Golubac (Serbia)

Golubac is a Danube River cruise port and small town in eastern Serbia (Braničevo District) with a population of under 2,000. The town is on the river's right bank (southern) and bordered by Romania (east) and the Serbian municipalities Veliko Gradiste (west) and Kucevo (south).

Golubac is best-known among tourists for the nearby located Roman archaeological sites, the Iron Gates (part of Derdap National Park), and Golubac Fortress. The town is also popular as a leisure destination for fishing and sail boating.

The fortress is located approx 4 km (2,5 mi) down the river from Golubac and was built in the late-14th century AD. At the castle location, the river has a width of 6,5 km (4 mi). In 1334 AD, the Hungarian King Charles Robert (1288-1342) conquered the castle, but it later was given to the Serbian Prince Lazar (1329-89). In 1391, the invading Ottoman Turks occupied the fortress, but soon it was recaptured by the Serbs. The Hungarian King Sigismund of Luxembourg (1368-1437) acquired it in 1427 (by contract), but the Serbs sold it to the Turks. In response, in 1428, King Sigismund sieged it but failed to take it from the Turks. During its history, the Golubac Fortress has repelled 120+ sieges and attacks.

The current-day town's economy is mainly based on tourism (hotels, restaurants, wholesale and retail), agriculture, forestry, mining, fishing. The Iron Gate park is popular for outdoor activities like hunting, hiking, camping. Annually (in August) in Golubac is held a sailing regatta.

As cruise port, Golubac was included in the schedule of one of Europe's largest river cruise companies - Emerald Waterways - with the boats Emerald Dawn, Emerald Destiny, Emerald Star, Emerald Sun. The port is often visited by the MS Maxima - 2003-built ship operated by Nicko River Cruises (the German brand of Mystic Cruises). The next table shows Nicko's 11-day itinerary from homeport Passau. Prices started from ~USD 1650 pp (double occupancy cabin rates).

The next table shows one of Emerald Waterways itineraries that visits Golubac. The 7-day cruise tour is from Romania to Hungary.