Sremska Mitrovica - beach area at the River Sava

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In search of further stations within the Camper Route, we stopped at the idyllic Campsite Zasavica of Jovan, who was also willing to show his city Sremska Mitrovica to us, which was in German formerly called Syrmisch-Mitrowitz.

Sremska Mitrovica is situated in the Vojvodina on the northern bank of the River Sava, situated on the settlement area of the ancient Roman-Byzantine city of Sirmium. We were quite surprised by the fact that during our tour in the city we came across an elongated bathing beach directly on the banks of the River Sava, which was used by inhabitants for bathing even at the end of September. Sremska Mitrovica today has about 39,000 inhabitants, a port with shipyard and the ruins of the ancient Sirmium, which could certainly be used much more as a tourist attraction. But more about that later.

City of Saint Demetrius

In the Middle Ages, the city was part of the struggle between Byzantium and Hungary for a long time. In the 9th century, Method of Saloniki had his seat as archbishop of Pannonia and Great Moravia in Sirmium / Sremska Mitrovica. About 1180, Sremska Mitrovica finally came under Hungarian rule. The city's common medieval name was Civitas Sancti Demetrii, the city of Saint Demetrius, which still exists today in the Hungarian Szávaszentdemeter. In the 13th century Serbs were first mentioned in writings, while Hungarian Franciscans reported on Schismaticians and their Serbian patriarchs, who are to be found in the city and southern Syria. The Serbian name Dimitrovica and finally Mitrovica developed from the city of Demetrius. The prefix Sremska dates back to the 1930s to distinguish the city of Kosovska Mitrovica.

In 1526 the Ottomans conquered the city. During Ottoman rule the city was called Şeher-Mitrovica and Dimitrofçe. Among the Ottoman time, the city had a majority of Muslim in the population.

In 1688, Sremska Mitrovica was conquered by the Austrian Empire during the Turkish war. The city finally came under the Austrian rule in 1718 with the peace of Passarowitz. After the peace of Belgrade in 1739, Sremska Mitrovica was a border town to the Ottoman Empire, was annexed as a military border, and belonged to the Petrovaradin Regiment. 1848 / 1850-1860 it was part of the voivodship of Serbia, afterwards the conditions from before 1848 returned. In 1881, the military border was disbanded and the city and the southern Syrian Republic, which belonged to the Petrovaradine Regiment, were annexed to Croatia-Slavonia. On the other hand, Sremska Mitrovica was given the status of a royal free city in order to meet the Serbian and German population groups, which did not welcome the dissolution of the military frontier. In 1918 Sremska Mitrovica came to the newly founded South Slav state, the kingdom of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, after the end of the First World War and the disintegration of Austria-Hungary.

Sremska Mitrovica after the end of the First World War

From 1918, Sremska Mitrovica belonged to the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, which was to be renamed to the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in 1929. The city became part of the Danube, one of the newly formed borders of Yugoslavia. After the attack of the German Reich on the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and the surrender of Yugoslavia in 1941, the Danube was dissolved. Sremska Mitrovica was turned over to Fascist Croatia and renamed Hrvatska Mitrovica. The city was occupied by Soviet troops on 1 November 1944 and then by the partisans. In 1945 the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina was formed within the Republic of Serbia, Sremska Mitrovica became part of Vojvodina. Small background information on the history of the city.

Pedestrian zone with street cafes

Of course traces of this changing history can be found in many places, as the city architecture partly reminds of German or Austrian town planning, the bazaar or daily market to the time of the Ottomans. The ruins of the ancient Sirmium to the Romans and the Byzantine Empire. It is simply interesting to look for these relics of the past, but also not to forget the modern city architecture. So there is a pedestrian zone with street cafes, which could also be located in a Western European city. Sitting in the cafes, people still use the warm sun for a plush with friends, as in other cities as well.

Jovan then led us to the bank of the Save, describing the buildings and sections of the beach in their functions, and we were very surprised to find groups of bathers who could still enjoy a dip in the river during the autumn sun. An interesting place with so far little known possibilities, hardly discovered by tourism. With a multitude of jewels in the city center and the surrounding area, which could very well contribute to the flourishing of tourism. Stay tuned.

Sremska Mitrovica – An Unexpected Beach on the Sava - more details

A hidden gem in Serbia: Discover Sremska Mitrovica, its rich history, and its idyllic beach on the Sava.

1. Introduction: Sremska Mitrovica – The Ancient City on the River

Sremska Mitrovica, one of Serbia's oldest cities, lies on the banks of the Sava River and offers a fascinating blend of ancient history and modern urban life. Once known as Sirmium, it was one of the most important cities of the Roman Empire. Today, the city attracts not only history buffs but also nature lovers who want to enjoy the idyllic beaches and banks of the Sava River.

