New tourism project “Lake – Hercegovac – Ružica grad” in Orahovica presented  

Lake Orahovica (Photo credit: Hrvoje Jurić/TZ VPŽ)

Croatia’s eastern Virovitica-Podravina County offers the Noble and Green routes, the Route of Spiritual Experience, and boasts two UNESCO sites – the Drava River and the Papuk Nature Park. 

It is an ideal choice for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The tourism highlights of this Croatian region, including the ongoing largest project, the development of the Tourist-Recreational Center “Lake – Hercegovac – Ružica grad” in Orahovica, were presented at the Vinoteka Business Cluba 5 in Zagreb, one of the largest domestic tourism markets.

This extensive project includes the improvement and expansion of facilities on two lakes in Orahovica and access to Ružica grad, an impressive medieval fortress. 

The well-known Slavonian excursion and bathing spot, Lake Orahovica, will, upon project completion, not only feature the existing 14 bungalows but will also include sports fields and the Multimedia Educational Center Orahovica – Nature School with 52 beds in 22 accommodation units.

Bungalows on the lake (Photo: TZ Virovitičko-podravska županija)

Zip-line over the lake 

Zip-lining across the lake, adventurers won’t miss the adrenaline park on the shore of Lake Hercegovac, a few hundred meters away, where they can experience zip-lining. From spring onwards, an electric tourist train will run to the Orahovica lakes, and outdoor activity enthusiasts can enjoy biking or walking along the Papuk trails to Ružica grad.

The development project for the new Tourist-Recreational Center in Orahovica, the smallest town in this county located in the Papuk Nature Park, is valued at 10.8 million euros. Its significance is acknowledged by the European Union, which co-financed it with over nine million euros from the European Regional Development Fund under the Operational Program “Competitiveness and Cohesion” 2014-2020.

Josip Mikolčić (Photo credit: Anto Magzan)

“Along the Drava with Križnica, our mystical island, is a perfect choice for environmentally conscious tourists who enjoy recreation and active leisure. They can opt for a holiday in Krndija or Papuk with unique green landscapes such as the Jankovac Forest Park, the geological monument Rupnica, the peaceful, green Voćin with a modern Geo-info center, and the unique Voćin church that attracts pilgrims. In the central lowland area of our destination, there are cities and places with an attractive noble story, while the Bilogora and Podravina areas, with cultural specificities, offer a top-notch wine and gastronomy experience, active leisure, relaxation, and chilling.

Lake Orahovica (Photo credit: Hrvoje Jurić/TZ VPŽ)

Our destination is unexpectedly close, just a two-hour drive from Zagreb; here, you’ll experience the local dialect, treat yourself to excellent wines from the Virovitica and Orahovac-Slatina vineyards, and enjoy a relaxing vacation. The new Tourist-Recreational Center in Orahovica is another strong asset for Slavonia and Podravina,” described Josip Mikolčić from the Virovitica-Podravina County Tourist Board during the presentation in Zagreb.