Discover Sokobanja: Nature, Culture and Excursion Destinations

At the central Amam spa, the Sv. Arhanđel spring has a temperature of 43 °C, while the Preobraženje spring has a temperature between 43.8 and 53 °C. In the area around Soko Banja, the Velika i Mala Ripaljka protected area includes the source course of the Gradašnica, the Velika Ripaljka and Mala Ripaljka waterfalls, an intervening gorge and erosion basins.

Sokobanja has more than 200 km of marked mountain hiking and walking trails for walks and longer outings. The Popovica circular trail is described as an easy recreational route measuring 2.9 km in length with an elevation difference of 45 m.

The trails differ considerably in length and character. Popovica is suitable as a short circular route with clearly specified measurements. Ozren also has a 15 km circular route for mountain bikes. The range of activities is therefore aimed not only at people travelling on foot, but also at travellers looking for a designated mountain-biking route.

The Staza zdravlja health trail was created around the Sokobanja Special Hospital. On the 1,080 m-long route, visitors can walk, run and exercise under professional supervision. Another seasonal feature is a traditional event that has taken place from 2 to 7 July since 1994. Expert guides accompany the gathering of medicinal herbs on the slopes of Ozren, Rtanj and Devica.

Lepterija is located 2 km from the centre of Soko Banja and can be reached via a paved road or a varied forest trail. The medieval Sokograd Fortress is 500 m from Lepterija and can be reached via a forest trail. The two destinations can therefore be regarded as related historical and natural excursion themes, although their routes are not identical.

Podina Aquapark has four pools. These include a pool with three slides and a children's pool with water attractions for play. The Vrelo summer stage has a large stage for events attended by many spectators, including concerts, musical theatre performances, festivals and shows. The largest ornamental pond there serves as an ice rink in winter. This provides families and groups with different interests with various forms of activity, from water attractions to cultural events and seasonal ice skating.

The Zavičajni muzej local history museum is located in a fully preserved 19th-century building in the centre of Soko Banja. The building was constructed in the old Serbian Morava style. The collection includes archaeological, ethnological and historical exhibits spanning the period from the Roman era to the present day. At the Miluna Mitrovića Legacy, exhibitions by recognised Serbian and international artists change throughout the year.

The Turkish bath “Amam”, now known as Park Bath, was built in the 15th century on foundations dating from the Roman era. It has museum value and is under state protection. Those wishing to compare historic buildings and collections will therefore find in Sokobanja both an individual protected building and a museum with a collection spanning a broad historical period.

A regional focus is provided by Grudonjske Vodenice. This ethno-centre is located 2 km from the centre of Soko Banja and comprises two mills that are more than two centuries old. With the support of an instructor from the “Etnos” ethnological workshop, visitors can prepare dishes from the Soko Banja region there using traditional recipes. At the “Zlatne ruke” event, which has taken place in Soko Banja since 1983, visitors can sample old traditional dishes or buy traditionally made souvenirs.

The centre is relevant for several documented cultural sites, while destinations such as Lepterija and Grudonjske Vodenice are each described as being 2 km from the centre. Via Aleksinac, there is a connection to the main road and railway routes leading from Belgrade through the valleys of the Great Morava and South Morava towards Niš. Regional roads also lead through Knjaževac and Boljevac into the Timok region. Niš Constantine the Great Airport is 58 km away.

For comparing other destinations, you can also view Rtanj and Zaječar. Further comparison pages lead to Jalovik Izvor, Ćuštica, Boljevac, Knjaževac, Gamzigrad and Kalna.

How do you get to Lepterija?

Lepterija is located 2 km from the centre of Soko Banja.

How is Sokobanja connected to the wider region?

Regional connections are provided via Aleksinac; Niš Constantine the Great Airport is 58 km away.

When do the most important cultural events take place?

The “Prva harmonika Srbije – Sokobanja” festival has taken place since 1962. The semi-final is held in July and the final in mid-August. The “Zlatne ruke” event has taken place in Soko Banja since 1983; no specific date is given in the available information.

What does the Staza zdravlja health trail offer?

The trail is 1,080 m long and was created around the Sokobanja Special Hospital. Visitors can walk, run and exercise there under professional supervision.

To the overview of the wider travel area: Zaječar District.