Šumadija is part of central Serbia, which was once covered with šuma (eng. forest). It is the greenest, most populous and hospitable part of the country. Many travellers described it as the “heaven on earth” because of the extremely fertile land, valleys and mountains, forests and meadows, and abundance of serviceable water.
The Šumadija region is called “the heart of Serbia”. Here trumpets and pipes provide musical entertainment, the kolo dance weaves in and out at major gatherings, cold days are warmed up by a mug of Šumadijski Čaj (eng. Šumadija tea – Serbian fruit brandy heated and sweetened with honey or sugar), and people still gather round to hear stories of heroes, great battles and even greater victories.
During the 18th century, the forests of Šumadija were the refuge for Hajduci (eng. outlaws who fought against Ottoman occupation). Maybe it is because of this historical legacy that every stone in the region has a story to tell. A special kind of roadside stone marking called krajputaši (eng. signs near the road), alert the traveller to moments in the region’s history or point the way to a famous landmark – but sometimes they just encourage to stop and take a break.
Many cultural and historical monuments, monasteries, spas and mountains provide a rich tourist offer of Šumadija region. The localities Bukovička Banja (eng. spa), the Garaško jezero (eng. lake) and Risovača cave near Aranđelovac, Resava cave and a number of other caves, as well as hydrocomplex Lisine, and Despotovačka Banja around Despotovac are only a part of the natural beauties of the region that attracts the attention of many tourists.
Šumadija is the home of rakija (eng. fruit brandy) and it is considered the most genuinely Serbian part of Serbia.
| Accommodation | Location |
|---|---|
| ARANĐELOVAC | Aranđelovac – Beograd – 76 km |
| DIVČIBARE | Divčibare – Beograd – 120 km |
| KRAGUJEVAC | Kragujevac – Beograd 142 km |
| ČAČAK | Čačak – Beograd – 144 km |
| BELGRADE |