2. The Sava – A Natural Paradise in Serbia

The Sava is one of the most important rivers in Southeast Europe. It originates in Slovenia and flows through Croatia, Bosnia, and Serbia before flowing into the Danube. In Sremska Mitrovica, the river offers:

Natural beaches
Rich birdlife
Water sports opportunities
The river is not only a lifeline for the city, but also a recreational area for locals and tourists.

Read also: The most beautiful river landscapes in Serbia

3. The Sava Beach in Sremska Mitrovica

One of the biggest surprises in Sremska Mitrovica is the idyllic beach on the Sava. Especially in the summer months, the riverbank transforms into a popular meeting place for:

Swimmers and sunbathers
Families with children
Open-air events and festivals

Tip: The sunset on the beach in Sremska Mitrovica is a real highlight!

Learn more: The most beautiful bathing spots on the Sava

4. History of the city – Ancient Sirmium

Sremska Mitrovica was once known as Sirmium and was one of the four Roman imperial residences. The most important historical sites include:

The Sirmium Archaeological Museum – With Roman mosaics and artifacts
The remains of the Imperial Palace – A glimpse into the glorious past
Churches and monasteries – Religious landmarks of the city
The city was a strategic hub of the Roman Empire and is often referred to as the "second Rome."

Recommended reading: Serbia's Ancient Heritage

5. Sights in Sremska Mitrovica

In addition to the beautiful riverfront, Sremska Mitrovica has numerous attractions:

  • St. Demetrios Church – A stunning Orthodox church
  • Zasavica Nature Reserve – A paradise for nature lovers
  • The old Roman bridge – A testament to ancient architecture

Each of these places tells a unique story about the city and its diverse past.

Learn more: The most beautiful places in Sremska Mitrovica

6. Food – Traditional specialties of the region

No visit to Serbia is complete without sampling the regional specialties. In Sremska Mitrovica, you should definitely try:

Ćevapi – Grilled meat rolls with fresh bread
Pasulj – A hearty bean stew
Rakija – The famous Serbian fruit brandy

Many restaurants along the Sava offer fresh fish and local wines to complement the taste experience.

Recommended Reading: The Best Restaurants in Sremska Mitrovica

7. Activities and Leisure on the River

The Sava River offers numerous recreational opportunities for visitors:

Kayaking & Boat Tours – Perfect for water sports enthusiasts
Cycling along the riverbanks – With scenic views
Fishing on the Sava – Popular with locals

Whether you're looking for relaxation or adventure, there's something for everyone here.

Learn more: Outdoor Activities in Serbia

8. Best Time to Visit Sremska Mitrovica

The best time to visit Sremska Mitrovica depends on the activities you plan to do:

Summer (June – August): Perfect for beach visits and water sports
Autumn (September – November): Pleasant temperatures for exploring the city
Spring (April – May): Ideal for nature lovers and hiking

If you want to experience the famous Rakija Festival, you should visit the city in autumn!

9. Practical Tips for Visitors

Getting there: Sremska Mitrovica is located about 60 km west of Belgrade and is easily accessible by car or train.

Accommodation: There are many accommodation options, from small guesthouses to modern hotels.
Currency: Serbian Dinar (RSD) – cash is preferred.
Getting Around: The city is compact and easy to explore on foot.

10. Conclusion – A Perfect Blend of History and Nature

Sremska Mitrovica offers a unique combination of Roman history, Serbian culture, and untouched nature. The unexpected beach on the Sava River makes the city a real insider tip for travellers seeking both relaxation and cultural experiences.

Anyone visiting Serbia should definitely not miss this charming city!

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it safe to swim in the Sava River in Sremska Mitrovica?
Yes, there is a designated beach with calm waters and lifeguards.

2. How long does a visit to Sremska Mitrovica take?
A day trip is sufficient, but if you want to relax, you can also spend a weekend here.

3. Are there guided tours of the Roman ruins?
Yes, the Archaeological Museum offers regular tours of the historical sites.

4. What activities are there for families with children?
The beach, boat trips on the Sava River, and a visit to the Zasavica Nature Reserve are ideal for families.

5. Is Sremska Mitrovica an expensive city?
No, compared to other European destinations, Serbia is very affordable.

Planning your trip to Sremska Mitrovica? Get inspired with our ultimate guide!

44° 58′ 47″ N, 19° 36′ 35″ O

Please read as well:

Sirmium - today Sremska Mitrovica in Serbia

Brunn to Belgrade - visiting Memorial Church of St. Savas

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