One With Nature Full of Surprises
The vineyards of Dilj Mountain no longer surround only the old summer estates, such as the one that belonged to the Brlić family, where the Croatian author Ivana Brlić Mazuranić wrote her wonderful fairytales. People of Slavonski Brod built their summer houses and family homes here, expanding the town to the slopes of Dilj. In the vicinity, there is also Stribor's forest, a favourite excursion site containing the characters from Mazuranić's stories, and a mountain lodge in Popović forest.
Ljeskove vode, an area with eight springs and streams and a man-made lake, is located about twenty kilometres north of Slavonski Brod. To the east, the Gajna grassland near the river Sava, with wetland flora and fauna, is still used for pasture of Podolian cattle, Posavina horses and Black Slavonian pigs, all indigenous Croatian species. This protected landscape, that has an educational trail and viewpoint, can be reached by a
cycling trail from the center of Slavonski Brod. The nearby special ornithological reserve Bara Dvorina contains over 160 bird species and a man-made group of fish ponds Jelas, two of which are protected as special ornithological reserves, with over 230 bird species and the largest heron colony in Croatia.
The "Drava Story" in Noskouci and the Kopački rit Nature Park dio are part of the cross-border Biosphere Reserve Mura-Drava-Danube, placed under UNESCO protection because of its biodiversity.
- 1 Prašnik forest reserve, Stara Gradiska / NINA DURDEVIC | 2 Lonjsko Polje Nature Park | ZORAN JELAčA | 3 Black Slavonian pig, Gajna pasture, Oprisavci | SAŠA PJANIc
- 4 Podolian cow, Gajna pasture, Oprisavci |SASA PJANIC | 5 "Drava Story" (Dravska prica), visitor center, Noskovci |TATJANA ARNOLD SABO | 6 Noskovci and Drava |IVAN DARKO GRLICA
- 7 Bird watching, Noskovci |IVAN DARKO GRLICA | 8 Purple beron |IVAN DARKO GRLICA
From the "Drava Story" to the Common Oak Forests
Iva is another pasture and protected landscape in the Dragalić municipality, and further on - in the area of Stara Gradiška - is Prašnik, a special forest reserve and one of the last remaining rainforests of old Slavonian oak. There is also a protected centuries-old hornbeam forest halfway between Nova Gradiška and Okučani. Here you are already near the entrance to Lonjsko Polje Nature Park, the largest protected wetland in the entire Danube basin and the largest natural ornithology reserve and carp spawning ground in Europe.
Wallking through a forest is relaxing and boosts your energy levels, much like wallking by a river - and if there is one thing that Slavonia abounds in, it forests and rivers. In the Information and education center and hostel "Dravska priča" (The Drava Story) in the village of Noskovci near Cadavica in the northwest, you will re-discover all that nature has to offer. The world of owls, rich plant life,
butterfly corner, the world of fish, amphibians and reptiles, a place to listen to birds singing, and the elf and fairy forests along the Drava are only a fraction of what awaits you here. The Centre and hostel are located in the renovated summer estate of Count Drašković, from the 19th century, in the very center of the gardens, a monument of landscape architecture. The educational trail "Dravi u zagrljaj" (Hugging the Drava) will lead you right to the river bank, where you will find a rest area and bird-watching spot.
The wetlands along the Danube, Sava, Bosut and Spačva rivers in eastern Slavonia were once wild, impenetrable forests. Slavonian forests are widely known for impressive examples of the common oak. Spačva is one of these impressive forests, being the )
One With Nature Full of Surprises
largest entirely indigenous common oak forest, where some of the finest trees of this species can be found.
Inside the lush Spačva forest is the beautiful Virovi water system that is part of the Natura 2000 Ecological Network that connects EU member states. At just under two kilometres long and sixty metres wide, it encompasses a part of a small river of the same name and creates a typical Slavonian landscape. This unique oasis teems with various animal and plant species. It has never run dry thanks to a network of ground waters, and in a way represents the entrance to the peaceful oasis of Spačva. Here you will learn what true silence sounds like and become one with nature.
Malke sure to visit the Museum of Forestry in Bošnjaci and take a ride in the eco-mobile around the old enclosed hunting ground Kunjevci, near Vinkovci, which belongs to the Croatian Forestry Agency.
