The longest riverside walkway in Croatia being extended

(Photo: Grad Osijek)

Work has begun on a new section of Osijek’s riverside promenade along the Drava, marking another step in the expansion of what is already the longest riverside walkway in Croatia.

Construction started on Friday on the Neptun section, a 442-metre stretch that will extend the city’s promenade further west towards the neighbourhoods of Retfala and eventually Višnjevac.

The project is valued at €8.3 million and is jointly funded by the City of Osijek and Hrvatske vode.

Osijek Mayor Ivan Radić said the project continues a multi-year plan to connect the city more closely with its riverfront. In 2024, the city completed works linking the Upper Town and Lower Town sections of the promenade.

(Photo: Grad Osijek)

“We said then that we would not stop, and today we are confirming that promise. Works are starting on the extension of the promenade towards Retfala, and in the future towards Višnjevac,” Radić said.

The new stretch will include a reinforced riverbank, pedestrian and cycling paths, public lighting and extensive landscaping. Plans also include the planting of 236 trees, nearly 800 shrubs and around 4,800 ornamental plants, creating a greener public space along the Drava.

(Photo: Grad Osijek)

The riverbank in this area was originally constructed in the early 20th century. Its reconstruction is not only part of urban development but also plays an important role in flood protection.

(Photo: Grad Osijek)

Before construction could begin, significant preparatory work was required. Authorities removed approximately 40,000 tonnes of waste from the site, which had accumulated over decades.

(Photo: Grad Osijek)

“This was one of the key prerequisites for starting the project,” Radić explained.

Once completed, the new promenade section will connect the area with the local stadium and other facilities in Retfala, further expanding Osijek’s riverside network, which already stretches more than 10 kilometres.

(Photo: Grad Osijek)

Zoran Đuroković, director general of Hrvatske vode, highlighted the project’s safety aspect.

“We will strengthen and stabilise the city’s riverbanks, which is extremely important given increasingly frequent extreme hydrological conditions. At the same time, Osijek will gain a valuable public riverside space for residents,” he said.

Croatia’s Minister of Environmental Protection and Green Transition Marija Vučković said the project complements earlier investments in water infrastructure and flood protection, while also supporting the broader development of the city.

(Photo: Grad Osijek)

“When people from other places say that Osijek is a good place to live today, it reflects the success of local government and the work being done here,” she noted.

Deputy Prefect of Osijek-Baranja County Goran Ivanović described the project as the continuation of a long-held vision for the city.

“This is the fulfilment of a dream that has lasted for decades. Osijek is developing and opening up to new amenities, which will further attract people and improve quality of life,” Ivanović said.

(Photo: Grad Osijek)

The works are expected to take around two years, forming part of a wider plan to extend the Drava promenade westwards and further integrate the city with its riverfront.