Zapadnobacki Okrug, or West Backa District, is one of Serbia's self-governing regions, located in the westernmost part of the country. The district contributes to the state border with Croatia to the west and Hungary to the north. Moreover, the West Backa District is part of the Vojvodina autonomous province in Serbia, comprising one of its seven administrative districts. Situated in the Backa region, Zapadnobacki Okrug is home to a population of 154,491 residents, with the city of Sombor serving as its administrative center.[2] Geographically, the Backa region is a flat and fertile agricultural area located within the vast Pannonian Plain, historically covered by the ancient Pannonian Sea. Although most of Backa is split between Serbia and Hungary, there are small uninhabited areas on the left bank of the Danube, which is legally part of Croatia but has been under Serbian control since 1991.[4] This uninhabited area is part of the West Backa District's natural protected area called Gornje Podunavlje, which UNESCO recognizes for protecting various animal and plant species.[5] Sombor, the capital city of the Zapadnobacki Okrug, is located in the central part of the district, showcasing various cultural and historical monuments to its visitors.[7] One of the best times to visit the Zapadnobacki Okrug for warm-weather activities would be in May and September when the average temperatures move between 20°C and 26°C.[6]
Sombor, the capital city of the West Backa District, is known as "Zelengrad" or Greentown. Once a military stronghold, it transformed into a haven that is said to be reminiscent of a miniature Florence, showcasing various architecture and tree-lined avenues.
Surrounding Sombor are numerous farms and ethno houses, offering a glimpse into Vojvodina's traditional lifestyle. These centuries-old establishments serve as living museums, showcasing the region's heritage with traditional Serbian cuisine, homemade brandy, and the sounds of tamburica.
At the heart of Sombor lies four streets named after Serbian Dukes, featuring architectural landmarks from different eras. Among these landmarks is the town hall, a neoclassical building that serves as a cultural destination.
The town museum, housed in an eclectic building, offers thematic exhibitions ranging from archaeology to ethnology, attracting history enthusiasts. Nearby, the Sveti Djordje Church stands as a national heritage, presenting a baroque-rococo style.
Other architectural sights include the Presveto Trojstvo i Plebanija Church, the Županija building, and the Milan Konjović Gallery.[7]
Lining the West Backa District's western border lies the Gornje Podunavlje Special Nature Reserve, a preserved flooded complex along the left Danube River waterfront. This reserve, bordered by Hungary and Croatia, showcases a blend of untouched nature. Nearby, the Kopački Rit Nature Park in Croatia and the Drava National Park to the north enhance the region's biodiversity, forming one of Europe's most extensive swamp surfaces. Recognized by UNESCO's Man and Biosphere program, the Biosphere Reserve of Backo Podunavlje covers over 176,635 hectares across 5 municipalities and encompasses 4 protected nature areas.
Within the Gornje Podunavlje Special Nature Reserve are two swampy areas, Monoštor and Apatin, filled with diverse flora and fauna. Visitors can explore this natural area through guided or self-guided hikes along marked trails, boat rides, or canoe trips offered by the Karapandža Eco Center. Surrounding the reserve are villages, including Bački Breg, Bezdan, and Bački Monoštor, where visitors can explore local culture and traditional folklore and enjoy authentic cuisine.[5]
Backi Monoštor, also called "the pearl of the Upper Danube," sits 15 kilometers west of Sombor. Founded in the 18th century atop the vanished medieval town of Bodrog, the area's cultural heritage endures through traditions, folklore, cuisine, and music spanning over two centuries. Known for hunting and fishing, Backi Monoštor features a diverse ecosystem and hosts the "Pannonian Path of Peace" cycling route, connecting Osijek and Sombor. Moreover, the village hosts the annual "Bodrog Fest," celebrating local customs and crafts. Notable landmarks include the protected Church of St. Peter and Paul, archaeological sites, and the ethno house "Mali Bodrog." The eco-recreation center, inaugurated in 2008, offers educational workshops and sports facilities, serving as a gateway to the nearby Special Nature Reserve "Upper Danube."[9]
Backa region, in general, is a flat and fertile agricultural region situated within the expansive Pannonian Plain, once covered by the ancient Pannonian Sea. In Hungary, it is considered a southern extension of the Great Alfold, which is part of the more extensive Pannonian Plain. However, in Serbia, Backa is viewed as a component of the Pannonian Plain. Bordered by the Danube River to the west and south and the Tisa River to the east, its confluence is near Titel in Serbia's South Backa District. Segments of the Danube intersect the Danube–Tisa–Danube Canal system, serving various economic functions. While most of Backa is divided between Serbia and Hungary, there are small uninhabited areas on the left bank of the Danube, which is legally part of Croatia according to the Badinter Commission but has been under Serbian control since 1991. In Serbia, Backa is part of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, divided into Southern, Western, and Northern Backa districts.[4]
The Western Backa District comprises several natural areas. One such example is Gornje Podunavlje, lining the state border between Serbia and Croatia to the west. Declared an Important Bird Area in 1989, Gornje Podunavlje is a part of the Biosphere Reserves "Drava-Mura" and a Ramsar wetland. Designated as a Special Nature Reserve in 2001, it plays a role in conserving and enhancing natural resources. Spanning 3 countries—Serbia, Croatia, and Hungary—Gornje Podunavlje covers 20,000 hectares along the left Danube bank, bordering Hungary's Bogojevo. The reserve, composed of Monoštor and Apatin marshes, Štrpce, Kozara, and Karapandža areas, features diverse biotopes, predominantly marshy floodplains.
