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title: "Futoški Park and Spa Complexes in Novi Sad" category: "Tourist Tips" category_display: "Tourist Tips" date: "2026-08-07" description: "A popular science article and academic overview on Futoški Park and its spa potential in Novi Sad."
Futoški Park and Spa Complexes in Novi Sad
Category: Tourist Tips for Visitors
Novi Sad, a city rich in history and culture, often prides itself on its green oases that offer refuge from the urban hustle and bustle, and bear witness to the layered complexity of its urban development. Among them, Futoški Park holds a special place, not only as an example of refined landscape design but also as an area boasting a unique natural resource – thermal springs. This article will guide you through the history, beauty, and hidden potentials of Futoški Park and the spa complexes in Novi Sad, offering practical tips for an unforgettable visit.
Introduction: The City's Green Lung and Geothermal Treasure
Located on the western edge of Novi Sad, Futoški Park stands as one of the city's largest and most beautiful green spaces. For over a century, this park has served as a beloved spot for recreation, relaxation, and enjoying nature, but its story runs much deeper, encompassing ambitious plans for the development of spa tourism. Although the concept of "spa complexes" in the traditional sense did not fully materialize within the park itself, the presence of thermal springs in its immediate vicinity has lent this area particular significance and a distinct role in the city's history and urban planning.
History of Futoški Park: From Noble Estate to Urban Oasis
The history of Futoški Park is inextricably linked to the esteemed noble family Kotek de Vateloo. The estate, where the park stands today, was their property, and in 1845, Count Rudolf Kotek de Vateloo erected the imposing castle that still dominates the park complex. The park was originally designed as a private garden adjacent to the castle, following the style of English landscape parks, characterized by a free arrangement of green spaces, winding paths, and rich dendroflora.
A turning point in the park's history occurred in 1905 when the Municipality of Novi Sad purchased the estate from the Counts Kotek. The city authorities' visionary move was to transform the private estate into a public city park, accessible to all citizens. After extensive landscaping and beautification efforts, Futoški Park was officially opened to the public in 1908, quickly becoming one of the most beloved excursion spots and recreational areas for Novi Sad residents. Since then, the park has been nurtured and developed, preserving its authentic landscape character and rich plant life, which includes numerous indigenous and exotic species of trees and shrubs 1.
Thermal Springs and Novi Sad's Spa Potential
The history of spa tourism in Novi Sad is an intriguing tale of untapped potential. A pivotal moment occurred in 1909, just a year after the park's public opening. During drilling for the city's water supply in the immediate vicinity of Futoški Park, sources of thermomineral water were discovered. Analyses showed the water temperature to be between 25°C and 30°C, rich in sodium, chlorides, iodides, and bromides, indicating its significant balneological potential. Even then, plans existed to build a modern spa complex that would position Novi Sad on the map of European spa destinations 2.
However, the political and economic circumstances of the early 20th century, including two world wars, hindered the realization of these grandiose plans. Nevertheless, the thermal water from borehole N-2, located on the very edge of the park, did not remain unused. Over the decades, this water has been employed to heat certain city buildings, and its most significant application has been in the public swimming pools of the SPENS sports and business center, situated in the part of the city known as Liman 4. While SPENS is not a classical "spa complex" in the traditional sense, its pools are filled with thermal water, offering visitors the opportunity for recreation and relaxation with the benefits of mineral water. This represents the closest realization of Futoški Park's spa potential in a contemporary context, providing an opportunity for therapeutic swimming and rest.
Although Futoški Park possesses thermal springs, there is no classical spa complex with open or closed thermal pools for tourists within the park itself. The thermal water is used to fill the pools at SPENS, which is located approximately a 15-20 minute walk from the park.
What to Visit in Futoški Park Today?
Today, Futoški Park is primarily an oasis of peace and greenery, an ideal place to escape the urban hustle. Here's what you can expect during your visit:
- Kotek Castle: Although not open for tourist visits in the classical sense (it houses an Agricultural School with a student dormitory), the castle stands as an impressive architectural monument and the central focal point of the park. Its Neo-Renaissance facade and surroundings bear witness to the former splendor of the noble estate 3.
- Landscape Architecture: Enjoy a stroll along the winding paths through the richly designed landscape. The park is home to over 100 species of trees and shrubs, including rare specimens. Particularly impressive are the old oaks, linden trees, and plane trees, which provide pleasant shade.
- Outdoor Activities: Futoški Park is a popular spot for recreation. Joggers and walkers enjoy the well-maintained paths, while parents with children often visit the playgrounds. It's an ideal place for a picnic, reading a book, or simply relaxing on a bench.
- Tranquility and Nature: Despite its size and popularity, the park successfully maintains a sense of peace and quiet. The expansive green areas offer a feeling of spaciousness and allow visitors to connect with nature.
Practical Tips for Visitors
- Location and Access: Futoški Park is situated in the western part of Novi Sad, easily accessible from the city center. You can reach it on foot (approximately 20-30 minutes from Freedom Square), by city buses (lines 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11A, 11B have stops nearby), or by car (a limited number of parking spaces are available in the surrounding streets).
- Best Time to Visit: The park is beautiful throughout the year. Spring brings the awakening of nature and blossoms, summer offers refreshment under the tree canopies, autumn captivates with a rich palette of leaf colors, while winter, with snow, transforms the park into a fairytale scene.
- Duration of Visit: For a thorough walk and exploration of the park, plan at least 1-2 hours. If you wish to relax, read, or picnic, you can easily spend an entire afternoon.
- Combined Visit: Consider combining your visit to Futoški Park with a swim in the thermal pools at SPENS, which will provide you with a full day of relaxation and recreation.
- Dining: There are no restaurants within the park itself, but cafes and bakeries are located in its immediate vicinity where you can purchase refreshments or a light meal.
Plan your visit to Futoški Park during weekday mornings if you wish to avoid crowds and enjoy a more tranquil atmosphere. On weekends and in late afternoons, the park is typically livelier.
Conclusion
Futoški Park is far more than just a green space. It is a living monument to Novi Sad's history, a testament to noble visions and urban plans, and an enduring inspiration for all nature lovers. Its connection to thermal springs adds another layer of fascination, reminding us of untapped potentials and the longevity of natural resources. By visiting Futoški Park, you will not only enjoy a beautiful landscape but also step into the rich narrative of one of Vojvodina's most enchanting corners.
References
- Belić, Borislava. Novi Sad, City Parks and Green Spaces Through History. Novi Sad: Institute for Nature Protection of Serbia, 2012.
- Stajić, Vasa. Novi Sad – City Chronicle (1748-1941). Novi Sad: Matica srpska, 1966.
- Marković, Ljiljana. Architectural Heritage of Novi Sad in the 19th and Early 20th Century. Novi Sad: City Library, 2008.
Footnotes
Belić, Borislava. Novi Sad, City Parks and Green Spaces Through History. Novi Sad: Institute for Nature Protection of Serbia, 2012. This monograph meticulously details the development of urban greenery in Novi Sad, with a special focus on Futoški Park, its dendroflora, and landscape design.
↩Stajić, Vasa. Novi Sad – City Chronicle (1748-1941). Novi Sad: Matica srpska, 1966. In his seminal work, Vasa Stajić thoroughly describes the period of thermal spring discovery in Novi Sad and the initial plans for spa tourism development, providing insight into the enthusiasm and visions of that era.
↩Marković, Ljiljana. Architectural Heritage of Novi Sad in the 19th and Early 20th Century. Novi Sad: City Library, 2008. The study includes an analysis of Kotek Castle as part of the city's architectural heritage, contextualizing its significance within Futoški Park.
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