APATIN – THE CITY ON THE DANUBE BANK

Apatin, one of the most beautiful cities in Vojvodina, in the north-western part of the vast Bačka plain, sits on the left bank of the Danube.

Its favourable geographical position, the proximity of the river, and the natural wealth of this region (fertile land, forests by the river, abundance of fish in wetlands and distributaries, and game in the forests) have always attracted people to settle here.

The city of Apatin, as well as the entire territory of the municipality of Apatin, lies in the northern part of the Danube River’s flow through Serbia.   The Apatin Marina, a three star facility, is the only categorized marina in Serbia.

Today the marina in Apatin is the leading facility of its kind on the Danube, with pontoons made using state-of-the-art Swedish technology of lightweight concrete. The Danube Bay, where it is located, provides excellent conditions for keeping the vessel in winter. The marina has 370 berths (each of the berths has electricity and water supply) and a space of 2500 m² for the vessels to be kept in a dry area (“dry berth”). The entire complex is covered by video surveillance, and the security and safety of the marina is ensured by the Marine Guard Service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The beach called the Blue Rose of Apatin is in the immediate vicinity, with a large number of facilities and options making for an interesting stay. During the season, visitors can enjoy the sale in the Apatinka which sails from May to October connecting several destinations on the Danube.

The marina complex also includes the Marina restaurant offering a wide selection of local gastronomic specialties, like the famous Apatin fish stew. The guests who feel adventurous can rent a bike and tour the city and the surroundings on wheels.

The Upper Danube Special Nature Reserve covers the area of 19648 ha and forms a large flooding area with exceptional biodiversity, with over 51 species of mammals, 280 species of birds, 50 species of fish, 11 species of amphibians, hundreds of insect species, aquatic, wetland, meadow and forest vegetation. It is managed by the public company Vojvodinašume, so it is possible to organize a visit to the reserve at the request of guests.

Also, in June 2017, the Backo Podunavlje was entered into the World Biosphere Reserve List.

The Backo Podunavlje Biosphere Reserve covers an area of 176,653 hectares in the territory of the municipalities of Sombor, Apatin, Odžaci, Bač and Bačka Palanka, and covers four protected areas, including Gornje Podunavlje and Karađorđevo Special Nature Reserves.

The area of Bačko Podunavlje is also characterized by a very rich cultural heritage, an evidence of rich history of numerous peoples and cultures in this area.

Junaković Spa is also located near Apatin. With its thermal springs and healing water, it is one of the great resources for the development of health tourism in this area.

Tourist events attract a large number of tourists and visitors. The Apatin Fishermen’s Nights held during the first weekend in July are dedicated to the preservation of the fishing tradition which has been very important  in these regions from ancient times.