Discover the Biggest Canyon in Europe: Natural and Cultural Adventure in the Stunning Iron Gates Gorge

Dive into a two-day journey through the Iron Gate Gorge, blending history, adventure, and breathtaking scenery without the hassle of planning or logistics with your private guide taking care about all the details and making unforgettable experience.

Tour in a Glance

What to Expect From the Iron Gate Gorge Hike and Boat Ride Tour in 2025

Expect to meet in-depth the Iron Gate Gorge and to discover its major highlights. First day is about exploring the cultural goods like amazing Golubac Fortress and Lepenski Vir archeological site. Also you’ll experience the thrill of a boat ride through the most interesting part of the gorge. Second day is reserved for hiking and enjoying the pristine nature and panoramic views over the Iron Gates  from its highest point. If you want to explore this area in more leisure way then try Iron Gate Gorge and Highlights of East Serbia tour.

Highlights

• Explore Europe’s biggest gorge and discover its attractions, starting with Golubac Fortress, which guards the entrance to the Iron Gates since ancient times.

• Experience the thrill of hiking through the Iron Gate Gorge with a guide, ascending to the summit of Veliki štrbac (768m), and marvel at panoramic views of the gorge below.

• Embark on a unique boat ride with local captain along the Danube, exploring the majestic Mali and Veliki Kazan ravines, while unraveling the secrets of ancient Roman history carved into the gorge’s cliffs.

• Meet Europe’s earliest organized settlement at Lepenski Vir, dating back to 8000 BC, and discover the fascinating lifestyle of the Lepen man, considered the cradle of European civilization.

First Day

On the first day #YourSerbiaHost will pick you up from your hotel or other place of your stay in Belgrade (usual start time is 9am). From there you’ll continue together in the direction of East Serbia and its most attractive landmark – Iron Gate Gorge.

Your first stop is Golubac Fortress, located just under two hours from Belgrade. This fortress, with its mysterious origins, has guarded the entrance to the gorge for centuries, holding strategic importance until the end of WWI. Today, it stands as the region’s most notable landmark. (Note: The fortress is closed on Mondays, so if your tour starts on a Monday, we’ll visit it on the return journey if the schedule allows.)

Some 50km down the gorge is the next stop, prehistoric settlement Lepenski Vir, dating from 8000 BC. Here you’ll see and learn how Lepen man lived in the first organized settlement in Europe. It’s believed by modern archaeology that this area was the cradle of European civilization, since the climate here was mild and favorable for life in the open.

After exploring, we’ll take a break in the Eco-village Zeleni Zaliv, situated right on the Danube River. Here, you’ll enjoy a delicious local meal while soaking in the tranquility of the river.

In the afternoon, board a boat with Captain Boban to experience the Danube from the water. Most beautiful parts of the gorge are Mali and Veliki Kazan ravines. On one side of the river you’ll have an unique opportunity to see up close the old Roman memorial, Tabula Traiana. While on the opposite side is a huge sculpture of Dacian king Decibel carved in the stone. You’ll hear the story behind the inscription “Decebal Rex Dragan Fecit..

At the end of the boat ride, return to Zeleni Zaliv for the evening, where you’ll relax and stay overnight in their cozy lodges.

Second Day

After breakfast, you’ll head to the meeting point with the ranger from the national park who will guide on the Iron Gate Gorge hike. The trail starts at just 90 meters above sea level and leads to the peak of Mount Miroč, Veliki Štrbac (768m), offering an elevation gain of nearly 700 meters.

During the hike you’ll pass through an area called Ploče which has three viewpoints worth visiting. Even though the altitude of those viewpoints is around 350m, they are still considered to offer the most breathtaking views over the gorge. Configuration of the path and surroundings will change during the hike and you can expect to see some of the national park’s wildlife, such as deer, eagles, wild boars and roe deer.

The hike typically lasts 5-6 hours, depending on your pace and fitness level. The varied terrain means that proper hiking gear, including shoes and poles, is recommended.

Once back at the trailhead, you’ll continue the journey along the Danube, heading upstream to the town of Golubac. Here, you can unwind with lunch (optional, not included) at the Zlatna Ribica restaurant, located at the point where the Danube is widest (6km across).

After lunch we’ll take you straight to Belgrade, which you’ll reach in the evening.

The End of the Tour

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