Municipality of Nijemci: Discover the Bosut, forest and culture

The Bosut, the arboretum and the oak forest

Spačvanska šuma is Croatia’s largest continuous complex of pedunculate oak forest (Quercus robur L.), covering around 40,000 hectares. It makes up most of the forest areas in the Municipality of Nijemci. For a different impression of the landscape, visit Arboretum Park in the centre of Nijemci, on the banks of the Bosut. There, various native plants are arranged in a traditional style. The grounds include a pavilion, benches, a fountain and a pergola; the park is a place to relax, linger and socialise.

The Nijemci Birdwatching Centre extends across several sites in Nijemci. More than 80 bird species can be found in the municipal area. Birdwatching is therefore another theme to consider when planning a stay, alongside the forest and river landscape.

Cycling routes and the route to Sopotac

The “Srijem” cycling route passes through Nijemci and connects to the international Danube Cycle Route, which forms part of EuroVelo 6. The N01 “Poljima crnog zlata” and N02 “Tragom žitarica, uljarica i ptica močvarica” cycling routes both begin and end in Nijemci. Another option is the five-kilometre “Idemo u Srijem” themed tourist trail, which connects the centre of Nijemci with Sopotac. The route has information boards and rest stops with smart benches. The options differ in their routes: the “Srijem” cycling route passes through the village, two other routes start and finish here, and the themed trail leads from the centre to Sopotac.

Churches and local history

The “Luka Natali” Local History Museum is located in the pastoral centre of the Nijemci parish in the village centre. Its exhibition traces local history from the settlement’s origins through the Middle Ages to more recent history and the Homeland War. The museum also includes “Bakina soba”, or “Grandmother’s Room” in English. This ethnographic room is traditionally furnished and displays details of everyday life in the past.

On the banks of the Bosut, the parish church of Saint Catherine stands at the prehistoric archaeological site of Gradina. Built in the 14th century, the church is considered a valuable historical and cultural monument. Another church with a distinctive architectural profile is the Church of Saint Luke, also known as Gospa Lučička. It lies three kilometres west of the village of Lipovac and is a single-nave Gothic church. Its features include a polygonal apse and a distinctive wooden bell tower. An arm of the Spačva river called Luka surrounds the entire church grounds for a stretch of about two kilometres.

Horse-riding activities and traditions

HORIS offers carriage rides across the Syrmian plain, as well as horseback rides through the region’s natural and unspoilt landscapes. The facility has a small stable for six horses. If you would like to include this activity in your plans, check the current booking options in advance.

During “Pokladno jahanje”, around 40 riders from nearby villages in the Municipality of Nijemci and from other municipalities in Vukovar-Srijem County ride through the streets in traditional dress, singing and celebrating. The number of participants and the route may vary. The procession offers a glimpse of a regional tradition alongside the area’s landscapes and cycling routes.

Find a holiday apartment to suit your plans

For cycling days, you can choose from several routes with different itineraries. Those interested in birds and the landscape can visit the Birdwatching Centre and Spačvanska šuma. The museum and churches add a historical and cultural dimension.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Apševci, Nijemci, Podgrađe, Vukovar, Municipality of Bošnjaci, Municipality of Nuštar, Municipality of Ilok, Municipality of Vođinci.

To the main travel overview: Vukovar-Srijem.