Secrets of the Bojčin Forest in Serbia

Last week, my family and I went on a short one-day trip to Bojčin Forest, which is located in Surcin, in the vicinity of Belgrade, the capital of Serbia.

This is the second time we go there because the first time we brought back good impressions. Just about 30 kilometers from Belgrade, Bojčin forest is a good escape from the city and a solid destination for a family outing.

Our adventure began on the forest's fitness (trim) trail. We have never been on that path and we wanted to see what it was like.

Along the path, there are several old outdoor exercise stations that have probably seen better days but still add a certain charm to the experience.

My kids were excited to try them out, attempting a few exercises.

As we continued walking, the landscape became greener and wilder. And this is not the only path, it is crossed by others in a length of 6 km.

The trail led us deeper into the forest and towards the marshy areas that make this ecosystem so unique. The scenery was beautiful, countless shades of green surrounded us, creating a peaceful atmosphere. But, there is a big BUT. 😊 The first secret of this forest was mosquitoes. An unexpected challenge happened. Not just a few mosquitoes, but an entire swarm seemed to appear out of nowhere. At first, we were simply surprised. Within minutes, however, we found ourselves waving our arms and quickening our pace. Since my daughter is allergic to mosquito bites, we decided it was best to leave the deeper part of the forest and head back towards a more open area.

On our way out, we discovered something unusual, another secret of this forest, a maternity area for Mangulica pigs, a traditional Serbian type of pig known for its curly coat and healthier, not very fatty meat. These pigs also roam freely in this forest and you can meet them when you go deeper.

Watching them relax and cool off in the mud was both amusing and fascinating for my kids. And because of the smell, I couldn't wait to leave. 😊

The third secret we discovered is that this forest was a shelter for many people during the First World War and that it saved many lives...

After the walk, we rewarded ourselves with lunch at Bojčinska Koleba, a charming restaurant known for its homemade cuisine. And it's no secret that the food there is delicious.

One of the highlights was a delicious nettle soup, rich in flavor.

Next to the restaurant, there is a playground with swings and activities for children, as well as horses that add to the rural atmosphere.

Even though we spent part of the day escaping mosquitoes, Bojčin Forest is definitely worth a visit. The lush greenery, unique wildlife, and excellent food make it a memorable destination for the whole family.

Thank you for reading.

Jelena