and offering relaxing opportunities and possibilities to increase physical health.
Physical benefits
From improving cardiovascular health to boosting our mood, spending time in nature can truly be a life-changing experience. Parks and gardens are an oasis in the middle of cities, extremely valuable resources for improving our health and physical condition. Being surrounded by nature and having long-term contact with nature are linked to longer lives. Studies have shown that spending time in green parks can reduce stress levels, increase our energy and even boost our immune system.
Mental health benefits
Access to nature is essential for humans and has an impact on our mental health. Taking a stroll through a park has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, improve mood and increase overall well-being. Moreover, taking in the sights and sounds of nature can have incredibly calming effects – allowing us to feel relaxed and re-energized. According to numerous studies, it improves both concentration and increases happiness. It is particularly beneficial for children and older people, although it is related to improved mental health in general.
Social benefits
Green parks serve as community gathering spaces where people can come together to socialize, relax and enjoy the outdoors. Parks with playgrounds, picnic areas, and public events can help build a sense of community and belonging. Parks provide an opportunity for urban residents to engage with nature and learn about the environment. This can foster a sense of environmental awareness and encourage people to adopt more sustainable behaviors. Parks often host cultural events such as concerts, festivals, and art shows. These events bring people together, provide opportunities for cultural exchange and promote a sense of community pride.
Explore Belgrade’s Breathtaking Parks
Exploring the parks of Belgrade can be a truly magical experience. These green oases provide a peaceful and beautiful escape from the hustle of city life, with vibrant flowers and plenty of open spaces, and stunning views. From Zvezdara Forest to Tašmajdan Park and Topčider Park, these picturesque parks provide a moment of tranquility. Visit Kalemegdan Park and be mesmerized by its historic fortress, or stroll through Košutnjak Park for a peaceful afternoon beneath its towering trees. Whatever your preference, find your own corner of nature in one of Belgrade’s enchanting parks.
Kalemegdan Park
Kalemegdan, Belgrade Fortress is one of the most important historical and cultural sites in Belgrade. It is located in the historic city center. It was declared a Monument of Culture of Exceptional Importance and it is protected by the Republic of Serbia. The fortress covers an area of 72 hectares. The most popular part of the park is located on top of the hill, which offers a beautiful view of Belgrade and the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. The park is dominated by the ancient fortress walls, which date back to the Roman period.
The park has several walking paths that offer stunning views of the city and the rivers. There are also plenty of benches and picnic areas for visitors to relax and enjoy the scenery. There are, also, several attractions within the fortress itself, including museums, galleries, parks, and sports grounds. It has a number of facilities within its borders, including a cinema, amphitheater, and theater.
Tašmajdan Park
Tašmajdan park is a public park located in the city of Belgrade. It is situated in the municipality of Stari Grad (meaning Old City) and covers an area of about 13 hectares. The park is one of the oldest and largest parks in the city and is a popular recreational spot for locals and tourists. The park features a large central fountain, which is illuminated at night and provides a beautiful sight. There is also a sports center within the park, which includes tennis and basketball courts, a swimming pool, and a gym.
Tasmajdan park is surrounded by several notable landmarks, including the Church of Saint Marko and Tasmajdan Sports Center. The park is easily accessible by public transportation and it is a great place to relax and unwind in the heart of the city.
Topčider Park
Topčider was the first public park outside the central city area. It is situated in the municipality Savski venac and covers an area of approximately 15 hectares. The park is known for its natural beauty and is a popular destination for picnics, walks, and outdoor activities. Topcider park features several walking trails and a number of benches and picnic areas. Visitors can enjoy the park’s natural beauty, which includes a forested area with a variety of trees and plants.
One of the most notable remarks is Topcider Palace, a beautiful 19th-century building that was once the summer residence of Serbian princes and kings. Today, the palace serves as a museum and art gallery and is open to the public for tours. The Great Platanus located in front of the palace is a trademark of Topcider park, which is supposed to be around 170 years old, is over 34 m high, with a crown diameter of 55 m, and is protected as a natural monument. It is considered to be one of the oldest ones in Europe.
Karađorđe Park
Karađorđe’s Park is a public park in the popular urban part of Belgrade, between the National Library and Saint Sava Temple. In 1979, Karađorđev Park was added to the Historic Landmarks of Great Importance list and is protected by the Republic of Serbia.
