Đerdap: the largest river gorge in Europe

Published: 10/06/2026

In eastern Serbia, where the Danube cuts through the Carpathians, lies Đerdap — the longest and deepest river gorge in Europe. Known as the Iron Gates, it is protected as a national park and a UNESCO geopark.

The gorge stretches over a hundred kilometres, with cliffs over five hundred metres high. A boat ride through Đerdap is one of the most impressive experiences in Serbia. At its entrance stands Golubac Fortress, one of the finest medieval forts on the Danube.

Đerdap is also a cradle of prehistory — the Lepenski Vir site reveals one of Europe''s oldest organised cultures. Accommodation ranges from hotels to riverside apartments in Donji Milanovac and Kladovo. Đerdap is about three hours from Belgrade.