Things To Do
in Kuršumlija

Kuršumlija is a small historic town in southern Serbia at the meeting of the Toplica and Kosanica valleys, framed by the foothills of Radan and Kopaonik. The area is known for its thermal springs, nearby unusual rock formations at Đavolja Varoš, and several medieval Orthodox monasteries. Kuršumlija offers a slow-paced, authentic Serbian provincial experience with access to hiking, spa tourism and rustic villages.

Visitors will find affordable local food, quiet streets, and easy access to nature rather than big-city amenities.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Local Culture
morning
:

Your immersive journey begins as you arrive in Kuršumlija and settle into a charming guesthouse. Take time to savor a cup of local coffee on the terrace overlooking verdant hills. Feel the welcome of small-town Serbia as you chat with friendly hosts about regional traditions.

afternoon
:

Explore the lively town center on foot, browsing local shops for handmade souvenirs. Visit the small museum showcasing Kuršumlija's history from Roman times to the present day. Pause for a traditional lunch at a family-run kafana, sampling homemade sarma and fresh ajvar.

evening
:

Return to your accommodations for a leisurely break before dinner. Enjoy a riverside walk along the Toplica River as the sun dips behind the surrounding hills. Cap the evening with live folk music and local rakija at a cozy tavern.

day 2
Sacred Monasteries of the Region
morning
:

After breakfast, travel to the medieval monastery of St. Prohor Pčinjski, perched serenely on rolling hills. Admire the intricate frescoes and learn about the monastery's pivotal role in Serbian spiritual history. Join resident monks in their morning prayers for a glimpse into monastic life.

afternoon
:

Head to the nearby St. Nicholas Monastery in Kuršumlija, founded by Stefan Nemanja in the 12th century. Wander through its peaceful courtyards and hidden nooks while listening to tales of royal retreats. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the monastery gardens, surrounded by centuries-old stone walls.

evening
:

Return to town and relax with a traditional Serbian dinner at a local inn. Savor hearty pečene paprike stuffed with cheese and warm cornbread. End the day with a starlit stroll by the town's lit-up church, reflecting on the day's spiritual enrichment.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-10
Coffee (café)$1.50-3
🚕Short taxi ride$2-5
🛏️Budget hotel / guesthouse (per night)$25-50
🍺Local beer (bar)$1.50-4

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Close to unique natural attractions (Đavolja Varoš) and mountain scenery.
  • Authentic rural Serbian atmosphere with affordable prices and local hospitality.
  • Good base for hiking, spa treatments and short cultural excursions.
  • Less crowded than major tourist centers — peaceful and relaxed.
  • Limited public transport and English-speaking services in rural areas.
  • Few nightlife and cultural venues compared to larger cities.
  • Seasonal accessibility issues on some rural roads in winter.
  • Smaller range of dining and shopping options — best for travelers seeking low-key experiences.
  • "Dobar dan" - Good day / Hello
  • "Hvala" - Thank you
  • "Molim" - Please / You're welcome
  • "Koliko košta?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Gde je toalet?" - Where is the toilet?
  • "Izvinite" - Excuse me / Sorry
  • "Ja sam vegetarijanac / Ja sam vegetarijanka" - I am vegetarian (male / female)

Places to Visit in Kuršumlija

Visit one of these nice places.

Đavolja Varoš (Devil's Town)

Striking hoodoo rock formations set in a rugged landscape; best for dramatic sunrise/sunset shots and close-up textures.

Radan Mountain ridgelines

Panoramic mountain views, rolling forests and wildflower meadows — excellent for wide landscapes and seasonal color.

Toplica River and valley

Picturesque riverbanks, bridges and traditional houses that capture local life and tranquil waterscapes.

Medieval monasteries and church ruins

Stone architecture, frescoed interiors and serene courtyards offering cultural and architectural photography opportunities.

Kuršumlija town center at golden hour

Quiet streets, market scenes and riverside cafés with warm evening light ideal for candid urban photos.

Culinary Guide

Food in Kuršumlija

Cuisine around Kuršumlija is traditional Serbian comfort food with influences from mountain and rural cooking: rich soups, grilled meats, fresh dairy, and dishes prepared with locally foraged ingredients. Thermal spa towns nearby also emphasize healthy mineral-water-based treatments and simplified menus for spa guests.

Kuršumlija Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Ćevapi / Pljeskavica

Grilled minced meat sausages or patty served with onions, kajmak (creamy dairy), and flatbread — widely available at local kafanas and roadside grills.

Must-Try!

Burek

Flaky pastry filled with cheese, meat, or spinach, often eaten for breakfast or a quick snack at bakeries in town.

Pečenje / Roštilj

Roast meats (whole lamb or pork) or grilled skewers typical at family restaurants and village celebrations — ask for seasonal accompaniments like roasted peppers and potatoes.

Local cheese and kajmak

Fresh cheeses and clotted cream from nearby mountain farms, commonly served with bread or as a side.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Kuršumlija town market

Small weekly/regular market where locals sell seasonal vegetables, fruit, cheese, honey and homemade preserves — great for tasting fresh ingredients and buying picnic supplies.

Roadside bakeries and ćevabdžinice

Scattered small shops and street vendors offering burek, pies and grilled specialties — convenient for a quick, affordable meal.

Climate Guide

Weather

Kuršumlija has a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Spring and autumn are transitional with variable weather; higher elevations on Radan and the Kopaonik foothills are cooler year-round and see more snow in winter.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A firm handshake and eye contact are customary when meeting someone; greet people with 'Dobar dan' (good day).

