Mountaineers, runners, and cyclists eager to explore the wild and untamed nature of Slavonia and Baranja can enjoy a variety of activities throughout the year. We recommend starting your adventure in Osijek, the city with the most bicycle paths in Croatia. In just half an hour, you can bike from the city centre to Kopački rit nature park, one of the last untouched wetlands in Europe.

Horse riding, kayaking, and bird watching are some activities offered in this green oasis. Bike enthusiasts can explore the Danube forests in Zlatna Greda or climb the Danube embankment that leads to the wine-growing Ban’s Hill (Cro. Bansko brdo). Gators and Vineyards, Wildlife Trails, Belje vineyards, or Baranja’s Surduks are just some new cycling routes that can be found at: https://visitslavoniabaranja.com/outdoors/bike/.

Ban's Hill, also known as "The Mountain" by locals, is a small but beautiful area featuring hundreds of hectares of vineyards, forests, and fields of poppy, wheat, and rapeseed. Despite its modest height of only two hundred meters, it offers fantastic views and attracts many cyclists and hikers with its steep roads known as "surduks."

The area has four officially registered hiking trails as part of the Baranja Mountaineering Path, and six tourist paths that form a circular route starting from popular tourist spots like Karanac, Zmajevac, and Batina. Other paths include Path of Našice’s Counts, Đakovo’s Long Run, Stroll Around Osijek, and Erdut’s Green Circle, all of which can be found here: www.visitslavoniabaranja.com/outdoors/trails/.

The wine peninsula of Erdut has a mountain that is even lower than Ban's Hill in Baranja. The eco-educational path "Porić" is located in the forest along the Danube, between Aljmaš and Erdut, and has a total length of 12 kilometres. In terms of cultural heritage, this is an intriguing walk along the Danube River that begins at the Aljmaš Marian Shrine and extends to the medieval Erdut Tower. You can sample the local wines and river specialties from the Danube and fully experience the region with all your senses.

If you’re sceptical about 200 metres high mountains, we have a bigger challenge for you – the magical, serene, and preserved forest of Krndija. Choose the Našice Geological Trail route for a unique experience of natural and social history. The 20-kilometer-long circular route starting and ending in Seona will take you 400 million years into the past. On the southern slopes of Krndija, towards Đakovo, is the artificial lake Borovik, a perfect destination for excursions and recreation, harmoniously integrated into the hilly landscape.

Borovik is one of the most attractive fishing and camping locations in all of Slavonia. On top of that, it hosts numerous outdoor events. Next to the lake, there is a restaurant and a camp resort. Nearby is a Mountain House, located on the Slavonian Mountain Trail, the oldest mountain trail in Croatia. To sum it up, head to the east of Croatia and experience a perfect combination of health, nature, and recreation!

Mini dictionary

surduk – a steep path that cuts through a hill or a mountain

limes – a path between who fields; a border

Funfact

Although Ban’s Hill does not surpass 200 metres at its highest point, the locals call it The Mountain.

Written by: Mislav Matišić / Luka Jakopčić