Papuk Nature Park

Papuk Nature Park is a mountain that rises up in flat Slavonia, more precisely in Virovitica-Podravina County. It was declared a nature park in 1999, and in 2007, due to its valuable geological heritage, it was also declared a geopark. The park's area extends over 336 square kilometres, and Papuk's highest peak is 953 metres high. Papuk is a richly forested area, with 96% forest cover. Beech forests predominate, and certain parts of the park have been developed for tourist use. There is also the Jankovac forest park, in which visitors to the park can walk „the Count's educational trail“. Also notable are the old oak trees, which can be up to 400-500 years old, and which can now be found only in a small part of the park.

Papuk is a place rich in vegetation, but it is not isolated, and visitors can also enjoy hiking, walking, cycling, and pools with thermal water. It is important to note that lighting fires and camping are strictly prohibited, but nearby places such as Orahovica, Kutjevo and the mountain lodge on Papuk offer accommodation and food for visitors.

Other attractions of the park include Rupnica, which is a unique geological area with distinctive, columnar rocks, the Sekulinačke Planine forest of beech and fir, which is under special protection, and Ružica Grad, an old medieval town and fortress near Orahovica.

Papuk hiking and walking trails.

When is the best time to visit Papuk?

You can visit Papuk Nature Park at any time of the year, but the summer months will suit people who enjoy swimming best, since the park has swimming pools in Velika, as well as Lake Orahovica. These are ideal places for swimming and summer refreshment.

For people who are more inclined towards hiking, or walking in the park, it would be good to check the weather forecast beforehand, and to visit on a dry day. The visitor centre is located in Velika, which is also the main entrance to this Nature Park. You can buy tickets at the Visitor Centre, and prices range between 20 and 25 kuna.

What to see in Papuk Nature Park?

Papuk Nature Park contains several areas that have a higher degree of protection than the rest of the park. If you are not sure what to see and how to tour the park, it would be best to ask at the Centre, or to request an expert guide.

Papuk Nature Park is also known for its rich archaeological sites, as well as monuments of historical and cultural heritage. You can tour and view all of this, but it would be better to visit some places accompanied by expert park staff.

Activities in the park

Hiking, walking and cycling are just some of the activities in this park. If you are in good shape, you will certainly enjoy walking one of the numerous hiking trails that criss-cross the park's natural landscape.

During the summer months, the park is an ideal place for people who want to escape the hectic city life and the crowds during the sultry summer days. Here you can escape the heat and the crowds, and enjoy the shade of the forest or cool off in the pools or the lake.

Papuk Nature Park does not have developed ski trails, but winter sports enthusiasts will still enjoy themselves. It is possible to find some places suitable for winter activities (sledding and skiing), or to walk through the snow cover along the nearby snow-covered trails.

Make sure you dress appropriately, and adapt your clothing to the season and weather conditions.

Visit Papuk Nature Park for several days

If you have decided to extend your stay, you have two places to stay overnight at your disposal. The Mališčak restaurant has several rooms available to rent for an overnight stay. The other accommodation within the park itself is the Jankovac Mountain Lodge. This mountain lodge is located in the very heart of the Park, and is open every day. The Jankovac Mountain Lodge has 64 beds available.

Besides offering overnight accommodation, you can also dine at the two aforementioned establishments. Both establishments have their own kitchen, and the offer is truly varied. The kitchens prepare local specialities, especially game dishes or dishes made from fresh trout.