Its ecosystems support a variety of flora and fauna, including deer and rare plant species such as Hippuris vulgaris and Hottonia palustris. With 51 plant communities and over 1,000 plant species, Gornje Podunavlje hosts 55 fish species, 11 amphibians, 230 bird species, 51 mammals, and over 60 butterfly species. Notable inhabitants include the endangered white-tailed eagle, with one-third nesting in the reserve, and the Black Stork, representing a quarter of Serbia's population. Remarkably, the area witnessed the re-colonization of species such as the Great Cormorant, previously extinct in Serbia. The reserve tends to be visited not just for its biological diversity but also for its oak forests, providing habitats for numerous animal species.[8]
Concerning West Backa's weather, during the months of May and September, people can experience weather with average temperatures ranging between 20°C and 26°C. Summer in Sombor, the hottest season, spans from June through September. August is the warmest month, reaching an average maximum temperature of 30°C. In contrast, January is the coldest month, with an average maximum temperature of 5°C. June tends to be the wettest month, recording 74 millimeters of rainfall, while January is the driest month, with precipitation levels at 42 millimeters.[6]
Backa region represents a larger historical area that can be divided into several districts, including the West Backa District. Backa lies within the Pannonian Plain, bordered by the Danube to the west and south and the Tisza to the east. It sits astride Serbia and Hungary, with most of it being part of Vojvodina. Historically, Backa has seen various rulers, including Dacians, Celts, Sarmatians, and Gepids. It has been part of several empires and kingdoms, including Hungary, Serbia, and Yugoslavia. Inhabited since Neolithic times, Backa saw migrations of Indo-European peoples in waves from 4200 BC onwards. Today, it forms a part of independent Serbia, with a smaller northern segment incorporated into Hungary in 1921.[1]
In the 9th century, the West Backa area was ruled by Salan, a Bulgarian-Slavic duke. From the 11th to the 16th century, during the Kingdom of Hungary's medieval administration, it was split among Bodrogiensis, Bacsensis, and Csongradiensis Counties. Later, from 1526 to 1527, it fell under the independent Serb ruler, Emperor Jovan Nenad, and during Ottoman rule, it was part of the Sanjak of Segedin. Under Habsburg's authority in the 18th century, it was divided among Batsch, Bodrog, and the Military Frontier, later merging into Batsch-Bodrog County. During the Yugoslav administration, West Backa became part of Novi Sad County. However, since 1944, it has been part of autonomous Yugoslav Vojvodina, becoming part of Serbia in 1945, with the current districts established in 1992.[2]
The city of Sombor, serving as the district's capital, has a history dating back to 1340, when it was first mentioned. Initially administered by the Kingdom of Hungary, it later came under Ottoman rule in the 16th century, leading to an influx of ethnic Serbs due to the departure of the Hungarian population. During Ottoman rule, it was referred to as "Sonbor" and became a kaza center. In 1687, the city came under Habsburg administration and was included in the Military Frontier. Despite Ottoman attempts to recapture it, the town remained under Habsburg control. Over the years, Sombor saw the establishment of schools and gained royal-free city status. Its population, mainly comprising Serbs, grew steadily. In 1918, it became part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, later Yugoslavia. During World War II, it was occupied by Axis powers but liberated by Yugoslav Partisans and the Soviet Red Army. Since then, Sombor has been part of Vojvodina and Serbia, known globally as the birthplace of NBA champion Nikola Jokic.[3]
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