Did you know that Novi Sad has its own spa?
While most Serbian spas are nestled in mountain landscapes or remote rural areas, one unique urban spa stands quietly in the center of Vojvodina’s capital – Jodna Banja, or Iodine Spa. Located just minutes from the city center, this site combines over a century of tradition with state-of-the-art medical treatments, offering visitors and patients alike a rare blend of architecture, health, and history.
An Architectural Gem from the Austro-Hungarian Era
The elegant building of Jodna Banja, dating back to the early 20th century, is a striking example of Austro-Hungarian architecture. With its grand facade, arched windows, and decorative flourishes, it recalls a time when spa culture was both a health necessity and a social event for Novi Sad’s elite.
Today, this protected cultural monument continues to charm with its vintage elegance, providing a unique space where historical character meets medical science.
A Modern Rheumatology Hospital – Where Science Meets Nature
What makes Jodna Banja truly unique today is that it’s not only a historical bath but also part of the Special Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases Novi Sad – the only specialized rheumatology institution in Vojvodina.
This modern hospital provides diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation for a wide range of rheumatic conditions, supported by cutting-edge medical equipment:
- DEXA scanner for bone density
- Digital X-ray systems
- Diagnostic ultrasound
- Electromyoneurography (EMNG)
With a growing team of rheumatologists and physical medicine experts, the hospital has become a national reference center for the application of biological drugs, which represent the most advanced form of treatment for autoimmune rheumatic diseases.
What sets this hospital apart is its holistic approach, combining modern pharmaceutical therapy with physical treatments, therapeutic exercise, and – crucially – the healing power of its natural mineral waters.
Healing Waters of Iodine and Sulfur
Despite its urban location, Jodna Banja is rich in natural thermal mineral water, containing iodine, sulfur, and a variety of healing minerals. These waters are known for their therapeutic benefits, especially in the treatment of:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Spinal pain syndromes
- Circulatory problems
- Post-traumatic and post-operative rehabilitation
Treatments include medicinal baths, mud applications, inhalations, and hydrotherapy, all under the supervision of experienced medical professionals.
What to See and Do Around Jodna Banja
Thanks to its central location, Jodna Banja offers both therapy and leisure. Nearby, you’ll find:
- Kamenički Park – the oldest and largest green area in Novi Sad, perfect for long walks
- Dunavac – a calm branch of the Danube River with cycling and jogging paths
- Fruška Gora National Park – just 20 minutes away, offering monasteries, hiking trails, and nature escapes
- Petrovaradin Fortress – a historic symbol of Novi Sad
- Downtown Novi Sad – full of cafes, art galleries, museums, and vibrant city life
This location makes it ideal not only for local patients but also for visitors looking to combine health treatments with urban exploration.
Interesting Facts & Why It Matters
- The only rheumatology hospital of its kind in Vojvodina
- A fully urban spa – rare in Serbia
- The building is protected as a cultural heritage site
- The historical pool and spring are being restored
- Combines modern medicine with traditional spa therapy
Jodna Banja serves as a bridge between the past and the present – a place where science, history, and well-being merge in the middle of one of Serbia’s liveliest cities.
Whether you’re seeking medical treatment for rheumatic conditions or just looking to experience a unique historical site in Novi Sad, Jodna Banja is worth discovering. It is a place where healing meets heritage, where natural mineral water flows just meters from urban streets, and where each therapy session connects you to a century-old tradition of wellness.
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