Let Rit see the way
Why you should not bypass Kopački rit and Baranja this spring

As we blow out the first candle on the "new normal" cake, and the world still seems far away, the question must sometimes cross our minds: are there places in Beautiful Ours that are beautiful, ours, but also - the world's? The answer is, of course, yes, without having to think of King's Landing Dubrovnik or the emerald Plitvice. This spring, we are pushing the boundaries and taking you to the east, following the motto of our imaginative hosts - HeadOnEast! In the corner between the Danube and the Drava lies a place that celebrates life with thousands of colors, sounds and tastes. We are in Baranja and Kopački rit.

Whatever the Amazon, let's go to Rit
Many consider this protected area the European Amazon. Skeptics will say "anything" and - be wrong. Here you can truly experience the ambiance of the primeval water world. Nowhere else in Europe do the rivers create an "inner delta", a marvelous tangle of backwaters (called seals in Baranja), marshes and streams where over 2,300 species grow, wander, swim and fly. Aside from the fact that you can experience it already for the price of HRK 10 - the price of a basic ticket to Rit - the biggest attraction is that all these natural treasures are not "over there" in an inaccessible corner, but within reach. While you are leisurely cruising along the White Water Lily Promenade or on a Rite boat, the instagrammable scenes of flora and fauna of Maltena... no, we will not say "jumping out of pâté", because it is a sin in Baranja to think about pâté.

The best place to get hungry
Rather, after visiting Rito, take a look at the equally impressive Baranja cuisine. Whether you head towards Bilje and Osijek, or deeper into Baranje, towards Kneževi Vinogradi, Karanac and Zmajevac, you will not go wrong - you are within reach of dangerously good delicacies. A number of local restaurants think globally and act locally, offering their guests authentic specialties in top quality. Try Baranja kulen, fish and perkelt, abundant meat platters and light salads, while in the dessert course, don't miss "taške" with homemade jam. It is a special experience to enjoy Baranja cuisine in the authentic atmosphere of gators - wine cellars. The "Mother of Wine", as Baranji is often called, will knock you off your feet on that front (of course, not because you will overdo it, but because of the quality of its wines), so we invite you to discover one of the most beautiful wine roads in Croatia and a unique street wine cellars in Zmajevac.

Hedonism of the soul - activism of the body
In Baranja, the activism of the body and the hedonism of the soul merge into a perfect perpetuum mobile. You can't overeat or accumulate excess energy, because magnificent trails open up on all sides (except for Rit, don't miss a walk or pedaling through the fields and vineyards of the famous Mountain). On the other hand, you will not get lost in the wilderness, because in Baranja the atmosphere of home is always close, especially at the addresses of the increasing number of rural households and holiday homes. Thanks to them, the region is an increasingly popular family destination, especially if there is an event in the area. Although not even in 2021. maybe it won't be much, if we add outdoor events in the rest of Slavonia and Baranja to Baranja, we have a very nice season ahead: Baranja Deer & Bike, Osijek Half Marathon, Borovik Trail... In short, push the limits - pack your backpack, put on your "sneakers" and head on to HeadOnEast!