It is known for its walking paths and historical monuments and historical significance. The park is named after Karadjordje Petrovic, a Serbian revolutionary, and leader of the First Serbian Uprising aimed at liberating Serbia from the Ottoman Empire. Being the place of important historical moments, there are several monuments in the park:
- Monument to the Liberators of Belgrade, erected in 1848, is the oldest public monument in Belgrade. Dedicated to those killed in the liberation of Belgrade in 1806.
- Monument to the third-class reservists, erected in 1923, dedicated to the soldiers killed in World War I.
- Monument to Alphonse de Lamartine, dedicated to the French poet
- Stone memorial dedicated to the victims killed in an underground shelter during the German bombing of Belgrade on April 6, 1941.
- Monument to Karadjordje
Zvezdara Forest
Zvezdara Forest is a park and forest in Belgrade. The majority of the forest is located in the municipality of Zvezdara. Zvezdara is the largest forest in the urban zone of Belgrade and the most important source of oxygen for the city. While the Košuntjak (a park mentioned later in this article) is being called “Belgrade’s oxygen factory”, Zvezdara forest is called “the left lung of the city”.
The Zvezdara Forest, a natural monument, was declared a protected area for the purpose of preserving the natural values, structure, and quality of the forest, soil, and air. It’s also worth mentioning that the forest is improving the spatial entity created by human activity, which is an important part of the urban green system. This primarily contributes to the prevention of landslides, regulation, and improvement of microclimatic conditions.
Banjica Forest
Banjica Forest is a beautiful park and forest located in the municipality of Vozdovac. The forest covers an area of 40 hectares and has been under various degrees of protection. Banjica forest is known for its diverse vegetation, with numerous species of trees and plants, as well as its wildlife, including 68 bird species, which is why it is a natural monument, protected by the country.
Park of Friendship
The Park of Friendship in New Belgrade is one of the largest parks in Belgrade. Friendship Park covers an area of 14 hectares. The park includes a large number of green areas and trees and it leads to the rivers Sava and Danube. It is suitable for walking, physical activity, or relaxation in nature. The park also has a bike path and a running trail. Although located near the center of Belgrade, peace and quiet prevail here.
Within the park, there is also the Skate Park Ušće. The idea for the establishment of the Friendship Park of memorial character came from Young Gorani. He, in the name of holding the first Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement in Belgrade in 1961, decided to establish a memorial park as a symbol of the struggle for peace and equality for all people in the world. In this park, numerous officials and celebrities planted a tree as a sign of friendship.
Košutnjak
This is the park that is called “Belgrade’s oxygen factory” as it covers an area of 330 hectares. It is one of the most popular recreational places in Belgrade and a destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, picnicking, and jogging. It also includes several sports facilities, a football stadium, tennis courts, and a sports hall. Sports Center Košutnjak is one of the largest and most diverse in the city while the park also has modern settlements of Film City and Pioneer City, big studios of the national broadcaster Radio Television of Serbia, many popular restaurants, and arranged paths crisscrossing the forest. There are also jogging tracks and a ski slope.
Avala
Avala is a mountain located in the southeastern part of Belgrade. It is a popular destination for outdoor activities, with numerous hiking trails, picnic areas, green areas, and scenic viewpoints. It stands at 511 meters above sea level and is known for its natural beauty, with diverse flora and fauna, as well as its cultural and historical significance.
At the top of the mountain is the Avala Tower, a prominent landmark and one of the tallest towers in the Balkans, standing at 205 meters tall. The tower offers stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape. The mountain is also home to several important monuments and landmarks, including the Monument to an Unknown Hero, a large memorial dedicated to the soldiers who lost their lives in World War I, and the AVALA TV tower, a broadcasting tower that was destroyed in the NATO bombing in 1999 and rebuilt in 2010. Avala is a beloved destination for locals and visitors, offering a combination of natural beauty, cultural significance, and outdoor activities.
Jevremovac Botanical Garden
Jevremovac botanical garden is a beautiful park and botanical garden located in the heart of Belgrade. It covers an area of about 5 hectares and is situated in the city center, adjacent to the Faculty of Biology of the University of Belgrade. The garden was founded in 1874 and contains over 2,500 plant species from all over the world, including a diverse collection of trees, shrubs, and flowers.
The garden is divided into several sections, including a Japanese garden, a medicinal plant garden, and a collection of tropical and subtropical plants. In addition to its impressive collection of plants, Jevremovac botanical garden is also home to several historic buildings and landmarks, including a greenhouse complex, a meteorological station, and a museum of plant systematics. The garden is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a peaceful and serene environment in the heart of the bustling city. It is also an important research and educational center, with the university using the garden for teaching and research purposes.
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