CYCLOTOURISM IN VOJVODINA

The EuroVelo 6 (EV6) bicycle route, which connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Black Sea, is one of the most attractive bicycle routes in Europe. This 4,500 km long route is known as the Danube Cycle Path, given that the largest and most attractive part follows the second longest river in Europe. Over 750,000 cyclists cycle on this route between Passau and Vienna annually, a number that testifies to the quality of this type of tourist product. For comparison, about 10,000 cyclists cycle on this route in Serbia annually, and in the post-pandemic era, when tourists are particularly interested in activities in nature, bicycle tourism presents a great potential for both receptive agencies and local, small businesses. Since few years back, the Tourism Organization of Vojvodina has actively participated in the realization and promotion of projects aimed at the development of cycling tourism. In the following lines, we will present several attractive sections of cycling routes in Vojvodina, which will help you tailor new tourist packages, plan individual trips or, as representatives of the private sector, adapt the services of your business to cyclists. In Serbia, the EV 6 route enters in the north of Vojvodina, near Bački Breg, and exits after 667 km near Negotin. In addition to the EV 6 route, there are two other international cycling corridors in Vojvodina, EuroVelo 11 and EuroVelo 13. On several occasions, representatives of the European Cycling Federation (ECF) pointed out that the EV6 route in Serbia has the best signaling system in Europe, which you will recognize easily by the blue signs with the number 6 inside a circle of yellow stars. Routes EV 13 and 11 are also marked. Starting from Bački Breg, where the EV 6 route enters our country, do not miss the Eiffel lock in Bezdan, the first facility in Europe where underwater concreting was applied, as well as part of the memorial complex dedicated to the Battle of Batina. Especially if you are a fan of fishing, take the opportunity and enjoy the nature of the Special Nature Reserve of Upper Danube, where you can relax in Čarda Štuka, surrounded by hundred-year-old oaks. Here you can also prepare caught fish and spend the night in local accommodation for a symbolic price. From Kupusina, head towards Apatin or Sombor, where the Long Tour cycling camp is located in the city center. From Kupusina to Apatin, a good, asphalt road awaits you, along which you can spend the night at the Budžak camp or enjoy the day at Vagoni beach on the Danube. A few years ago, a system of bicycle paths was established on Mt. Fruška Gora, among which the most interesting tour is on the southern slopes of this mountain, where you can visit all the monasteries and lakes within the 80 km circle of a slightly more strenuous mountain bike tour. Taking into account that this is the territory of the National Park, there is a lot of beauty waiting for you, such as places where deer are fed, birds are watched, while monasteries and lakes are natural oases in the vicinity of which you will find spiritual and physical peace. Of course, don't miss the unforgettable Sremski Karlovci, the city center with numerous wineries, restaurants, the famous Karlovci High School, the Patriarch's Palace, the Cathedral and the Chapel of Peace, built in 1699. at the place where the Peace of Karlovci was signed. At 3.5 kilometers from Sremski Karlovci, there is an Ecocamp where you can pitch a tent, rest or hike along the tracks of Mt. Fruška Gora. One of the real treats is the circular route around the Danube, which starts from Novi Sad. Head west, via Futog to Begeč, from where you can take the ferry to Banoštor. From there, head back towards Sremska Kamenica. Turn into Kamenički Park, after which you will reach Petrovaradin and complete the tour. In addition to the Danube Cycling Path, Vojvodina is characterized by the possibility of cycling along another important river - the Tisa. The Tisa tour departs from the center of Subotica and is a special experience, where you will enjoy the tradition of the city on flat ground characterized by Art Nouveau architecture, which is why Subotica belongs to this European cultural route. Further, the route will take you around Lake Palić and Lake Ludaš, special nature reserves, and on the way to Titel, the last place on this route, don't miss the view from the tower of the City Hall in Senta, the old lock Šlajz in Bečej, the Romanesque basilica in Arača, and Taraš - the European stork village, where 42 pairs of these birds nest. If, however, you decide to explore Vojvodina on the EuroVelo 13 route, the route that connects Žombolj, Vršac and Bela Crkva is particularly interesting. At the border crossing with Romania, in the town of Zombolj, the Regional Center for Cycle Tourism has recently been built, which in its complex has a rest area, the possibility of washing clothes, tools for repairing bicycles and information about cycling attractions in the area. In the vicinity of Vršac, do not miss the Vršac vineyards and the view from the Vršac tower. Near the town of Kuštilj there is a side road that leads to the Mesić monastery, while in Bela Crkva you must visit the well-known lakes. If you continue south, from Stara Palanka you can take the ferry to the other side of the Danube, to the town of Ram, where the medieval fortress of the same name is located, from where you continue along the EuroVelo 6 route, towards Golubac, Lepenski Vir, Donji Milanovac and Kladovo. Cyclotourism and cultural tourism are intertwined. One of the main motives for traveling by bicycle is getting to know other cultures, peoples, local customs, interactions and experiencing the authentic way of life of people in small towns. Considering the nature of the bicycle as a means of transport, unlike the classic tourist, cycle tourists can carry a limited amount of bagage with them. Therefore, local businesses are increasingly adapting their services to cycle tourists, allowing them to feel comfortable and safe during their long journeys. In order for a tourist facility to be fully suitable for accepting cyclists, it is necessary that: it has a bed and breakfast offer (possibility of takeaway food), a separate room / storage room for bicycles under lock and key, necessary repair tools, first aid, a sign that the accommodation is intended for cyclists, basic information about nearby cycling routes, communication with similar facilities in the surrounding areas, so that the cyclist can plan his next overnight stay, a room for washing and drying clothes, as well as the Internet. Cycling tourism could become a key tourist product of our country, especially in Vojvodina, precisely during the crisis caused by the pandemic. The existence of unified services of this type does not represent a large investment, and in the long run it gives good results, especially if we take into account the fact that for good services, cycle tourists spend an average of 50 EUR per day. The advantage of the territory of Vojvodina is represented by well-marked routes, flat terrain, dotted with unique natural beauties, cultural and historical attractions and the hospitality of the hosts.