Golubac-Donji Milanovac-Serbia_7-15-14

The beginning of the Danube Gorge

Golubac-Donji Milanovac

35 miles (57 km)

Total so far: 159 miles (256 km)

Ascent: 1276 ft Descent: 1238 ft Max Elevation: 667 ft

• World > Europe > Serbia > Golubac  – map
• World > Europe > Serbia > Donji Milanovac  – map

From Golubac to Donji Milanovac, Euro Velo 6 enters Derdap National Park. Although it is a climbing day, it’s a beautiful ride along the Danube through the gorge. Golubac Fortress is just 5 kilometers from the town of the same name. It is most impressive. There are many interesting rock formations.

The road is paved smooth although there are a few rough spots. But compared to the last few days, it’s heavenly. There is food and water available at Brnjica, and Dobra.

After that, there is nothing until just before Donji Milanovac. We stopped to get breakfast at Toma Café in Brnjica which is right on the river. We had potato salad and tomato and cucumber salad with cheese for breakfast. Other than that, your choices are typical Serbia meat dishes.

After half the distance to Donji, the tunnels begin. Most of the tunnels are short enough that you get light from both ends. We can remember two tunnels specifically where your headlight needed to be bright enough to see the curb along the side.

It’s after Boljetin that the big hill climb comes. It ascends 330 feet in 1.2 miles. Going down the other side you get wonderful views of the Danube.

Today on the route we encountered other touring cyclists. There were two from Belgium, two from Germany, and two from France with their two little children. They were amazing. We can’t believe the amount of luggage they carried. The wife carried luggage on her bike plus had the little girl on her own little bicycle being towed behind. The husband carried an enormous amount of luggage on his bike plus he pulled a child’s carriage with the younger child in it. They are traveling for three months. Bravo.

Donji Milanovac is a charming town sitting right on the river. There are numerous hotels rooms, restaurants, and cafés. There is a pretty park along the waterfront. Trash and graffiti however, is an ever present eyesore in all of Serbia. Such a pity!

The tourist visitor center is very helpful. They can get you a room. They speak English. We got a room overlooking the Danube. The only problem was, no one told us there was no water. The explanation? The whole town was out of water! Well, there were water bottles in every nook and cranny of the apartment, but water was restored after we got back from dinner! Be sure to ask, however, at the tourist bureau about water. This seems to be a long standing issue!