In 1974 Đerdap was declared the National Park. Because of the diversity of bird fauna and the presence of rare, endangered species of birds, it was included in the list of important bird areas – IBA area.

The main natural phenomenon of this area is grandiose Đerdap gorge, through which the river Danube flows. Djerdap gorge is the longest and the largest gorge in Europe. Separate units are four gorges and three valleys that separate them. These are Golubac gorge, Gospodjin Vir gorge, Kazan and Sipska gorge. The specific historical development, very favourable Djerdap climate, complex network of gorges, canyons and deep coves, make this place stand out as a unique European reserve of tertiary flora, vegetation and fauna.
The region is known for numerous plant species and habitats, which are not significantly changed since the ice age and represent the real wealth of nature. Djerdap forests are widespread, and are dominated by mixed oak and beech forests. Flora of Djerdap is not only characterized by diversity and richness, but also by a distinct relict character. The diversity of habitats and communities was reflected on the fauna as well, which just like flora, bear a mark of a relict. The region is the habitat of around 135 species of birds and fifty species of mammals such as lynx, bear, wolf, jackal, white-tailed eagle, eagle owl, black stork.

Very favourable living conditions were the reason for the constant presence of man in this area, as evidenced by many archaeological findings and cultural and historical monuments. The most famous and the oldest ones date back to the Neolithic period, the age of more than 8,000 years, in the site Lepenski Vir, which is located on the bank of the Danube, near Donji Milanovac. Numerous monuments from the Roman Empire period are also proof of its rich history. The area of Djerdap represented a nearly insurmountable obstacle that forced Emperors Tiberius (33-34 BC) and Trajan (103 BC) to build, with great effort, the way through the rocks of Djerdap gorge. This road presently is below the water level, but the stone panel of Emperor Trajan remained to testify about this construction enterprise. The remains of the border fortifications of the Roman Empire are also Diana and the pillars of the impressive Trajan’s bridge. Fortresses and monasteries testify to the very rich history of the medieval period of the region and are mostly preserved. Particularly impressive are fortresses Ram, Golubac and Fetislam.

Đerdap offers numerous possibilities for hiking. Arranged and marked hiking trails, passing through breathtaking landscapes, nature reserves, ending at the lookouts, of which the most notable is Veliki Strbac at 768 meters, which with the nearby Mali Strbac at 626 meters surmount the Danube in its narrowest and deepest part. Then the lookout Greben (ridge), although only 119 meters high, is the most beautiful hill in the Balkans, because it is the primer of geological history. At a length of 110 km through the National Park passes the Danube bicycle route, which connects the Atlantic coast with the Black Sea. A special experience is a tour of the Djerdap gorge by boat or ship.
Djerdap provides excellent conditions for bird watching, hunting and fishing tourism, which is conducted in the organization of the National Park.

The National Park can be accessed from three directions: by Djerdap regional main road from the direction of Belgrade, along Djerdap main road from the direction of Kladovo and from the direction of Nis, via Zajecar, Bor and Miloseva kula, also by the regional road. Djerdap has three primary entrances. Two are located on the Djerdap Highway M25 near Golubački grad and Diana Karataš, and one on the main road P106 Porečki bridge – Kolokočevac. It can be visited by sailing on the Danube, by cycling and by hiking trails. From the Serbian capital, Belgrade, it is 180 km away.

National park Đerdap
Kralja Petra I 14a, 19220 Donji Milanovac, Serbia
Tel: +381 (0) 30 590 788, +381 (0) 30 590 778

Email:
office@npdjerdap.org
Web:
www.npdjerdap.org