Underground Military Galleries Petrovaradin
Explore the hidden military history beneath Petrovaradin Fortress in a thrilling underground adventure with expert guides.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Tours are private and scheduled
Underground Military Galleries Petrovaradin
Best Time
Tours are private and scheduled
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the hidden military history beneath Petrovaradin Fortress in a thrilling underground adventure with expert guides.
"Hands down the best experience I've ever taken in all my years travelling around the world."
🎯 Book Directly with Leon
Ensure an authentic experience by booking with Leon Šurbanović (UGRIP) for access to deeper areas.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Hiking boots with good grip are essential for uneven, dark tunnels. No sneakers!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Countermining System
Beneath Petrovaradin Fortress
Explore a vast network of over 16 km of tunnels, chambers, and strategic defenses. A true journey into military history.
Historical Narration
Throughout the galleries
Guides like Leon and Dragan bring the fortress's past to life with infectious enthusiasm and boundless knowledge.
Sensory Navigation Challenge
Deep within the tunnels
Experience the darkness and heightened senses, imagining life as a soldier navigating these passages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book with Leon Directly
Dress for Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Directly with Leon
Ensure an authentic experience by booking with Leon Šurbanović (UGRIP) for access to deeper areas.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Hiking boots with good grip are essential for uneven, dark tunnels. No sneakers!
Abandoned tunnel in Petrovaradin, Serbia
🧥 Bring Layers
The underground temperature is cool year-round (12-16°C). A sweatshirt or light jacket is recommended.
🔦 Don't Forget a Flashlight
While guides have lights, a personal flashlight is highly recommended for better exploration.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Directly with Leon
Ensure an authentic experience by booking with Leon Šurbanović (UGRIP) for access to deeper areas.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Hiking boots with good grip are essential for uneven, dark tunnels. No sneakers!
🧥 Bring Layers
The underground temperature is cool year-round (12-16°C). A sweatshirt or light jacket is recommended.
🔦 Don't Forget a Flashlight
While guides have lights, a personal flashlight is highly recommended for better exploration.
🚫 Never Explore Alone
It's pitch dark, there's no mobile signal, and it's easy to get lost or injured.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Underground Military Galleries Petrovaradin for their unique historical immersion and the exceptional guidance provided by Leon and Dragan. The experience is described as unforgettable, offering a deep dive into military history that can't be replicated from above ground. While the adventure is thrilling, it requires careful preparation regarding footwear and clothing.
"I went on September 4, 2024, but I feel the need to write this review as it's hands down the best experience I've ever taken in all my years travelling around the world.
I reached out to Leon a few weeks in advance as I was interested in learning about the history of the fortress and the catacombs, he emailed me back with some attachments explaining the rules, the price, and a brief overview of the tour.
I first met Dragan, who translates for Leon and is also a guide at UGRIP, around the arranged time of 2 pm, before Leon also showed up and they both led us to an indoor area where they gave a history lesson on the purpose of the fortress and catacombs and what to expect. Carry some warm clothes with you. The workshop consists of a number of navigation challenges which gives you a feel of what it is like to have been a soldier back in the days when the fortress was in use. I don't want to spoil all the details as it's better to arrange the tour for yourself and find out. I lost my bearings at one point but thankfully Leon showed up in time to save me. I did however manage to successfully complete the final challenge (which is the hardest), which made me proud. Also some great photo opportunities throughout the tour.
I loved the conversation I had with both Leon and Dragan after the workshop about their current work at UGRIP, just as much as the workshop itself, as we were drinking rakija and beer, and they strongly encouraged me to visit again in the future.
So definitely, should I visit Serbia again, I will email Leon again for another tour of the catacombs, hopefully I might get to see some more areas which I didn't get to see last time- I am tempted to do it again either this December or next year depending on their availability and the current political situation in Serbia, which has been deteriorating lately. (I went to Novi Sad station to catch my train back to Belgrade after the tour - the front of the station collapsed less than two months after my visit, killing 16 people and sparking the protests in Serbia today. :( )
Please do not ever try to explore the catacombs on your own, it gets pitch dark in most of the catacomb system and you will hit your head or trip on something and there's also no mobile signal underground."
Jonghyeon Lee
"MAKE SURE YOU BOOK IT THROUGH Leon Šurbanović, and not the musuem tours!!!
recently had the pleasure of taking a tour of the Countermining System beneath Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. The vast network of underground tunnels and chambers, spanning over 16 kilometers, is a testament to the fortress's strategic importance and engineering prowess.
Our guides, Leon and Dragan, were absolutely fantastic. Their enthusiasm for the fortress's history was infectious, and their knowledge seemed boundless. They brought the fortress's past to life with engaging stories and fascinating historical details. Their passion for preserving and sharing this hidden gem was evident throughout the tour.
As we navigated the labyrinth of tunnels, Leon and Dragan expertly pointed out interesting features like ammunition storage areas, shooting embrasures, and the ingenious system of crossroads marked with symbols to aid navigation. Their explanations of the fortress's defensive strategies and the purpose of the countermining system were both informative and captivating.
The tour itself was well-organized and paced perfectly. One of the most thrilling aspects was having our senses tested in the darkness of the tunnels. As we ventured deeper into the underground network, the absence of light heightened our other senses, creating an immersive and somewhat eerie atmosphere. This sensory experience added an extra layer of excitement to the tour, allowing us to imagine what it might have been like for soldiers navigating these passages centuries ago.
What struck me most was how this tour offered a unique perspective on the fortress that you simply can't get from above ground. The cool, damp air and the echoing footsteps created an immersive experience that truly transported us back in time.
