Sokobanja

Walk along the Moravica River near Sokobanja, a town in southeastern Serbia known for mineral springs and forested mountains. Explore the ruins of Soko grad, a medieval fortress above the river, or swim in Bovan Lake, where locals fish for carp and catfish. The 15th-century Turkish bath in the town center still functions, maintaining traditions from the Ottoman era. In July, the Saint John the Herbs-picker festival on Mount Ozren highlights the area’s medicinal plants. Trails lead to Sesalač Cave and Ripaljka Waterfall, giving visitors ways to explore the landscape.

Health and Wellness

Five thermo-mineral springs in Sokobanja serve different health needs. Sulfur-rich water from one spring helps with skin conditions. Another contains iron, often used for blood-related issues. A third spring, nicknamed “stomach water,” aids digestion. The town’s specialized hospital treats lung diseases using radon gas and steam inhalations, with four medical facilities housing 560 beds. Doctors began recommending stays here in 1833, when Serbia’s Prince Miloš Obrenović appointed the first spa physician. Treatments target chronic breathing problems, joint pain, and recovery after injuries. At Josanica, 15 km northwest, mud therapies address stomach inflammation and diabetes.

Natural Landmarks

West of Sokobanja, the Moravica River cuts through a 2 km canyon. Natural pools along the riverbed allow swimming in summer. Ripaljka Waterfall, 28 meters high, sits at the end of a hiking trail from the canyon. Bovan Lake, a short drive from town, attracts anglers with its stocked fish. Mount Rtanj’s pyramid-shaped peak rises 1,560 meters, popular for day hikes. On Mount Ozren, a large boulder called the Stone of Love sits in an open field, often visited by couples. The Pit Cave near Sesalač stays icy even in summer, and guided tours run to Cerjanska and Samar caves from April to October.

History and Buildings

Soko grad, a 6th-century fortress ruins, overlooks the Moravica canyon. Artists gather here each summer for workshops. In town, the 19th-century Residence of Prince Miloš Obrenović displays local art. Across the street, the Turkish bath from the 1400s still separates men’s and women’s sections. The Church of the Dormition in Jošanica village, built in the 11th century, holds medieval paintings. Sokobanja’s 19th-century Orthodox church and Milošev konak, an Ottoman-era administrative building, reflect the town’s layered history. Artifacts from Roman baths found under the Turkish bath are exhibited at the cultural center.

Sports and Activities

At Bovan Lake, rent kayaks or paddleboards from the sports center. Float down calm sections of the Moravica River on inflatable tubes during warmer months. The aqua park in Sokobanja uses thermal spring water for its indoor and outdoor pools, open all year. Hiking trails on Mount Ozren range from a two-hour family route to a six-hour climb passing the Stone of Love. Buy a daily fishing permit for Bovan Lake from the Moravica angling association. In winter, ski cross-country routes on Mount Slemen or join ice-climbing sessions at the Pit Cave.

Festivals

Local chefs at the July “Golden Hands” festival cook dishes with wild herbs from Mount Rtanj, such as lamb slow-roasted with thyme. Electronic and rock music fill the shores of Bovan Lake during the Green Heart Fest in mid-July. On July 6-7, the Saint John the Herbs-picker event includes walks to collect plants and lessons on brewing traditional teas. The Marathon of the Wishes in September pairs a charity run with theater performances in the town park. Winter brings discounted thermal bath entries and yoga sessions in the mountains.

Places to Stay

Choose from over 12,500 beds in Sokobanja, including budget rooms in the Carina area and villas with mountain views. Hotel Ozren and Hotel Moravica, both three-star, let guests access spa treatments on-site. The Sokograd Institute provides medical stays in a historic building. Groups can rent multi-apartment houses in the town center, such as the fully furnished property on Omladinska Street. Cabins near Bovan Lake come with kitchens and storage for fishing gear. Reserve early for July and August, when most accommodations fill up.

Getting There and Around

Fly into Niš Constantine the Great Airport, 60 km south, then take a taxi to Sokobanja. Direct buses from Belgrade take 3.5 hours, stopping in Aleksinac, a train station with connections to Sofia and Thessaloniki. Rent a car to visit Rtanj Mountain or Resava Cave, 90 km north. Walk the compact town center, but hire a taxi to reach trail starts like God’s Gate. Pick up free hiking maps and event lists at the tourist office on Cara Dušana Street.