On the edge of the Koviljsko-petrovaradinski rit, Kovilj brings together nature and cultural monuments, along with a strong mulberry tradition. This gives you several options when planning your trip: you can focus your stay on wildlife observation, historic sites or regional specialities. The accommodation in Kovilj that suits your trip depends above all on which of these aspects of the town you would like to explore more closely.
Nature on the Koviljsko-petrovaradinski rit
Kovilj lies on the edge of the Koviljsko-petrovaradinski rit Special Nature Reserve, which covers 5,895 hectares. Birdwatching is among the organised programmes in the reserve. A nature trail leads to a viewing point where you can observe birds and other living creatures at Agla Pond. This places both the larger reserve and a specific observation point in focus.
A motorboat trip through the Koviljsko-petrovaradinski rit is organised by Vojvodinašume together with the Kovilj Eco Centre. Operational details may vary by season, so check in advance which dates and arrangements are available for your visit. This will help you fit the activity into your plans without assuming a fixed schedule.
Getting there and finding your way
Suburban bus line 24 from Novi Sad serves Kovilj. If you are planning to travel by bus on a particular day, check the timetable for that date. Another useful point of reference for trip planning is the Danube Cycle Route, EuroVelo 6, which passes through Kovilj. The bus connection and cycle route are different options that may be relevant depending on how you travel.
It is also worth choosing your priorities in advance: wildlife observation, culture and regional food are distinct interests, and they do not all require the same level of planning. Seasonal changes may affect the motorboat trip, while the farm tasting requires advance booking.
Cultural sites and traditions
The Kovilj Cultural Station is housed in an authentic Vojvodina home more than a hundred years old. The City of Novi Sad fully reconstructed the building so that cultural programmes could be held there. As the programme may change, it is advisable to check the latest dates before visiting.
Two distinct churches are among the notable religious buildings: the Serbian Orthodox Church of the Ascension, known as the Upper Church of Kovilj, was built in 1829. The Church of St Thomas the Apostle is designated a cultural monument. Kovilj Monastery also houses a memorial museum dedicated to Archimandrite Jovan Rajić (1726–1801). Together, these sites offer different facets of the town’s cultural heritage, from a church with a documented construction date to a museum dedicated to an individual.
The Christmas tradition known as “Vijanje Božića” is also still observed in Kovilj. As a seasonal tradition, it differs from the buildings and museum: if it is part of your travel plans, the time of year is a factor to consider.
Mulberries, tastings and visits with children
At Sava Graorac’s farm, visitors can sample products made from Mangalica pork and mulberry brandy. Advance booking is required. The traditional event “Parastos dudu” marks the start of mulberry picking and the production of the well-known Koviljska dudovača. The farm tasting and the event are therefore connected to local products in different ways: booking is important for a farm visit, while the event focuses on the mulberry tradition.
BaÄŤki zoo vrt is an educational mini-zoo on a family farm in Kovilj, designed for children and families. Children can take part in workshops about bird eggs, snails, insects and larvae. If a particular workshop is essential to your visit, ask in advance whether it will be available on your chosen date.
When looking for accommodation in Kovilj, it helps to decide first what you want to focus on: wildlife observation, cultural sites, mulberry traditions or a visit with children. For specific activities, check any requirements in advance—in particular, the seasonal details of the motorboat trip and the booking requirement for the tasting.
Discover more destinations: Bečej, Čerević, Sremski Karlovci, Novi Bečej, Sremska Kamenica, Petrovaradin, Bač, Backa Palanka.
For the overview of the wider region: Juzna-Backa.