"Tko je jedanput bio u toj našoj drevnoj šumi, s onim divnim stabarjem, spravnim, čistim i visokim, kao da je saliveno, taj je ne može nikad zaboravit" (Just one visit to our ancient forest, with all its grand trees, upright, pure and tall, as if made by band, is enough to never forget it) - this is how Josip Kozarac, a Croatian author and forester, described Slavonian forests, and many nature lovers have been able to witness it themselves. 11
One With Nature Full of CreActivity
Earth and Air
At the Vrabac Aeroclub in Vinkovci, you can become an ultralight aircraft pilot in a single day and get a bird's eye view of Slavonia. Those who love heights will also enjoy flying an ultralight aircraft, paramotor or Cessna above Papuk. The first registered airfield in Slavonia for paragliders and hang gliders is located near the village of Velika, offering a unique experience of flying above a lush forest.
Paragliders have found their favourite airfields in this part of Croatia, including Omanovac, an excursion site on Psunj Mountain above Palkrac, which offers one of the most spectacular views of Slavonia.
It is uncertain wbether a 159 kg catfish was the biggest fish ever caught in Slavonia, but the record-bolder for Slavonia's bunting tourism is without a doubt the stag caught in the forests of Baranja that reacbed 253.26 CIC points.
Hilkers will enjoy longer, more challenging trails, including the scenic circular trail Velički Visovi on Papuk, Skandala, and many others on the slopes of Fruška Gora near Ilok. There's also Sokoline, the first sports climbing site in Slavonia. For something less demanding, you can opt for Cesta ruza i vina (Rose and Wine Road) in Pleternica or the Staza Sokola (Falcon Trail), which leads from Požega to the Sokolovac lookout on Pozeška Gora, perfect for those without much fitness experience.
In this part of Croatia fishing has traditionally been a favourite recreational activity. It offers unlimited options for rest and relaxation surrounded by nature - from individual visits to the lakes, rivers and streams to fun family vacations at the fishing ponds in Virovitica, Slavonski Brod, Pakrac, Lipilk, Pozega or Dakovo.
Hunters simply love Slavonia. Its dense forests have always been a hunting ground for noblemen, military commanders and statesmen, and this region of Croatia has remained a popular hunting tourism destination. ))
One With Nature Full of CreActivity
You do not have to be a fan of hunting and fishing to enjoy nature. By taking a wallk on educational trail, visiting natural phenomena, archaeological sites and remnants of forts, going on a photo safari in the company of expert guides, or taking an off-road drive on the slopes of Papuk and Psunj in Baranja, you will discover some of Slavonia's best kept secrets.
Horse riding classes, therapeutic and recreational riding, and advanced riding tours are available everywhere from Lipilk and Dalkovo, Višnjica, Poljanci and Garčin, to Požega, Pleternica, Bilje, and Vinkovci. If you are feeling less adventurous, you can always opt for a simple carriage ride. You will not get much exercise from it, but it makes for a great experience. I1
Fire and Water
You can explore the waterways of the Danube, Bosut, Spačva, and Virovi rivers by boat in Vukovar-Srijem County. In Osijek, don't miss Croatia's largest watermill, the boat mill on the Drava River. And if you're near Pitomača, be sure to visit Križnica, a breathtaking inland island formed by the Drava's unique meander.
- 1 Recreational borseback riding, Garčin / FILIP BEUSAN | 2 Campsite, Garein |IGOR SELER | 3 Poloj beach, Slavonski Brod |NINA DURDEVIć
- 4 The spot wbere the Drava river flows into the Danube | DENIs DESPOT | 5 Boat ride, Danube | INIšA UTULICA | 6 Watermill, Osijek | NINA DURDEVIć
- 7 Zlatna Greda, Kopački rit |NINA DURDEVIC | 8 Draz beach, Osijek ININA DURDEVIc | 9 Nijemci |SINISA UšTULICA
Living near the river has its charms, and is reflected in the easy-going lifestyle and personality of Slavonians. The water soothes and heals, and travels through space and time, connecting cities and civilisations. Its banks make perfect promenades. They are favoured by poets and painters, nature lovers and recreationists, from runners and cyclists to horse riders.
