Not 17 km from the urban center of Osijek, a whole other world awaits.
The oldest Croatian nature park was established here in 1976, covering an area of 25 thousand hectares. Being
the central part of the Danube River flood valley, the Kopački Rit Nature Park is an untouched mosaic
of waterways, forests and meadows. As one of the most important European wetlands, it is distinguished
by its astonishing biodiversity. With more than 2,600 plant species, it is known for its vital role
in the migration of birds, of which more than 300 species have been identified. All this makes it a true little
paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers. One of its trademark residents is the interesting-
sounding white-tailed eagle, protected along with the park’s black storks. Cormorants are a species
particularly numerous, but also quite interesting. The crew of 2,000 eats about a ton of fish every single day.
You’ll find otters and beavers swimming around them, while the forests surrounding the park are mostly inhabited by wild boars and
deer.

Nature and Friends

At the very entrance to the nature park, the reception center serves as the perfect introduction to the park’s story.
Buy your tickets and souvenirs and learn about the park's flora and fauna through a short
interactive exhibition. This is where your green adventure officially begins. After a stroll down
the Bijeli Lopoč educational trail, we highly recommend the Veliki Sakadaš Lake boat tour.
As you set sail, you will be greeted by an expert guide ready to share
all the fun facts. Alternatively, hop on a small boat or into a canoe and get rowing.
The big boat ride lasts 40 minutes, while the small boat and canoe rides depend on the water levels and can take several hours.

For the logical next leg of your green adventure, head to the northern part of the park where you’ll find
the Tikveš Center for Presentation and Education. Now fully renovated and equipped with modern
technology, the center offers a unique insight into life in Baranja as it once was.
In the 19 th century, the building now known as the old, country or hunting estate
was likely built by Archduke Friedrich, Duke of Teschen. In this
rich hunting area, such a building contained residential buildings with
annexes and usually served the rulers. The best
witnesses of this period, that offer an insight into the lives of the family are Isabelle Teschen's photographs. Her love
for photography provided valuable records from the life of her family and guests of the court, the life of peasants, and a
variety of stunning Baranja landscapes.

At the beginning of the 20 th century, the Tikveš complex began to take on its current appearance.
Following the style of manor houses, villas, or hunting lodges typical of country architecture built between the late 19th and mid-20th
centuries, the hunting lodge was constructed as the second key component of the complex. Despite
being adorned with different styles, the two main buildings were connected by corridors into a cohesive whole.

Another building in the complex that stands out is a small historicist chapel from the end of the 19 th century.
The Chapel of the Pope’s Blessing received its name on the third apostolic visit
of Pope John Paul II to Croatia in 2003, when its reconstruction was also finished.

Move Your Body, Clear Your Head

As Kopački Rit has always attracted many scientists and researchers with its diverse flora and fauna,
fauna, in 2003 its bio-ecological station was reconstruced
and today houses four laboratories.

Finally, a visit to Baranja would not be complete without stopping to just breathe, relax and enjoy the clean, untouched nature.
And what better environment than the magical Zlatna Greda Eco Center.
This former administrative building is a must-stop educational and eco-tourism destination.
In addition to a rich offer of Slavonian and Baranja specialties, it provides plenty of activities for young and old. From cycling, riding,
bird and animal watching, a school in nature dedicated to
ecology and sustainable development, to canoeing, rowing, an adrenaline park, team building,
conferences and seminars, space for celebrations - there is something for everyone. All of the above can be organized for groups
of more than 15 people.

So - move your body, clear your head, and live the Baranja lifestyle.

Price List

Regular boat trips at the Kopački Rit Nature Park take off at 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00. Arrive 30 minutes before
departure to collect your admission ticket.

The price of the boat tour is €12.00 per person, €9.00 for children up to 12 years old.
The price of renting a small boat is €20.00 per person/hour, €10.00/hour for children up to 12 years old.

Reservations for a spot on the boat are mandatory and can be made by calling 031 445 445 or via email at
prijemni.centar@pp-kopacki-rit.hr.

A tour of the exhibition at the Presentation and Education Center "Tikveš" costs €9.
for adults and €6 for children.

Working Hours

The working hours of the Kopački Rit Nature Park vary depending on the season:

09:00 - 17:00 - April, May, June, July, August, September, October

08:00 - 16:00 - January, February, March, November, December.

The Tikveš Center for Presentation and Education is open for visitors from
Thursday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Written by: Katarina Anđelković