Vršac
Vršac (in Serbian Вршац, in Romanian Vârșeț, in Hungarian Versec or Versecz, in German Werschetz) is a town in Serbia 84 km from Belgrade and 75 km from Timișoara in Romania, in the eastern part of Vojvodina, close to the border with Romania, and has around 35,000 residents. The town is known for vineyards and premium quality wines in the larger municipality area. The wine cellars in villages around Vršac have become symbols of the Vrsac Wine Route which is held every year during the town's celebratory Grape Ball (Grođžebal).
Along with its wine offerings, Vršac is also known for the tallest mountains in the region, that provide a stark contrast to Vojvodina plains. They have a rich ecosystem, and are very specific in nature because they are island mountains which were once a part of the Pannonian Sea.
The town has a rich history of multiethnicity that spans over 200 years, and it can be seen best in today's various cultural communities and religious landmarks.
Get in
By car
The European route E-70 connects Belgrade and Timișoara via Vršac. The road is in very good condition and the trip takes less than 2 hours from Belgrade and an hour and a half from Timișoara.By bus
STUP VršacThe local bus company with routes from and to Belgrade and Novi Sad on an hourly basis. Prices are slightly more expensive than other methods of transport, but it's the fastest and safest way to get around.
- Every day there is a bus from Timișoara, just over the border with Romania, leaving at 12:00, ~2 hours.
By train
Vršac Railway StationThere are two trains per day from Timișoara Nord Train station to Vršac. The trains are operated by CFR (Căile Ferate Române) and are modern and very comfortable. Pass control usually lasts for about 20 minutes for the entire train to be checked. Ride duration is approximately longer than 2 hours with the train going faster when on Romanian territory. Pass control and customs are made at Stamora-Moravița, (Romania). The ticket in one direction from Timișoara to Vršac is approximately €5. Should you choose to continue to Belgrade, you need to switch trains at the train station in Vršac, and vice-versa.
The train to Belgrade is scheduled to depart half an hour after the train from Timișoara comes in Vršac. Tickets must be bought at the station before entering the train. The train connecting Vršac and Belgrade is a modern and fast one, the only downside being that is stops in every village en route to Belgrade. One way ticket to and from Belgrade costs less than €4.
Get around
On foot
Vršac is very small and compact, easily covered by foot, but reaching further destinations such as up on the hill can be a time-consuming experience and a good solution might be taking a taxi which is very affordable. It will take you about an hour from town center to reach Vršac Castle on foot. As of 2014, there were no bike nor motorbike rentals available.By car
The traffic in town is usually light, except on Saturdays in the morning when it's grocery day. If you are traveling by car, be sure to pay attention to bikes as they are a very common method of transport for elderly citizens. Parking is available, but you need to buy a parking ticket the required parking zones where sign is displayed. Paper tickets are available at nearby kiosks and are valid for an hour. You need to scratch out the numbers which represent the hours you will be parked and leave them on your dash window. Otherwise, the easiest way to pay for parking is by sending an SMS to 8131 (+381 8131 if you use a foreign SIM card) with your full licence plate number (no spaces, no dashes, no dots). You can send multiple messages to extended your parking time. The cost of these messages is approximately between €0.25 and €0.4 and depend on the zone in which you parked your car. Buying a parking ticket is required M-F 07:00-21:00, and Sa 07:00-14:00. You don't need to buy a parking ticket on Sundays.By taxi
All the taxis (including the freelance ones) have a defined fare with taxi meters exposed, so the possibility of paying a higher price than that shown is reduced to a minimum. An average trip will cost you between €1.5 and €3. There are a couple of taxi stations in the town, with the most relevant being the one in front of Hotel Srbija. Here you will find taxis at any time of day and night. Some taxis might have free Wi-Fi service available. If you want to connect all you need to do is ask the driver for network ID and password.There are three major local taxi companies:
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Maxi Taxi
phone: +381 13 833 833, +381 63 50 80 50 (mobile) -
Hallo Taxi
phone: +381 13 831 11 11 -
Prestige Taxi
phone: +381 13 833 333
See
Vršac CastleIt is a symbol of the town and dates back to the mid-15th century. The castle is an authentic remnant of the medieval Vršac fortress. It stands at the top of the hill (399 m) overlooking Vršac and it provides a great view of the entire town.
The Gudurica PeakThe highest mountain peak in Vojvodina at 641 meters. Nicknamed 'the roof of Vojvodina', it provides a breathtaking view which extends across to the Carpathian mountains in Romania.
Mesić MonasteryA monastery located near Mesić village. It dates back to the 15th century.
Do
Town Park
Vršac Hill
Lake of Vršac
Events
During the third week of September each year, the town is a host to Grožđebal (Grape Ball), a three-day event which celebrates harvesting of the grapes. The town has been a wine-loving region since Roman times making this a very important event for all wine connoisseurs in Serbia. During the event itself, many public institutions are open with diverse cultural, kids and sport events being organized, as well as entertainment programs, competitions and various grape and wine exhibitions.Eat
Budget
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Yuga
address: Ive Milutinovica 31/a -
Domino Fast Food
phone: +381 13 837 837address: Trg Pobede 5 -
Bum 016
phone: +381 13 831 344address: Žarka Zrenjanina 5 -
Leskovački Roštilj Maki
phone: +381 63 720 78 32address: Vuka Karadžića 14 -
Pera Ždera
address: Heroja Pinkija 55
Mid-range
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phone: +381 13 837 000, +381 13 837 677address: Mate Matejića 6a
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Pizzeria Contrast
phone: +381 60 330 50 50address: Svetosavski Trg 6 -
phone: +381 69 383 06 74
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phone: +381 13 836 928address: Zelena Pijaca BB
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phone: +381 13 801 156address: Beogradski put bb.
