Virovitica-Podravina: Nature, Culture and Special Discoveries

In Virovitica-Podravina, protected natural areas meet castles, fortresses and unusual exhibitions. When planning your trip, you can focus on the experiences that interest you most: lakes and wildlife, history and multimedia interpretation, or routes to explore by bicycle. Those travelling with children will find a range of themes to discover together—from endemic species to medieval castles.

Discover nature—from the park forest to the giant sequoia

Jankovac is a protected park forest with two lakes. It provides a habitat for numerous birds, butterflies and wild animals. If you want to make nature observation the focus of your trip, you will find a different emphasis here from the region’s historical exhibitions and castles. The giant sequoia in Slatina is also noteworthy: it is protected as a natural monument. The EPIcentar Sequoia Slatina interpretation centre provides information about giant sequoias.

Another place to explore nature and learn about it is the Geo info centar in Voćin. Its interactive multimedia exhibitions present the cultural, biological and geological past of Papuk. Topics include information about endemic species of Papuk, as well as volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. The centre connects these themes with exhibitions about everyday life at Ružica grad. When choosing your itinerary, you can weigh up whether you would rather explore natural processes or focus on historical sites.

Castles, fortresses and stories

Dvorac Pejačević stands on a hill in the centre of Virovitica. Six themed bridges connect the castle with the rest of the town. The castle houses the Gradski muzej Virovitica; it was built in the 19th century by the Pejačević family. The permanent exhibition covers two themed areas, is largely interactive and displays more than 1,500 exhibits. It also includes over two hours of multimedia content. For a cultural visit, this offers a wide-ranging mix of objects and media-based content.

Ružica grad, a monumental medieval fortress, rises above Orahovica. If you are interested in the history of the site, you can pair your visit with the Geo info centar in Voćin, where stories about life at Ružica grad are among the exhibition themes. At Dvorac Janković, the visitor centre tells the story of the Janković family and the history of the site since the 18th century. The castle in Suhopolje is surrounded by an 8-hectare park, where you can also enjoy walks and themed stories.

Active adventures and regional cuisine

Križnica can be reached by ferry or via a suspended pedestrian bridge. You can also get there by bicycle along the Dravska ruta and EuroVelo 13. These different options may be important when planning your trip if you want to consider routes and modes of transport carefully. Dravska priča offers education, recreation and relaxation; bicycles and canoes are available to rent there.

At the 200-year-old Pustara Višnjica estate, fertile fields and old apple trees, lime trees and chestnut trees shape the surroundings. The traditional cuisine offered at the estate includes the Okusi Podravine i Slavonije brand. You can explore the grounds on rented bicycles or on horseback; a riding school is recommended for beginners. When choosing a holiday rental or holiday home, you can therefore take different travel interests into account: historical sites, nature, active exploration or regional cuisine. Choose your holiday destination based on which of these experiences matter most to you.

Places and municipalities to discover further

More places and municipalities to explore: Virovitica, Milanovac, Orahovica, Suhopolje, Bukvik, Municipality of Virovitica, Municipality of Slatina and Municipality of Špišić Bukovica. Also: Municipality of Sopje, Municipality of Čačinci, Municipality of Pitomača, Municipality of Čađavica, Municipality of Lukač, Municipality of Orahovica, Municipality of Gradina and Municipality of Voćin.

For the broader travel overview: Croatia.