Written by: Katarina Anđelković

Slavonia and Baranja on the Palm of Your Hand

Slavonia and Baranja, it’s a known thing, is a region brimming with cultural heritage, its landscapes ready to take your breath away, and the wineries, oh, the wineries… To live it all in its full glory, explore the picturesque viewpoints of Batina, Trojnaš, Belje, Erdut, Trnava, Mandićevac, or Goveđa Glava. The blue sky and fields of gold connect them all, but each has its own story to tell.

Victory, also known as Julka

The Monument to the Battle of Batina commemorates the battle that took place in November 1944, where soldiers of the Soviet Red Army and the Yugoslav Partisans fought valiantly against Nazi forces. Designed by the Croatian sculptor Antun Augustinčić in 1946, the monument - named Victory, colloquially known as Julka - is an imposing figure that overlooks the river, serving as a poignant reminder of the region's historical significance. The viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the Danube stretching all the way to Hungary and Serbia, the surrounding forests, and the gentle slopes of the Baranja hills. And if you need a sweet treat, the nearby café-bar Panorama serves ice cream, along with the most delicious homemade cakes and desserts known as Baranjske Slastice.

Trojnaš: the Baranja Trio

Trojnaš is a hidden gem that offers a tranquil escape for nature lovers. Situated in the heart of Baranja, at the intersection of the famous trio - Zmajevac, Batina and Draž - this spot provides sweeping views of the surrounding orchards, vineyards and the vast plains that stretch out towards the horizon in Croatia, Serbia and Hungary. With a kids’ playground and a gazebo on the site, it makes for the perfect pit- or picnic stop..

Sip with a View

The viewpoints at Belje, Erdut, Trnava, Mandićevac and Goveđa Glava are closely tied to some of the oldest and most prestigious wineries in Croatia. The Belje Winery, with its roots dating back to the 17th century, is a cornerstone of the region's winemaking tradition. The vineyard, which stretches along the 8 kilometres of the wine road and across the fertile slopes of the Baranja hills, produces a variety of high-quality wines, including Graševina, Chardonnay, and Merlot. Wine tastings and tours are offered, allowing guests to experience the rich flavours and history of Belje's wines. And for a truly special experience, watch the sun set between the vineyards of Karanac.

Erdut is home to renowned wineries, the Erdut Vineyards being famous for producing one of the largest functioning wine barrels in the world, capable of holding over 75,000 litres of wine. It is at Erdut Vineyards and wineries of Magistra, Brzica as well as the K55 winery, where visitors can enjoy stunning views of the mighty Danube and its ever-meandering backwaters as well as the surrounding vineyards.

Trnava and Mandićevac, two charming villages nestled near Đakovo, are known for their vibrant wine culture. The vineyards here are famous for producing robust red wines, particularly Frankovka and Cabernet Sauvignon. The viewpoints in Trnava and Mandićevac offer some beautiful views of the vineyards and the surrounding countryside with its rolling hills.

Goveđa glava is another scenic hilltop viewpoint, with panoramic views of the vineyards that blanket the landscape below. This spot is particularly popular during the harvest season when the vineyards are lush with ripe grapes, and the air is filled with the scent of fermenting wine. This is a perfect spot for photography, with vistas of the vineyards and the distant hills growing the rich grapes of the famous Enosophia wine label.