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Hiking Trail recommended route Hiking Trail  · Centralna Srbija

ST401 Belgrade - Avala

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Sultans Trail - a European Cultural Route Verified partner 
  • Radio tower, Avala
    Radio tower, Avala
    Photo: Max Smits, Sultans Trail - a European Cultural Route

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    This route is a stage of Section ST4 of the Sultans Trail, an international long-distance hiking trail from Vienna to Istanbul. The hiking route follows historic roads through eight countries (Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey), linking towns and villages in a traditional cultural and historic landscape.

    Leaving the Kalemegdan, the route passes by Kumodraž and Beli Potok before arriving at Avala.

    moderate
    Distance 19.1 km
    5:05 h
    451 m
    271 m
    330 m
    92 m
    Leaving Kalemegdan, where the confluence of the Sava and Danube has been guarded since Roman times, the trail gradually departs the urban centre of Belgrade and heads south through the expanding suburbs of the Serbian capital. The route passes through Kumodraž and Beli Potok, settlements that once lay beyond the city but are now increasingly absorbed into the metropolitan area. As the trail leaves the dense urban landscape behind, the wooded slopes of Avala begin to rise ahead.

    Avala has long held strategic importance because of its commanding position south of Belgrade. The hill provided wide views over the approaches to the city and the great route leading toward Niš and Constantinople. The stage ends on the forested heights of Avala.

    Author’s recommendation

    This short urban stage passes several major Belgrade landmarks before the climb toward Avala.

    Hotel Moskva, a recognisable Art Nouveau corner marking your departure from the old centre.

    The Ethnographic Museum of Belgrade offers a compact window into Serbian rural life and material culture. 

    The Old Palace, the 19th‑century royal residence fronting one of the city’s busiest crossroads.

    Slavija Square, a large circular junction where pedestrian crossings require attention.

    Saint Sava Church, its vast dome and mosaics dominating the plateau above the square.

    The National Library of Serbia, set in a quiet green space beside the church.

    Čarapić Monument, honouring the local revolutionary at the foot of the Avala Mountain.

    Difficulty
    T1 moderate
    Overall difficulty
    moderate

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Experience
    Landscape
    Highest point
    330 m
    Lowest point
    92 m
    Best time of year
    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
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    Track types

    Length
    19.1 km
    Show elevation profile

    Safety information

     At this stage, no specific safety precautions are required.

    Tips and suggestions

    Accommodation on Avala:
    • Mountain hut Carapicev Brest (recommended)
    • Hotel Avala

    In nearby Beli Potok:

    • Hotel Sučević 
    • Hotel 1000 Ruza 
    • Apartment Marija
    • Camping Serbia

    Roadbook

    Leaving the clock‑tower gate of Kalemegdan, the route slips into the lively pedestrian world of Knez Mihajlova, following the ancient street grid of Roman Singidunum before continuing toward Hotel Moskva on Kralja Milana. Passing the presidential palace and the House of Parliament, the walk reaches Slavija Square and ascends to the great Saint Sava Church, then skirts the National Library to enter the quiet greenery of Karađorđev Park. At Franše D’Eperea, the trail crosses the boulevard and keeps to the right of the roaring Bulevar Oslobođenja flyover to step over the E‑75/A3 motorway, soon passing the Rajko Mitić Stadium, home of Red Star Belgrade. A turn onto Generala Pavla Jurišića Šturma and an immediate left leads into the wooded calm of Bajfordova šuma, which the route follows south until emerging beside late‑Yugoslav high‑rise blocks. From here it weaves through Crnotravska, Bulevar Oslobođenja, and Beranska, then onto Vojvode Stepe and continues south into Kumodraž on the city’s edge. The road bends onto Zemljoradnička and Đurđevdanska, where asphalt gives way to gravel and a dirt track curves toward Avala, crossing the motorway on a new flyover into Beli Potok. The final ascent leads through forested slopes to Čarapića Brest at the foot of Mount Avala, where the city finally falls away behind.