Church and monastery manners

Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, speak quietly, and observe any photography restrictions; women may be expected to cover shoulders or wear a headscarf in some places.

Hospitality

Locals are often warm and hospitable; it’s polite to accept small offers of food or drink and to thank hosts. Removing shoes may be expected when visiting a home.

Sensitive topics

Avoid making assumptions about political or ethnic topics, and be discreet discussing national politics and regional issues with strangers.

Safety Guide

Safety

Kuršumlija is generally safe for travelers; crime rates are low compared with big cities but petty theft can occur—keep valuables secure. Exercise caution on narrow mountain roads, especially in winter or fog, and inform someone of your plans when hiking remote trails. Carry basic first-aid supplies and ensure your mobile phone has signal or offline maps in remote areas.

Tipping in Kuršumlija

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; in restaurants a 5–10% tip or rounding up the bill is common. Tip taxi drivers by rounding up, and small tips for hotel staff or guides are welcome for good service.

Payment Methods

Serbian dinar (RSD) is the local currency. Credit/debit cards are accepted at larger restaurants, hotels and some shops, but many small markets, rural businesses and roadside vendors prefer cash. ATMs are available in town.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild weather and blooming meadows make spring ideal for hiking and birdwatching; some higher trails may still have residual snow in early spring. Local villages awaken with spring festivals and fresh produce.

Summer

Warm to hot days are great for outdoor activities, visiting Đavolja Varoš and using spa facilities; expect more domestic tourists on weekends. Pack sun protection and plenty of water for hikes.

Autumn

Crisp air and colorful foliage on Radan and surrounding hills create beautiful scenery; harvest season means fresh fruit, mushrooms and local celebrations. Cooler nights are common, so layer up.

Winter

Cold with regular snowfall at higher elevations; spa towns remain open but some rural roads and attractions may be limited or harder to reach. Good season for thermal baths and cozy local cuisine.

Nightlife Guide

Kuršumlija at Night

Kuršumlija has a quiet, low-key nightlife focused on cafés, small bars and seasonal cultural events. Summer evenings may bring live folk or acoustic music at local taverns and occasional festivals; for more bustling nightlife you will need to travel to larger cities such as Niš.

Hiking in Kuršumlija

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Radan Mountain Trails

A network of trails suitable for day hikes and longer treks, offering forested paths, ridgelines and views across the Toplica valley.

Đavolja Varoš walking routes

Short marked paths around the rock formations and viewpoints — easy to moderate walking and highly photogenic.

Kopaonik foothills routes

Lower-altitude hikes that connect villages, meadows and forests with panoramic vistas; can be combined with mountain biking.

Toplica River valley walk

Gentle riverside paths for relaxed walking, birdwatching and visiting small rural settlements.

Airports

How to reach Kuršumlija by plane.

Niš Constantine the Great Airport (INI)

The closest international airport serving southern Serbia, with domestic and some international connections — about 70–100 km from Kuršumlija depending on route, reachable by car or regional bus/taxi.

Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG)

Major international hub offering many flight options; travel time to Kuršumlija is roughly 3.5–4.5 hours by car or a combination of bus/train plus local transport.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center of Kuršumlija is compact and easily walkable on foot, with short distances between cafes, shops and riverside areas. To reach natural attractions, monasteries and Đavolja Varoš you will usually need a car, taxi or organized tour; rural roads and trails are not pedestrian-friendly for long distances.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Ethnic Serbs

The majority population in Kuršumlija is ethnic Serbs with a strong local cultural identity and Orthodox Christian traditions.

Older adults and rural families

Like many small Serbian towns, Kuršumlija has an aging population with younger people often moving to larger cities for work; family-run farms and small businesses remain common.

Small minority communities

There are small minority groups in the region, including Roma communities and other local ethnicities, contributing to cultural diversity.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular sport across Serbia, followed locally with village clubs and youth teams.

Basketball

Popular recreationally and in school sports programs; communities often support local games.

Skiing and winter sports

Nearby mountain areas attract winter sports enthusiasts when snow conditions permit, especially on the higher Kopaonik slopes.

Hiking and mountain biking

Locally popular outdoor pursuits on trails around Radan and the Toplica valley, both for fitness and leisure.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Kuršumlija is generally light; congestion is rare outside of festival weekends. Roads in the valley are paved but narrower than highways, and mountain roads can be winding and slower. Public transportation is limited to regional buses connecting to nearby towns; renting a car or hiring a taxi is the most practical way to reach natural sites and remote villages.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Kuršumlija.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options exist but can be limited outside larger towns: expect salads, cheese pies, grilled vegetables and egg dishes. Communicate preferences clearly (e.g., 'Ja sam vegetarijanac/vegetarijanka') and seek bakeries, dairy-based dishes and veggie sides.

Vegan

Vegan choices are more limited; bring snacks and be prepared to request salads without dairy or eggs. Local markets provide fresh produce for self-catering.

Gluten-free

Many traditional dishes are bread- or pastry-based. Gluten-free options are uncommon in small eateries — plan ahead, ask staff, and shop markets for naturally gluten-free foods (meat, vegetables, cheeses).

Allergies

Major restaurants will try to help but language can be a barrier. Carry allergy cards in Serbian when possible and keep essential medication with you.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Kuršumlija has local clinics and pharmacies for basic medical needs; for more serious conditions or specialist care the nearest larger hospitals are in Prokuplje and Niš. Travel health insurance is recommended, and bring any prescription medications with you. Pharmacies typically stock common medicines, and clinics can provide initial treatment and referrals.

Discover Serbia

Read more in our Serbia 2025 Travel Guide.

Serbia Travel Guide