From castles to poppy fields: 5 Top outings in Slavonia and Podravina
- by croatiaweek
- in Travel
Poppy fields (Photo credit: Matija Turkalj)
From poppy fields to enchanting castles, you’ll return from the Virovitica-Podravina County in Croatia’s east with countless stunning photos and unforgettable experiences.
We’re taking you to the Virovitica-Podravina County, which boasts two UNESCO areas – the Drava River and the Papuk Nature Park. With its charming cities and towns, castles and manors along the captivating Noble Route, this region is an endless source of inspiration for the most beautiful photographs.
Bridges in Virovitica
You won’t be able to resist them. They’re fantastic photo subjects. Five attractive bridges connect modern Virovitica with the splendid Pejačević Castle in its center. They pay homage to times gone by when the city was called the “Little Venice” due to its 16 bridges.
Bridge n Virovitica (Photo credit: Borna Subota)
You won’t know which one is more appealing: the sparkling Mirror Bridge, the Musical Bridge that plays a tune as you cross it, the Portal Bridge, the Gymnasium Bridge, or perhaps the Bridge of Lovers, an unavoidable Virovitica hotspot for capturing newlyweds.
(Photo credit: Matija Rođak)
Janković Castle in Suhopolje
It’s not just about taking great photos there. With 30 comfortable rooms, this place is an ideal choice for accommodation and a break from the urban hustle. This is exactly how you imagined castles when you read stories about Snow White and Cinderella.
Janković Castle in Suhopolje (Photo credit: Matija Turkalj)
Here, you’ll hear another beautiful true love story – that of nobleman Elemir Janković and his chosen one, Ilka, the estate manager’s daughter. The Suhopolje Janković Castle, now a modern Visitor Center with a beautiful garden, is full of hotspots for perfect photos.
Janković Castle in Suhopolje (Photo credit: Matija Turkalj)
Jankovac Forest Park on Papuk
It’s one of the most beautiful mountain valleys in the Papuk Nature Park and it so impressed the nobleman Josip Janković that he moved there. The Jankovac Forest Park got its name from him. You won’t remain indifferent to this idyllic place either.
Jankovac Forest Park (Photo credit: Matija Turkalj)
With two lakes, the impressive Skakavac Waterfall, educational trails, bridges, canoeing, and a rest at the mountain lodge with your favorite drink, it will be a perfect outing with stunning photos for your social media, displaying all shades of green.
(Photo credit: Matija Turkalj)
(Photo credit: Matija Turkalj)
Geo-info Center Voćin
The dinosaur in the multimedia Geo-info Center in Voćin is the most striking exhibit of the modern display that takes you millions of years back in time to the history of the beautiful Papuk, now a Nature Park inviting you to outdoor activities. Choose the best angle, snap a few shots, or even better, if you’re with someone, ask them to take a photo of you with this ancient resident of Slavonia and Podravina. It’s simply irresistible for taking pictures.
(Photo credit: Matija Turkalj)
Poppy Field at Križnica
As you ride a bike, take a tourist train, or maybe drive through Križnica, the mystical Drava Island connected to the mainland by a ferry and a 250-meter suspension bridge, you won’t be able to resist the poppy field stretching on both sides of the road.
Poppy fields in Križnica (Photo credit: Matija Turkalj)
It’s a magical sight that will surely make you stop, instinctively grab your phone, and capture numerous beautiful photos and – of course – a selfie to remember this unexpectedly delightful journey through Slavonia and Podravina.
(Photo credit: Matija Turkalj)