    Public transport

    Belgrade

    Flying is the simplest and most dependable way to reach Belgrade from almost anywhere. Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport has frequent connections to major European hubs, and flights operate consistently year‑round. This avoids the fragmented rail and bus networks in the Balkans and is the method most travellers use.

    Train. Serbia’s international rail network is extremely limited. Despite what many websites claim, there are no direct trains from Austria, Croatia, or most neighbouring countries. The only functioning rail entry into Serbia is: from any city → Budapest → Szeged → Subotica → Novi Sad → Belgrade. This is the only all‑train route that actually works today.

    Bus. If you’re coming from Central Europe or the Balkans, buses are often the easiest option. Serbia has a dense network of regional and international bus routes.

    You can reach Belgrade directly from: Hungary, Bosnia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Romania, Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands (long‑distance operators).

    Buses are reliable, frequent, and usually cheaper than trains.

    Beli Potok / Avala

    Beli Potok / Avala can be reached by bus from Belgrade. Bus stop Avala on route 149 Bulevar patrijarha Germana.  Services thin out in the evening,

    Directions

    Belgrade

    When flying to Belgrade, you land at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG), Serbia’s main international airport, located in the Surčin district about 18 km west of the city centre. From there, travellers typically continue into town by official taxi, airport bus (A1 or 72), or private transfer, all of which operate directly from the arrivals area. 

    The facilities at the airport include ATMs, currency exchange offices, SIM card kiosks, cafés, and a taxi desk. Your options to travel to the city are:: 

    • Official Airport Taxi (Easiest & Most Comfortable). Go to the Taxi Info Desk in the arrivals hall and tell them your destination. You receive a fixed‑price voucher (no negotiation, no scams). Pay the driver at the end.
    • A1 Minibus (Fastest Public Transport). Route: Airport → Slavija Square (central Belgrade) Travel time: ~30 minutes Good for: Quick access to the city centre. The ticket can be bought from the driver. Payment is only in cash (RSD).
    • City Bus 72 (free). Route: Airport → Zeleni Venac (downtown) Travel time: 30–40 minutes. This bus runs frequently and is good if you’re staying near Republic Square or the old town. This bus is free of charge.
    • City Bus 600 (free) connects the airport with Beograd Centar railway station (Prokop). Useful if you continue your journey by train. This bus is free of charge.

    Note: all public transport inside Belgrade is free of charge. However, special express services, such as the A1 Airport Express bus and E Express lines, are available. require a paid ticket and are not part of the free system.

    Beli Potok / Avala

    Beli Potok bus stop (#21621), Avala on route 149, Bulevar patrijarha Germana. 
    Bus 401, 402 from Slavia Square, check the bus line at bgprevoz.rs, see the timetable here

    Bus 403, 405, 407, 408, 450, 451, 466, 470, 474, and 491 from the bus station Voždovac, check the bus line at bgprevoz.rs, see timetable here

    Coordinates

    DD
    44.822930, 20.450839
    DMS
    44°49'22.5"N 20°27'03.0"E
    UTM
    34T 456584 4963427
    w3w 
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    Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

    Equipment

    This stage of the Sultans Trail requires standard long-distance hiking equipment. Weather protection is essential, including rain and cold gear, depending on the season. In late spring and early summer, mosquito deterrents are strongly recommended, while during the hot season, sun protection and a sufficient water supply are essential. Reliable offline navigation tools should be carried at all times.

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    Difficulty
    T1 moderate
    Overall difficulty
    moderate

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Distance
    19.1 km
    Duration
    5:05 h
    Ascent
    451 m
    Descent
    271 m
    Highest point
    330 m
    Lowest point
    92 m
    Linear route Scenic Refreshment stops available Cultural/historical interest Geological highlights Flora Fauna

    Weather at the starting point

    10-day forecast

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