Sport and swimming pools in Vrnjačka Banja

Pitches and the sports hall

The Raj sports and recreation centre has three grass football pitches, and the spa also has an athletics track and a sports hall for basketball, five-a-side football, volleyball, handball, martial arts and table tennis. Karate, table tennis, chess and five-a-side tournaments are held regularly. In the park there is the much-loved giant chessboard, which always draws players and onlookers in summer.

Natural paths through the park, along the river and through the pine forest are ideal for running and morning training, and the climb towards Goč gives a serious endurance section.

Swimming pools

Summer, outdoors

Outdoor pools open in summer, and the spa is known for its outdoor Olympic-size pool. Local favourites also include pools outside the centre: Klobuk in the Reka neighbourhood, about two kilometres from the Snežnik spring towards Goč, with a large pool, a children's pool and a restaurant, and pools that offer night swimming. Opening hours, prices and whether a particular pool is open that season all change, so check when you arrive.

All year, in hotels

Indoor hotel pools allow swimming and water polo all year round. Use is often included for hotel guests, and non-residents can buy a day ticket. Find out more about what the hotels offer in our guide to hotels in Vrnjačka Banja.

Training camps and groups

Clubs come for training camps because of the mix of pitches, full-board accommodation and a mild climate. When negotiating, ask for a package covering pitch time, full board and a room for meetings or video analysis. When a camp includes a seminar or coaching course, the meeting rooms described on our page about conferences in Vrnjačka Banja are worth a look.

Fishing and hunting

On the West Morava, at the Podunavačke bare ponds about ten kilometres from the spa, there is a managed sport-fishing site that also hosts competitions. Goč has a managed hunting ground, with a traditional hunters' gathering at the start of the year. Both require the appropriate permit. More about the mountain on our page about Goč and its ski slope.

Recreation for everyone

You don't need to be an athlete to make an active trip of it: the walk around the springs is five to six kilometres on flat ground, cycling along the river is easy, and many hosts lend bikes to guests. For older visitors and those having treatment, the morning walk to the springs is part of the daily routine.