I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Novi Sad. It's a must-see attraction that offers a thrilling blend of history, architecture, and adventure. Thanks to Leon and Dragan's expert guidance, it was not just educational but also tremendously fun. Pictures will not do its glory, you WILL HAVE to visit it yourself."
Brian Frank
"I love exploring fortresses while here in Serbia, Im lucky enough to live in Novi Sad during winters. Ive gotten to know Novi Sad very well, and one of my favorite places is Petrovaradin Fortress. I was also lucky enough to meet Leon, (the master of the tunnels), through friends. He set up a tour for me and some friends. It was an amazing experience, and the history of its defenses is mind-blowing.
The tunnels are well preserved, and Leon and his group of VOLUNTEERS work hard to keep them that way. If your claustrophobic and don't like tight spaces, this is not for you. When going on a tour wear hiking boots, or a show with a good grip sole. no sneakers, and it can be cold to some people, it maintains an average temperature in winter 12c to 15c and summer around 16c. so a sweatshirt or light jacket is good to have. If you have long hair, you want to tie it back or wear a hat, its dark and bats are in the tunnels, they won't bother you if you don't bother them. A good flash light is highly recommended. As with anywhere you go, anytrash you bring in, you bring out. Donations are accepted to help with the preservation of the tunnels."
bostonh2o
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The galleries are located beneath Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, Serbia. Access is typically arranged through private tours booked directly with guides like Leon Šurbanović. You'll likely meet your guide at a designated point near the fortress.
The entrances are not publicly marked and are accessed via guided tours. It's crucial to coordinate with your guide for the exact meeting point and entry procedure.
Petrovaradin Fortress is easily accessible within Novi Sad. You can walk across the bridge from the city center or take local buses.
Yes, several local bus lines serve the area around Petrovaradin Fortress. Check local schedules for the most convenient routes.
There is parking available near Petrovaradin Fortress, but it can get busy. It's often easier to use public transport or walk if you are staying in Novi Sad.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The best way is to contact Leon Šurbanović directly via email, as recommended by many visitors. Avoid museum tours for a more in-depth experience.
Pricing is typically provided upon inquiry when booking directly with guides. Donations are also accepted to support tunnel preservation.
Tours are usually private and scheduled in advance, so there are no fixed public opening hours. Coordinate with your guide for tour times.
It's highly recommended to book in advance, especially if you want to tour with specific guides like Leon. Spontaneous visits are not advised.
While not explicitly stated, the nature of the tour (dark, confined spaces) might make it unsuitable for very young children or those with severe claustrophobia. Inquire with your guide.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Expect a historical lesson, navigation challenges, and an immersive sensory experience in the dark tunnels. Guides share fascinating details about the fortress's military history.
When accompanied by a knowledgeable guide like Leon or Dragan, the tours are safe. Never attempt to explore alone due to darkness, lack of signal, and uneven terrain.
Tour durations can vary depending on the itinerary and group size, but expect a few hours to fully experience the galleries and historical context.
The underground galleries involve uneven terrain, narrow passages, and stairs, making them generally not accessible for individuals with significant mobility challenges.
The temperature remains consistently cool, around 12-16°C (54-61°F) year-round, so dressing in layers is advised.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, there are great photo opportunities throughout the tour. However, be mindful of your surroundings and the darkness.
While not explicitly forbidden, it's best to check with your guide. Excessive flash might disrupt the atmosphere or any potential wildlife like bats.
A camera with good low-light performance and the ability to handle challenging conditions is ideal. A tripod might be useful if permitted, but often hand-held shots are necessary.
Drone photography is highly unlikely to be permitted inside the confined and sensitive underground environment.
Modern smartphone cameras have improved low-light capabilities, but you may need to use night mode or a flashlight to assist.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's crucial to ensure children are comfortable in enclosed spaces and can follow instructions closely. The recommendation for sturdy footwear and warm clothing applies equally to younger visitors. Parents should consider their child's temperament and tolerance for such environments before booking. The private tours offer a controlled environment where guides can cater to the group's needs, potentially making it more manageable for families.
🎒 Budget Travelers
Consider that donations are accepted to help with the preservation of the tunnels, which is a great way to contribute if you enjoyed the experience. By avoiding third-party bookings and opting for direct contact, you can often get a clearer understanding of the pricing and ensure your money directly supports the preservation efforts.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Purpose of the Countermining System
These galleries showcase remarkable military engineering and strategic thinking from centuries past. Features like ammunition storage areas, shooting embrasures, and ingeniously marked crossroads for navigation highlight the system's complexity. The guides, particularly Leon and Dragan, excel at bringing this history to life, explaining the tactical significance of each section and the daily lives of the soldiers who operated within them.
Exploring these tunnels offers a unique perspective on the fortress's military importance, a dimension often missed by those who only view it from above ground. The cool, damp air and echoing footsteps create an immersive experience that truly transports visitors back in time, allowing them to imagine the tension and challenges faced by defenders.
Navigating the Tunnels: Safety and Experience
The terrain can be uneven, with potential for slippery surfaces, hence the recommendation for sturdy hiking boots with good grip. The consistent underground temperature of 12-16°C means bringing a light jacket or sweatshirt is essential, even in summer. For those with long hair, tying it back or wearing a hat is a good idea, as bats inhabit the tunnels and can be a minor nuisance if not avoided.
Beyond the physical aspects, the tour offers a unique sensory experience. The absence of light heightens other senses, creating an eerie yet captivating atmosphere. This immersive quality allows visitors to truly connect with the history and feel the weight of centuries of military activity.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit