Belgrade might be better known for its lively cafes, historic sites, and vibrant nightlife, but this city also offers some surprisingly good options for outdoor adventures. Whether you’re after a peaceful walk through a forest, a challenging mountain trek, or a horseback ride through scenic hills, Belgrade has a lot to offer who loves to explore on foot or horseback. We particularly enjoyed the Horseback Trail Riding and Hiking trip from Fruska Gora for its intimate experience and stunning monasteries, and the Mount Avala Hiking Tour for its accessible yet rewarding trek. Both tours showcase Serbia’s natural beauty and cultural richness, making them ideal for nature lovers looking for a bit of history along the way.
In this guide, you’ll find a variety of experiences, from city escapes in Kosutnjak Forest to full-day adventures on Rtanj Mountain or Mount Kosmaj. Each offers a different flavor—some with a historical twist, others emphasizing raw natural beauty and physical challenge. To help you choose the best fit, we’ll walk through the details of each tour and share what makes each one special.
This list includes a mix of half-day walks, horseback trips, and full-day hikes. We’ve looked at tours that offer cultural highlights, stunning views, and opportunities to enjoy Serbia’s diverse landscapes. Explore these options to find your perfect outdoor escape in Belgrade.
1. Horseback Trail Riding and Hiking – Day Trip from Belgrade
At number 1, this private horseback riding tour is perfect for those who want a more personal experience. The trip explores Fruska Gora, a lush region with iconic monasteries and undulating hills. You’ll ride through the scenic landscape, stopping at Lake Beli Kamen, a tranquil spot where you can soak in the peaceful surroundings. The tour also includes visiting the Mala Remeta Monastery—a highlight for history and culture lovers.
What sets this tour apart is the chance to ride without needing prior experience. The guides are passionate horse people who ensure safety with certified helmets and tailored riding sessions. The tour combines horseback riding with walking to visit key sites like Vrdnicka Kula and local monuments, creating a well-rounded day. The personalized nature of a private tour means you can customize your itinerary, making it ideal for families, couples, or anyone seeking a flexible, immersive experience.
Guests love the engaging guide, Vlad, who enriches the trip with stories and personalized recommendations, like a vineyard lunch. With glowing reviews, this tour offers a peaceful, scenic, and culturally rich day outside Belgrade’s hustle.
Bottom Line: A top choice for those looking to combine outdoor activity with cultural exploration in a flexible, personalized setting.
2. Belgrade Hiking Tour On Mountain Avala
Number 2 is the Belgrade Hiking Tour on Mountain Avala, offering a quick yet rewarding escape from city noise. For around $60, you’ll walk approximately 8 km through one of the most accessible hills near Belgrade. The tour includes visits to some notable monuments, offering a glimpse into the area’s history and local stories.
This tour is perfect for travelers who want an active, moderate hike with interesting highlights without spending the entire day outdoors. The guide, Danijel, is known for his trustworthiness and knowledge of Balkan history, making the experience both informative and enjoyable. The route includes a variety of scenic spots and interesting tales about the mountain’s role in Serbian history, adding depth to the walk.
During the hike, you’ll see the Avala Tower—a prominent landmark—and learn about its significance. The trail is suitable for most fitness levels, and the pace is relaxed enough to take photos or ask questions.
Bottom Line: Great for a half-day outing, especially if you want a straightforward hike combined with cultural insights and good company.
3. Belgrade: Kosutnjak Forest Hiking Tour
Number 3 takes you into the Kosutnjak Forest, the city’s most beautiful natural refuge. This approximately 4-hour walk offers a peaceful break from urban life, with the chance to enjoy fresh air and scenic views. The tour begins at the Residence of Prince Miloš, a historic site, then winds through the forest with stops at the Kosutnjak Forest, the Estièm Forest, and the Ski Staza.
Highlights include a guided walk through the forest, discovering unique natural features, and checking out the Belgrade Oxygen Factory—an interesting industrial landmark. The route is designed to be accessible and offers plenty of photo opportunities along the way. The walk also covers local attractions like Topčider Park and the Zdravlja Staza, making it a perfect short escape for nature lovers who want to stay close to the city.
The tour combines natural beauty with some historical points of interest, creating a well-rounded experience. It’s ideal if you’re short on time but still want to enjoy Belgrade’s outdoor spots.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a manageable, scenic hike that combines nature with a touch of local history.
4. Belgrade: Mount Kosmaj Hike with Lunch and Pickup
Number 4 offers a half-day hike on Mount Kosmaj, including a visit to the Tresije Monastery and a homemade Serbian meal. The tour begins with a moderate 2.5-hour hike through the mountain’s quiet forestry, offering panoramic views from the observation tower. Along the way, you’ll stop at the Cleopatra Fountain, a natural spring known for its supposed healing powers, and a WWI ossuary—a poignant reminder of Serbia’s history.
The highlight is the included lunch, which features authentic Serbian dishes and a glass of rakija. This makes the experience not just about walking but also about savoring local flavors in a relaxed setting. The tour is well-suited for those who want a balance of outdoor activity and culture.
The logistics include pickup in Belgrade, making it convenient. Although the hike is considered moderate, it’s accessible for most fitness levels, and the scenic views make the effort worthwhile. Reviews praise the friendly guide, who shares stories about the mountain’s mystical energy and local history.
Bottom Line: A good choice if you want a scenic mountain hike combined with traditional Serbian cuisine in a small-group setting.
5. From Belgrade: Rtanj Mountain Pyramid Hiking Full-Day Trip
Number 5 takes you to Rtanj Mountain, famous for its pyramid shape and mysterious energy. This full-day adventure covers roughly 14 hours, starting early with a pickup in Belgrade, then heading into eastern Serbia. The highlight is a hike to the highest peak, Šiljak, standing at 1,565 meters, with spectacular views across the region.
The tour includes two main trekking sessions totaling around 5.75 hours. Along the way, you’ll stop at a scenic lookout and explore local legends about the mountain’s mystical properties. The full-day itinerary also incorporates some free time for photos and relaxation, with a chance to experience the mountain’s unique atmosphere.
This trip is best suited for physically active travelers who want a comprehensive experience of Serbia’s most enigmatic mountain. The scenery is breathtaking, and many find the mountain’s energy uplifting. The tour’s length means it’s ideal for those with a full day to spare. Reviews indicate an engaging guide and a trip that exceeds expectations for natural beauty and storytelling.
Bottom Line: Perfect for serious hikers interested in Serbia’s mystical sites and stunning mountain vistas, willing to spend a full day on the trail.
6. Kablar: Hiking Tour – Kablar Mount Viewpoint and Monasteries
Number 6 is a 12-hour tour exploring the Ovcar and Kablar gorges, two of Serbia’s most impressive natural landscapes. The trip includes a scenic van ride to the area, then a hiking route that offers stunning views from Kablar Mountain—one of Serbia’s most spectacular viewpoints.
The tour combines hiking, cultural visits, and nature photography. You’ll stop at two monasteries, Blagoveštenje and Nikolje, both of which showcase medieval Serbian architecture. The Ovcar Banja area adds a natural thermal spring and more scenic vistas. The tour’s length makes it a full-day commitment, but the diversity of sights—including waterfalls, caves, and monasteries—makes it worthwhile.
Guests appreciate the balance of physical activity and cultural insight, along with the chance to explore untouched nature. The hiking is moderate, suitable for most fitness levels, and the views are among the best Serbia has to offer, especially at the top of Kablar Mountain.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a long, varied day of hiking, cultural exploration, and photography in impressive natural surroundings.
How to Choose Your Ideal Hiking or Trekking Tour in Belgrade
When deciding which tour suits you best, consider your fitness level, interest in culture or history, and available time. For a shorter, city-focused escape, the Kosutnjak Forest Hiking Tour is perfect. If you want a full-day adventure with mystical scenery, the Rtanj Mountain trip delivers. The Horseback Trail Riding offers a unique blend of outdoor activity and cultural sightseeing, especially appealing if you enjoy riding or want a more personalized experience.
For those interested in combining natural beauty with cultural heritage, the Kablard Mountain tour provides a hearty day exploring monasteries and viewpoints. The Avala hike is a quick, accessible option for those pressed for time but seeking a meaningful outdoor walk.
Booking early is recommended, especially for guided tours that fill up quickly in peak seasons. Always check the weather forecast beforehand, as some tours are weather-dependent and may require rescheduling.
Final Thoughts
Belgrade’s outdoor options are more diverse than most travelers expect. Whether you’re after a gentle city walk, an intensive mountain trek, or a horseback ride through historic landscapes, there’s something here for you. The Horseback Trail Riding and Rtanj Mountain trips stand out for their unique blend of adventure and mysticism, while the Kosutnjak Forest and Avala hikes are ideal for a quick escape.
If you have the time, consider combining a shorter walk with a full-day trek to get a well-rounded experience of Serbia’s natural beauty. Remember, booking early and dressing appropriately will make your outdoor adventures more enjoyable. So lace up your shoes, saddle up, or grab a camera—Belgrade awaits its explorers.