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Restoran Crvenog Krsta
phone: +381 13 838 657address: Topovski put bbAfter a morning hike on the hill, this is the best place to relax and have a cup of coffee and eat breakfast. The food and service are good. Free Wi-Fi available. -
phone: +381 13 831 574address: Dositejeva 10
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phone: +381 13 834 577address: Feliksa Milekera 28
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phone: +381 64 22 77 001address: Petra Drapšina 1
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Restoran Kim
phone: +381 13 839 600address: Gudurički Put BB
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phone: +381 63 302 023address: Trg Save Kovačevića 5The oldest pastry shop in town, established in 1854. Some of the specialties include wine and grape-based ice cream and fruit cup, as well as banana split and fruit ice creams.
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phone: +381 13 402 224address: Ruski ParkA unique cupcake and pastry shop located close to town center.
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Poslastičarnica Zvezda
phone: +381 13 835 729address: Anđe Rankovića 20Also one of the oldest pastry shops in town.
Splurge
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phone: +381 13 830 024address: Dimitrija Tucovića 82Close to the town center, this restaurant provides an authentic meal experience for reasonable prices. It also has a rich wine offering and an outdoor terrace during summer. The food is excellent and the service is great.
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Restoran Alcudia
phone: +381 13 832 933address: Hotel 'Srbija', 1st floorDelicious and cheap morning breakfast buffet in the town center. Great prices and a broad selection of wines. Has a VIP room for business meetings. Free Wi-Fi available. -
phone: +381 13 830 080address: Vuka Karadžića 11Pleasant ambiance with a generous offering of Italian and Serbian cuisine. Affordable prices and kind staff.
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phone: +381 13 833 686address: Stevana Nemanje 67
Drink
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phone: +381 13 837 057address: Trg Pobede 2The best to go place for drinks and food combination. Broad range of imported beer and wine offerings along with excellent service and delicious food.
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phone: +381 64 88 77 005address: Gavrila Principa 6Cafe Vélo was created as a place of gathering for cycling lovers. It propagates healthy lifestyle, socializing, return to nature and appereciation for life values. The cafe is constantly organizing bike tours and participates in a number of sports projects. It also has a rich offering of over 50 types domestic and imported beer and happy hour promotions.
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phone: +381 13 837 338address: Trg Svetog Teodora Vršačkog 15An authentic Vojvodinian wine cellar with over 250 types of wine and 40 types of cheese from around the world. The place is a must for experiencing Vršac in its true, laidback, cozy and hospitable form.
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phone: +381 61 640 33 28address: Svetosavski Trg 4A unique ambient targeted for health freaks with a wide range of smoothies and juices.
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London Pub
phone: +381 65 300 0096address: Žarka Zrenjanina 101A beer pub and rock 'n' roll music during the weekends. -
Kafeterija Kwon
phone: +381 65 3866 166address: Abreševićeva 2Good place for long drinks and relaxation. The café also includes ice cream and fast food offerings. -
Max Caffe
address: Vuka Karadžića 4A local chain of three cafe spots in the city center. Excellent cheap coffee (Short Espresso). -
phone: +381 65 2 059 059address: Sterijna 24A posh interior and a rich drink offering. Good for groups.
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phone: +381 62 227 203address: Trg Svetog Teodora Vršačkog 9
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phone: +381 13 836 361address: Dositejeva 1
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address: Đure Jakšića 3-7Quiet place tucked away between residential buildings, very close to city center.
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address: Trg Svetog Teodora Vršačkog 4A really cozy cafe in the heart of the town.
Sleep
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phone: +381 13 831 000address: Goranska bbA 4-star hotel overlooking the town. It offers a full welness program along with an outdoor pool.
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phone: +381 13 834 170, +381 13 835 545, +381 13 835 252address: Svetosavski Trg 12A 3-star hotel in the heart of Vršac and a member of Eix Hotel Group. It has 78 rooms and 8 suites with all the modern amenities. Ideal for short stays and business trips.
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phone: +381 13 801 156address: Beogradski Put BB
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phone: +381 63 212 062address: Ive Milutinovića 135
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phone: +381 060 40 40 645address: Trg Pobede 3
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phone: +381 60 843 52 44, +381 13 283 01 55
Connect
Municipal Tourist Organization of Vrsac is the main provider of information and services to incoming tourists and they will help you with any inquiries regarding your trip to and from Vršac.
Free public wireless internet service is available in town center. Majority of cafés, restaurants and hotels also have their own WiFi services, but you need to ask for the password in order to get online.
4G network coverage is also available throughout town from all the major providers (VIP, Telenor and MTS).
Stay safe
As always, take care of your belongings and pockets. If you manage to lose your wallet or belongings, visit the local police station to report them missing.
Emergency numbers
As throughout of the entire Serbia, the police can be reached at 192, fire department at 193 and ambulance at 194.If, for any reason, you need to contact the local police, fire station or hospital directly, you can do so by calling the following numbers:
- Local police station: +381 13 833 000
- Local fire station: +381 13 831 745
- Local hospital: +381 13 832 552
Go next
- Belgrade, the capital of the Republic of Serbia. With various styles of architecture dominate the city, while its recent resurgence as the leading hub in south-eastern Europe makes it a must see destination.
- Timisoara, a university city and industrial center in western Romania. It is often described as the most cosmopolitan city in Romania.
- Novi Sad, the capital of Vojvodina, the northern Autonomous Province of Serbia on the Danube River between Budapest and Belgrade. It is a treasured regional and cultural centre.