Wildlife & Nature
Birdwatching on Great War Island
Belgrade · Belgrade
QUICK INFORMATION
- CATEGORY
- Wildlife & Nature
- COUNTRY
- Serbia
- REGION
- Belgrade · Belgrade
- DURATION
- 2–4 days
ABOUT THIS EXPERIENCE
Few capitals keep a wilderness in the middle of the city; Belgrade has an entire island of it. Great War Island — uninhabited, protected since 2005 — is a shifting Danube sandbank grown into poplar forest and reed beds, hosting some 90 breeding bird species including the little egret, the black-crowned night heron and, some winters, the white-tailed eagle. The pontoon bridge from the Zemun quay (in place during low water, roughly June–September) brings you onto the island’s path network; the interior reserve is off-limits, but the Lido beach at the northern tip and the shore paths give the best sightings. Bring binoculars; go early morning in May or September.
WHAT YOU’LL EXPERIENCE
What you’ll experience
THE EXPERIENCE IN DETAIL
What it’s really like
HIGHLIGHTS
Moments worth savouring
90 nesting species — including the little egret and night heron — 10 minutes from downtown.
The Lido: wild river swimming with the fortress across the channel.
The pontoon-bridge crossing itself, rebuilt every season.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Good to know before you go
MAP & LOCATION
Birdwatching on Great War Island
Birdwatching on Great War Island, Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
44.8290, 20.4310
ATTRACTIONS NEARBY
Pair it with these sights
MORE EXPERIENCES
More to do in Belgrade
FOOD & DRINK
Where to eat nearby
Skadarlija’s kafanas (Tri šešira, Dva jelena) for the full bohemian ritual — grilled meat, tamburica and rakija
Zemun’s Danube quay for river fish and smoked carp at the fish-market stalls
Dorćol around Cetinjska for the new-wave restaurants and specialty coffee
The splav rafts on the Sava — food until late, music until later
HOTELS & STAYS
Where to stay nearby
Dorćol for character, cafés and the river walk — the best all-round base
Around Knez Mihailova or Slavija for first-timer convenience
The Sava promenade hotels for river views
Zemun’s quay guesthouses for the quiet, local alternative
NEARBY DESTINATIONS
Continue the journey
PART OF
Keep exploring
The atlas goes on — more attractions, destinations and stories from every corner of the world.