Ever felt like your knowledge of Slavonia is filled with stereotypes? It’s time to change that! Discover the fascinating nature of Papuk, dive into the ancient Pannonian Sea, learn about the healing waters of Lipik, visit the very source of Graševina, or learn how to sing a traditional Bećarac!

Hiking in Voćin

Papuk isn’t just impressive for its elevation — which breaks the “flat Slavonia” myth — but also for its unique geology and natural and cultural heritage. In 2007, it was declared a UNESCO Global Geopark. In Voćin, near the majestic Gothic church, visit the Geo-info Centre (www.geoinfocentar.com) and step into a 6D cinema to experience the era when sharks swam the Pannonian Sea and dinosaurs roamed its shores! Don’t miss nearby Rupnica with its lava stone columns, making it almost like a Slavonian version of the famous Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland.

Swimming in Velika

Think the only wild animals in Slavonia are those that end up in a stew? Think again! In the former sand pit on Papuk’s southern slopes, exotic fish and mammals have been preserved as fossils for millions of years. Explore them in the House of the Pannonian Sea, a visitor centre of Papuk Nature Park in Velika (www.kucapanonskogmora.hr). There, you'll learn all about the Megalodon shark and its ancient rivals — seals and whales. And if these "Slavonian jaws" don't scare you away, you can cool off at the nearby "riviera" in Aquapark Shhhuma (www.shhhuma.com).

Since Papuk’s slopes are always a few degrees cooler than the rest of the Požega Valley, known as the Golden Valley, you can also find natural shade from the summer sun at the Duboka campsite and adrenaline park (www.pp-papuk.hr/kamp-duboka; www.adrenalin-park-duboka.com). If you're up for a bit of light hiking, follow the marked trail from the medieval Velika Fortress or take the gravel road past the quarry to Slavonia’s famous hiking spot — Jankovac Forest Park. Thanks to its clear lakes, travertine barriers, and waterfalls, visitors fondly call it the "Little Plitvice" (www.pp-papuk.hr/park-suma-jankovac).

Glass for the Nevera

As you drive to the Geo-info Centre or the House of the Pannonian Sea in Papuk Nature Park, check your car windshield, it might have been made in Lipik! The fossil-rich Pannonian sand from Papuk is the base material used in the production of high-tech glass for luxury vehicles, including the ultra-popular Croatian electric supercar, the Rimac Nevera.

Riding in Lipik

All roads lead to Rome, but since that’s a bit far, how about bringing a bit of Roman hedonism to Slavonia? That’s exactly what the ancient Iasi tribe, known as “The Healers,” did in the 2^nd century BC when they recognised the healing power of thermal springs on the western slopes of Papuk. Learn the story of Lipik’s thermal waters (up to 62°C!) at the Villa of Good Water visitor centre (www.tz-lipik.hr) and experience the healing powers at Narodne kupke, Lipik’s historical interpretation wellness centre (www.toplice-lipik.hr). Then, as befits your vacation in a historic spa, take a ride through the town in a luxurious Lipizzaner carriage of the Lipik State Stud Farm (www.ergela-lipik.org).

Wine in Kutjevo

Just how popular is Graševina wine? In Slavonia, it practically flows like a river — and if that river had a source, it would certainly be in Kutjevo! In the city center, at Graševina Square, you'll find vines planted and cared for by local winemakers, especially before big wine celebrations like St. Vincent's Day and St. Martin's Day. Visit the Kutjevo Winery and the oldest Croatian wine cellar dating back to 1232, featuring an oak barrel that can hold a staggering 53,520 liters (www.kutjevo.com). Stroll through the park alongside the baroque castle–hotel, and among the many local restaurants, be sure to stop at Vinkomir (www.kutjevo.com/restoran) where you can even get a carriage ride! Don’t miss tasting wines from other dedicated local winemakers gathered in the Kutjevo Winemakers Association (www.kutjevacki-vinari.hr).

Bećarac in Pleternica

If you’re looking to experience a true Slavonian stereotype, look no more! Learn how to be a Slavonac, a Šokac, and a Bećar and compose your own bećarac, a two-line humorous folk song which is part of Croatia’s intangible cultural heritage that has been listed by UNESCO since 2011. Through a wealth of interactive exhibits at the Bećarac Museum in Pleternica (www.becarac.hr), you'll learn all about Slavonian traditions from baptisms, carnivals, and village feasts to weddings and funerals. The museum will teach you how to joyfully sing along with the locals, and you’ll even have a chance to try it on the spot!

Written by: Mislav Pavošević