FARMSTEADS – HIDDEN GEMS OF THE RURAL PANORAMA

Today, the multiculturality of Vojvodina stands out more and more as its greatest distinguishing feature. Almost nowhere else in Europe will you meet so many different cultures and peoples on your tourist trips. This unique heritage can be experienced in one of the preserved folk houses or through a stay in a rural household or “salaš”. Farmsteads provide a special experience of traditional life. These authentic architectural complexes are characteristic of the Pannonian Plain and represent folk architecture, as well as a special way of life and economy. The word “salaš” comes from the Hungarian language and means a household consisting of a house and auxiliary facilities for raising livestock and tilling the land. The original purpose was related to the summer stay of people for farming, while a little later the owners of these farmsteads became permanent residents on their properties. Most of them were located in the vicinity of Subotica, Sombor, Čenej near Novi Sad, and there were also some in the Banat and Srem region. Farmers, a special breed, knew how to rejoice, celebrate and gladly welcome guests, especially in the coldest season when the work is at a standstill.

Farmsteads are mainly oriented towards serving food and drink, while some of them also have accommodation facilities and also provide various additional activities, such as various sports activities (riding schools, cycling…), nature trips, old crafts, farm work and the like. As modern tourists look for experiences, additional activities contribute to extending the stay of tourists at a destination. Since ancient times, farmsteads have been a kind of oasis in the fields of Vojvodina, where families were engaged in tilling the land and tending livestock. Over time, many farmsteads closed down, and those that remained are the guardians of our tradition.

Tourism brought new life to the farmsteads. Adapted and renovated, they are suitable for tourists, with enriched social and cultural life, protecting them from falling into oblivion. Farmsteads are not only locations for rest and relaxation, but also an opportunity to connect with nature and tradition, but perhaps the most impressive part of a visit to a farmstead is the hospitality of the hosts. Their cordiality and willingness to share their knowledge and customs with visitors makes every visit to the farmstead unforgettable. Guests here can feel like part of the family as they enjoy home-cooked meals prepared from fresh local ingredients together.