THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA, commonly known as Serbia, sits on a crossroads between Southeast and Central Europe. The nation is surrounded by Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Croatia, Bosnia, and Montenegro. Ranked high on the Peace Index, Serbia is a military-neutral state and is currently a candidate for joining the EU. 29.1% of the landscape is covered in forest. The capital, Belgrade, is home to great museums, the Sava and Danube rivers, and is famous for its laid-back bohemian restaurants in the old quarter of Skadarlija.

Serbia provides a welcome introduction to the Balkans. Here are 10 unexpected images of the nation.

1. Morning hikes through the Highland

Companionship by rasica on 500px.com

2. Panorama over The Sićevo Gorge, Nišava District

bench panorama by Stefan Spasić Spasa on 500px.com

3. House on the Drina river

On the river... by Maja Stojković on 500px.com

4. Peak Šiljak, Mt Rtanj

Mountain Rtanj, peak Šiljak by Ranko Krneta on 500px.com

5. Springtime in Vojvodina

Beautiful Morning by Goran Vujic on 500px.com

6. Lake view on the rolling plateau of Mt. Zlatibor

Zlatibor panorama by Vladimir Markovic on 500px.com

7. Full moon hanging over Belgrade

Full moon by rasica on 500px.com

8. Hills flanking Mt. Zlatidor

Mt. Zlatibor by Svetlana Peric on 500px.com

9. Sun hiding behind Mt. Rtanj

Layers of Life by Janos Guljas on 500px.com

10. Kalemegdan Fortress, Belgrade

Enjoying the Sunset by Milan Šurbatović on 500px.com