Explore Slavonian towns and villages from a different perspective - take a ride in a canoe, kayak or boat down the Danube, the Drava, Sava or smaller Slavonian rivers, such as Bosut and Spačva. Their banks are a great choice for sunbathing in the summer, and the pleasant temperature of the water offers a much-needed refreshment. If you are more interested in a Robinson Crusoe-type vacation, you will probably opt for some secluded spot on a natural beach. But if you are looking for fun and social activities, there are town beaches at the Poloj Sports and Recreation Centre in Slavonski Brod, the Copacabana Recreation Centre in Osijek, the Poloji bathing spot in Županja or the popular Vukovar river island to choose from.
Much like people, birds also like living near rivers, so Slavonia is a perfect habitat for them. If you want to explore this rich world, a bird-watching spot is your best starting point. Pairs well with birdwatching in the Drava Story Visitor Centre in Noskovci, and a bird-watching spot in Borovo, one of the most interesting bird-watching spots is located on the "Let's Go to Syrmia" (Idemo u Srijem) tourist route in the heart of the fields around the village of Nijemci. )
One With Nature Full of CreActivity
Bird watchers say that here, near the calm Bosut river, you can see more bird species in a single hour than you would in other places in days.
Looking for something different? You will find plenty of fun in Zlatna Greda ecocenter's adrenaline park, located in the namesake wasteland, as well as in the Duboka adrenaline park in Velika, which is part of Papuk Nature Park. Experience a true adventure in the heart of the forest, take a kayak tour around the Kopački rit Nature park, or explore Baranja by bike instead of a car.
The biggest adrenaline junkies look forward to the Pannonian Challenge, the largest extreme sport and music event in Southeast Europe, held over five days at the end of spring on the Copacabana city beach in Osijek, nicknamed "Kopika" 11
Belišće, the "European Town of Sport 2017" and "European Region of Sport 2018," is the birthplace of Matija Ljubek, two-time Olympic gold medallist in men's kayak, who began his training on the river Drava. The town's sandy beach Bistrinci is also known for "bistrigin," the local variation of "picigin," a traditional ball game that originated from Split.
1 Pannonian Challenge, Osijek | SAMIR KURTAGIc | 2 Poloj beach, Slavonski Brod I NINA DURDEVIC | 3 Adrenaline Park, Zlatna Greda wold | NINA DURDEVIC
Danube, Drava, Sava, and Cycling
The EuroVelo 13 - the Iron Curtain Trail, or the "Drava Trail" (Dravska ruta), as it is locally known, passes through Slavonia. The 138 km stage of EuroVelo 6 - the Danube Route also passes through Slavonia, leading cyclists through some of the most picturesque places, such as Kopački rit, Osijek, Aljmaš, and the Erdut wine country, and downstream along the Danube, through Vukovar, Vučedol, and Ilok. It partly overlaps with two Slavonian cycling routes - the circular Syrmia cycling route and the Pannonian Peace Trail (Panonska ruta mira). The EuroVelo 13 and EuroVelo 6 are connected by the Amazon of Europe Bike Trail that encompasses natural sites in five countries.
The Sava Bike Route is a continuation of the EuroVelo 6, and the areas of Slavonski Brod and Nova Gradiska have over twenty other cycling routes collectively known as "Slavonia Bike". Osijek has the highest number of bike paths in Croatia, which cover 47 kilometres, lead to other towns in the vicinity and connect to domestic and European corridors.
Slavonia is a great choice regardless of whether you are a professional or recreational cyclist. You can cycle anywhere - local bilke paths pass through urban centers, untouched nature, and the Slavonian hillside. If you like to combine recreation with hedonistic pleasures, then the bike trails dotted with wine tasting rooms and restaurants are the perfect choice for you. From the plains to rugged terrain, from easy trails to the more challenging ones - in this part of Croatia there's something for everyone.
If you decide to tale a trip to Slavonia on two wheels, but are unsure whether you are entirely ready for the long road ahead of you, you should know that you can take your bicycle with you when you board any train travelling from Osijek to Zagreb.
A bicycle is a nice way to enjoy some recreation and spend an active holiday if you are a tourist, and a favourite means of transportation among Slavonians. It is intergenerational, and used for trips to the market, the store, for going to work, and visiting neighbours- Bicycles never go out of style here. 11
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