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Hiking Trail recommended route Hiking Trail  · Centralna Srbija

ST416 Kruševac - Ribarska banja

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Sultans Trail - a European Cultural Route Verified partner 
  • St. Ilija Church (2016), Veliko Golovode, Kruševac
    St. Ilija Church (2016), Veliko Golovode, Kruševac
    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.

    The route passes Malo Golovode, Mudrakovac, Veliko Golovode, Kobilje, Stanci, Poljaci, Rlica, and Srndalje before arriving at Ribarska banja.

    moderate
    Distance 31.5 km
    8:55 h
    812 m
    451 m
    823 m
    158 m
    Leaving Kruševac, the trail enters the Kruševac Basin (Kruševačka kotlina) — the lowland around the Rasina River south and southeast of Kruševac. The route passes through the villages of Malo Golovode, Mudrakovac, Veliko Golovode, Kobilje, Stanci, and Poljaci/Zdravinje, following quiet local roads through cultivated valleys and scattered woodland.

    Beyond the last villages, the landscape becomes increasingly wooded as the trail enters the slopes of Jastrebac. Passing through Rlica and Srndalje, the route climbs gently through a region of forests, streams, and small clearings that contrasts sharply with the open plains left behind near Kruševac.

    The stage concludes at Ribarska Banja, a spa settlement known for its thermal springs, situated in the forested surroundings of the Jastrebac massif.

    Author’s recommendation

    The most striking site along the Sultan's Trail at this stage is the gradually deteriorating Old St. Ilija Church in Veliko Golovode, following the finalisation of the new church next to it.

    There is a nice picnic place with fresh drinking water at Rlica, near the Serbian Orthodox Church of the Fiery Mary - Marina.

    Srndalje is located on a fast-moving mountain stream with fresh trout. 

    Ribarska Banja is a small village tucked away on the slopes of the Jastrebac Mountains, with only 280 inhabitants. The Spa dates back to the 4th century, the time of the Romans, and today it is one of the most famous climatic health resorts, with as many as 6 thermal springs.  Of course, in their time, the Turks were also enchanted by the healing springs, so they built a large hammam, which was enjoyed only by the richest. The spa held special interest for Serbian rulers, including Empress Milica and Aleksandar Karađorđević. King Petar I Karađorđević had his private suite.

    The medical Spa centre has six thermal springs of sulphurous healing water, the warmest of which reaches 42°C. In others, temperatures range from 25°C to 37°C.  One spring has a temperature of 16°C and is used for drinking. The Special Rehabilitation Hospital offers treatment for most bone diseases, including all three forms of rheumatism, spinal deformities, joint injuries, and hemiplegia and hemiparesis...

    In the summer months, a large outdoor pool is free for the public to use. The restored, authentic hammam annex pool offers wellness services, including massages, saunas, steam baths, salt rooms, face and body treatments, and gyms. Check the prices here.

    Difficulty
    T1 moderate
    Overall difficulty
    moderate

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Experience
    Landscape
    Highest point
    823 m
    Lowest point
    158 m
    Best time of year
    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
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    Track types

    Length
    31.5 km
    Show elevation profile

    Safety information

    At this stage, no specific safety precautions are required.

    Tips and suggestions

    This stage can be split into two at Zdravinje, just before the trail enters Jastrebac, by returning to Krusevac by bus and continuing the next day. Check "Getting there" for details.

    Accommodation in Srndalje:

    •  Apartman Srki Srndalje

     Accommodation in Ribarska banja:

    • Zeleni dvor (highly recommended)
    • Privatni smeštai NENA
    • Privatni smeštai Anđelković
    • Vila Simić
    • Vila Janus
    • Apartments Gone i Mira

     Restaurant Srndalje:

    • Etno Restoran Vodenica Srndalje, serving fresh trout (recommended)

    Restaurants Ribarska Banja

    •  Restoran Vojvodina (in the Spa centre)
    •  Restoran Vila Janos

    Roadbook

    From Kruševac, the trail leads south through the Kruševac Basin—the lowlands around the Rasina River—before rising gently into the wooded hills of Jastrebac. The first kilometres unfold across flat countryside on quiet local roads, but at Zdravinje the route begins its gradual ascent along a field track into the forested slopes. At the hamlet of Rlica, the trail follows a small valley upstream, then climbs over the next hill toward Srndalje, where another stream flows beside the locally known ethno‑restaurant Vodenica, famed for its fresh trout. A final rise over a wooded ridge brings you to Ribarska Banja, a pleasant spa resort nestled in a sheltered valley and home to a well‑preserved Ottoman hammam, a reminder of centuries of healing traditions in these hills.
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    Photo
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    Crkva Svetog prvomucenika Stefana
    National Museum Kruševac
    Simić House, Kruševac
    Kruševac Fortress
    (Old) St. Ilija Church, Veliko Golovode
    Hammam, Ribarska Banja

    Public transport

    Kruševac is a major regional hub with frequent buses to Niš, Belgrade, and towns across the Rasina valley. The stage ends within easy reach of the Kruševac Bus Station, from where onward travel is straightforward throughout the day. Local services also connect Kruševac with surrounding villages such as Jasika. Taxis are readily available in the centre for quick transfers to accommodation or connecting services.

    Zdravinje is serviced by Jugopre Voz Kruševac from the main bus station in Krusevac.

    Ribarska Banja is connected to Kruševac by regular local buses running throughout the day, making the return journey straightforward after completing the stage. Services depart from the small Ribarska Banja stop near the spa complex and arrive at the Kruševac Bus Station in around twenty minutes. Taxis are readily available at the spa for quick transfers back to Kruševac or onward travel toward Niš.

    Directions

    Kruševac - Belgrade by bus: check polazak.rs here

    Kruševac - Belgrade by train:  check Timetable - Serbian Train: srbvoz.rs/redvoznje/en here

    Taxi Kruševac :  https://taxi.cu.rs/krusevac/

    • Dejan Stanković +381 37 499 599
    • Dejan Klašnja +381 37 421 421

    The Bus stop Zdravinje is located 370 m from the gas station Djordjevic Petrol Zdravinje on Vojvode Misica, at the intersection with Omlandinska, Djure Jaksica and Kneza Lazara. Check the timetable on polazak.rs here.

    • The route Zdravinje kod Krusevca - Kruševac has 4 departures on Sunday, 6 on Saturdays and 12 on working days. The distance is approximately 17 km, and the journey takes approximately 38 minutes. The first departure is at 05:35, and the last at 17:30.

    Ribarska Banja - Kruševac, by bus, check the timetable on polazak.rs here.

    Taxi Ribarska Banja: taxiyo.com, check for options here

    Coordinates

    DD
    43.582304, 21.326638
    DMS
    43°34'56.3"N 21°19'35.9"E
    UTM
    34T 526370 4825533
    w3w 
    ///kickers.heavy.thirsty
    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
    31.5 km
    Duration
    8:55 h
    Ascent
    812 m
    Descent
    451 m
    Highest point
    823 m
    Lowest point
    158 m
    Linear route Multi-stage route Scenic Refreshment stops available Cultural/historical interest Geological highlights Flora Fauna

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