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Step into the enchanting realm of Nature Park Papuk, where every pathway leads to a green and active adventure. This haven of natural beauty beckons you to embrace the great outdoors, offering a myriad of activities that cater to every nature enthusiast. Whether you prefer leisurely walks, exhilarating cycling trails, challenging hikes, adrenaline-pumping adventures in the park, or simply basking in the serene beauty of unspoiled landscapes – Nature Park Papuk has it all. Join us for a refreshing and invigorating holiday, where the vibrant hues of nature paint the perfect backdrop for your next unforgettable escape.
The Papuk and Krndija mountains are part of the Slavonian highlands, located centrally in the flat area of Slavonia. While these mountains aren’t very tall, standing below 1,000 meters, they stand out in the landscape. The surrounding plains are only about 100 meters above sea level, and the mountain slopes are just around 100 meters higher than the plains. These highlands are covered in forests, making them distinct from the flat areas around them and a prominent feature in eastern Croatia’s terrain. The original forests are well-preserved, and the higher areas have valuable Pannonian beech and fir forests.
Within the Nature Park, some areas are given extra protection because of their unique features that make them stand out in the region or even the country. These specially protected areas include the
The Papuk Nature Park includes most of the Papuk Mountain and part of the Krndija Mountains. It is 336 square kilometers in size and is in two counties, Požega-Slavonska and Virovitica-Podravina. The towns in the park are Kaptol, Velika, Brestovac, and Kutjevo in Požega-Slavonia County. In Virovitica-Podravina County are Voćin, Čačinci, and Orahovica.
If you want to visit the Papuk Nature Park, you can use different types of transportation like a car, bus, camper, motorcycle, bicycle, or walking. There are specific entrances to the park, and on the northern side, there are three important ones: Voćin, Slatinski Drenovac, and Orahovica. In Virovitica-Podravska County, brown signs along the Podravska Magistrala guide visitors to these entrances.
On the park’s south side, the main entrance is in Velika. If you’re driving from Zagreb, take the Ivanja Reka-Lipovac highway, exit Nova Gradiška, and then go through Požega to Velika. If you’re coming from Vinkovci, take the highway, exit at Lužani, and then come to Velika via Pleternica.
The water in Papuk is really special and important for the Nature Park. It’s because of the way the land is shaped and the climate here. The top part of Papuk is like a dividing line for two big river areas, the Sava and Drava rivers.
Papuk has a lot of mountain springs and streams. They are are homes to special kinds of fish, frogs, and other water animals. Some plants here, like the borage, thin-leaved toadstool, and yellow iris, are only found in Europe and are important to protect.
In the clear, cold water of the streams, you can find native brown trout and other fish like barbel, pesh, uklia, and paklar. There’s also a kind of crayfish and turtles, along with different types of frogs. Sometimes, otters come to visit the Papuk streams. There are unique birds, too, like the waterfowl that dives and walks underwater to find insects and the mountain shepherd’s foot that lives around the mountain streams.
At the source of Jankovac, a special type of snail called Graziana papukensis was found. It lives in the rocks around the springs and streams of Jankovac and is only found there.
In the Papuk Nature Park, there are 13 different kinds of forests. They are covering almost all of the area because of the varied landscape, rocks, and different climates. Oak and hornbeam forests are the main ones up to 350 meters above the sea. After that, there are beech forests up to 700 meters, and above that, beech and fir forests.
On the warm slopes of Papuk and Krndije, you can find different types of oak forests. The old forests in Papuk are home to important groups of birds that are in danger. About 18% of Croatia’s wood pigeons and 6.6% of European white-necked flycatchers, both endangered, build their nests in the old trees. Some other special mountain birds, like the golden-headed kingfisher, fire-headed kingfisher, grebe, and mountain woodpecker, also live here.
There are big animals like deer, roe deer, wild boar, foxes, and martens in this area. Smaller animals like gray down, squirrels, field voles, common wood mice, and field mice also live in the forests.
The old forests in Papuk are important for rare and endangered things like Lobarie pulmonaria. It is a kind of lichen that has disappeared from many European forests. Coral conifer and Catinella olivacea, rare fungi, are only found in the Jankovac forest park and the special Sekulinačka Planina forest reserve in Papuk.
For those eager to explore Papuk on two wheels, bike rentals are available in Velika by making prior arrangements via email at turizam@pp-papuk.hr. Please note that bike rentals are unavailable during winter months, and availability may depend on weather conditions until March.
Once you’ve rented a bike in Velika, you have the flexibility to return it either to Jankovac or vice versa, but make sure to do so by 7 p.m. Bicycles are designed for adults. When picking up your rental, remember to bring your ID card for the completion of the Rental Agreement by the staff. They will provide you with all the necessary information about the bikes. They will also suggest intriguing routes to make your cycling adventure in Papuk even more enjoyable!
Nature Park Papuk promises an enchanting and green adventure for all nature lovers. Papuk offers an unforgettable escape into the heart of eastern Croatia.
The Papuk and Krndija mountains, create a unique backdrop, and their forests, springs, and streams contribute to the park’s rich biodiversity. Specially protected areas like the Rupnica Geological Nature Monument and Jankovac Forest Park showcase the park’s commitment to conservation.
Transportation to the park is convenient, with various entrances and accessible routes. Additionally, the opportunity to rent bikes on-site adds an extra layer of exploration. It allowis visitors to discover the park’s beauty at their own pace. Whether on foot, bike, or any other mode of transportation, Nature Park Papuk invites you to enjoy its natural wonders. Ready to embark on your green and active adventure in Nature Park Papuk? Plan your visit now. Explore the diverse landscapes, and indulge in the breathtaking beauty of eastern Croatia.
Your CTC Team
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