Papuk Nature Park
From an island in the Pannonian Sea to a vault of geological history
The forests of Papuk hide rich flora and fauna, its perimeter is home to the remains of medieval towns and its slopes boast picturesque Slavonian villages and vineyards. Papuk holds two titles for good reason — it was declared a nature park in 1999 and a geopark in 2007. It is unique for its remarkably rich geological history and is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful mountains in Slavonia. With magical landscapes and a peak at 953 metres above sea level, it regularly finds its way onto lists of weekend trip ideas. For those who don’t know where Papuk is, it is located in the east of Croatia, in the hilly part of Slavonia, known for its traditional wine and food offer, so it is a good choice if you like to combine an active holiday with some hedonism.
You can start your Papuk adventure at one of the four official entrances — the north entrance from Slatinski Drenovac, the north-west entrance from Voćin, the north-east entrance from Orahovica and the south entrance from Velika.
On the 336 square kilometres of the nature park’s surface area, which, along with most of Papuk, also includes a small part of the Slavonian mountain Krndija, there are several areas of extraordinary beauty with varying protection status that you simply must not miss. You are also certain to be amazed by the modern visitors’ centres, as well as the rich cultural heritage that includes seven sites with remains of medieval forts — from Kamengrad, Stražeman hillfort and Velika hillfort to Pogana hillfort, Stari Grad or Oršulić and the largest Slavonian hillfort, the impressive Ružica hillfort.
Jankovac Forest Park
Jankovac Forest Park is the most beautiful valley in the Slavonian mountains.
Walking in these woods is a great way to relax. The peace and quiet, the dance of light and shadow through the treetops, the smell of leaves and earth... The silence is disturbed only by the chirping of birds and the largest Slavonian waterfall, Skakavac, which falls from a height of 35 metres to the Kovačica stream. Jankovac Forest Park is a small paradise on Earth. Here, in a magical valley high up in the hills, there are several clear streams surrounded by flowering meadows and dense beech forests. The area is a good choice for walks, mountain cycling or a picnic in good company.
The Voćin nobleman Josip Janković relocated to this unique mountain valley on the northern side of Papuk in the 19th century, dazzled by the beauty of its beech forests.
He developed trails, built bridges, created two artificial lakes... Today's famous Jankovac Papuk excursion site is his life’s work.
The circular 2.5-kilometre-long Count's Trail passes through the most beautiful parts of the protected forest park and features information boards, idyllic wooden bridges and stairs. By following it, you will see the lakes, the Skakavac waterfall and Maksim's Cave. The trail starts at the Jankovac mountain lodge that has an accommodation capacity of seventy people.
Geological site of Rupnica
Take a short educational trail and visit the first geological natural monument in Croatia that brought Papuk the title of a UNESCO Global Geopark. The stair-like rocks formed at the site of Rupnica, appearing as if they were man-made, are actually made of petrified lava from a volcano active a hundred million years ago, which is a rare phenomenon in this part of Europe.
Geoinformation Centre in Voćin
At the Geoinformation Centre in Voćin, you will travel millions of years back in time. You will feel the cold of the mountain underground, get to know the geological history of Papuk, learn about prehistoric animals and discover the rich Hallstatt culture from a time when this area was ruled by warrior aristocracy. This unusual multimedia journey appealing to all generations begins with becoming friends with the cute animated ammonite Toni in the 6D cinema.
House of the Pannonian Sea in Velika
The opportunity to play with sea sand on the interactive floor for the children, make your way through a labyrinth by answering quiz questions and take a selfie with a sculpture of a rhinoceros or one of a shark are all excellent reasons to visit this educational multimedia visitors’ centre. Here you will learn that Papuk was once an island in the Pannonian Sea and that prehistoric elephants and rhinoceroses lived on it 16 million years ago, while whales and sharks swam around it.
What is there to do in Papuk Nature Park?
Lovers of active holidays are sure to be in their element on Papuk. There are numerous marked trails for mountain cycling and trekking.
Hikers will enjoy more than 200 kilometres of marked hiking trails, free climbers will have a great time on the climbing sites near Orahovica and Velika as well as at Sokolina, and canoeing on the quiet lower lake at the Jankovac picnic site is an experience for the whole family. For some great fun, make sure to visit Duboka Adrenaline Park in Velika and its two polygons among the treetops. The one with 12 elements is for more experienced visitors, while the easier one with nine elements can easily be tackled by children, as well.
In Velika, at the entrance to Papuk NP, there is also Shhhuma Aquapark, which is ideal for a family trip. In the summer months, you can also swim in the lake at Orahovica. This popular Slavonian swimming spot, along with the nearby Hercegovac Lake and the largest Slavonian medieval hillfort, Ružica, comprises the new Tourist and Recreation Centre.
What do you need to know before visiting Papuk Nature Park?
Depending on your preferences, you can visit Papuk Nature Park 365 days a year. Since in some areas there is no cell phone service, it is good to always have a map of the park with you, which you can buy in all souvenir shops at the official entrances and in Jankovac Forest Park. The price list for tickets, services, souvenirs and activities in Papuk Nature Park can be found on its official website.
Accommodation and restaurants on Papuk and its surroundings
Wine connoisseurs and premium wine lovers already know that on the slopes of Papuk and Krndija, there are series of vineyards with ambient wineries in which top-quality wines are made.
Particularly prominent among them is graševina, the most widespread and sought after variety. Its capital is Kutjevo, a small town located, along with the municipalities of Kaptol, Velika and Brestovac, on Papuk’s southern slopes, while its northern slopes are home to the municipalities of Voćin and Čačinci as well as the town of Orahovica. In addition to wine tasting rooms, there are several good restaurants with delicious traditional dishes.
We recommend taking a few days to explore Papuk and its surroundings. Stay at Duboka Camping Resort in Velika or in some of the many apartments, holiday homes and tourist farms and enjoy the widely known Slavonian hospitality, authentic experiences and the tastes of Slavonia.
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