Special Nature Reserve Obedska Bara

Less than an hour’s drive from Belgrade lies a unique haven for birds and the oldest protected area in Serbia. The Special Nature Reserve Obedska Bara is the perfect spot for a day trip with friends and family, offering pristine nature, riverside relaxation, long walks, and the chance to explore the water by rowboat. Welcome to Obedska Bara!

Summers in the city can become monotonous, especially during scorching sunny days. That’s why we escape to the riverside for a refreshing break close to Belgrade. Following the Sava River upstream, just 40 kilometers from home, we arrive at the Obedska Bara complex.

About Obedska Bara

Widely known as a “paradise for birds,” the Special Nature Reserve Obedska Bara is a unique wetland and forest complex in southern Srem. It is located between the villages of Kupinovo, Obrež, Grabovci, and the Sava River, representing the remnants of an old Sava riverbed. Once part of the river, then an oxbow lake, and now a wetland area, Obedska Bara spans about 13 kilometers, with its curved shape earning it the nickname “The Horseshoe.” The elevated terrain of Kupinovo Ridge within the reserve is known as “The Hoof.”

The area’s significance is emphasized by the fact that over 6,000 years ago, the precursor of today’s Sava River flowed through this region. About 4,500 years ago, it became a secondary channel, and 2,000 years ago, it formed the oxbow lake that evolved into the wetland we see today. Obedska Bara connects to the Sava River only during high water levels; during low levels, water drains through a canal.

The Importance of Obedska Bara

The reserve’s ecological wealth lies in its preserved floodplain habitats, oxbows, marshes, ponds, wet meadows, and century-old oak forests. While these details might not interest every visitor, they underline the importance of conserving Obedska Bara as a natural treasure. The reserve is home to 220 bird species, 50 mammal species, 16 fish species, over 1,200 insect species, more than 200 types of zooplankton, around 180 fungi species, 500 plant species, and 50 moss species.

The History of Obedska Bara

Obedska Bara stands out as Serbia’s oldest protected area. In 1874, the Austro-Hungarian court declared it an imperial hunting ground and placed it under protection. In 1919, it became a royal hunting reserve of the Karađorđević dynasty, and in 1951, it was officially recognized as a protected reserve by the Natural Values Research Institute of Serbia. In 1993, it gained its current status as a Special Nature Reserve, divided into three zones with varying levels of protection.

Things to do at Obedska Bara

The reserve features an Information and Education Center, a picnic area with benches and tables, a wooden observation tower, several educational trails, and opportunities for catamaran rides. However, the most exciting activity for us was undoubtedly rowing the reserve’s boats.

For trails, there is a 7-kilometer circular educational route equipped with benches, tables, and three shelters, leading through the heart of the reserve. There’s also an 11-kilometer Horseshoe Trail that can be explored with a guide. Information about walking tours is available at the info desk upon entering the complex.

Don’t miss the catamaran ride, which lasts about 45 minutes and includes a guide who shares fascinating facts about Obedska Bara. If you prefer a more active experience, rowboats are available for rent. Naturally, we opted for rowboats. Boats are rented by the hour, allowing you to row freely and explore the same circular route as the catamaran. Be mindful of the numerous water lilies, and remember that picking them is strictly prohibited.