PHOTOS: Some of the best-kept secrets in Nova Gradiška and Cernik
- by croatiaweek
- in Travel
Leave the road, take the trails – this is the slogan of Nova Gradiška and nearby Cernik in eastern Croatia, which are now presenting themselves as a united tourist destination.
The town and the municipality at the foot of Mount Psunj aim to jointly promote their key attractions on the dynamic tourism market, offering an ideal blend of urban and rural experiences in the heart of Slavonia.
“The new slogan invites guests to step outside the ordinary and explore lesser-known yet highly inspiring parts of our shared destination.
Here, you’ll find peace, connect with nature, and discover a rich cultural heritage. From the baroque centre of Nova Gradiška to the Franciscan Monastery with the Church of St Peter the Apostle and the Kulmer Marković Manor in Cernik, from renowned Slavonian delicacies to the unique Cernik ćuptet, from walking paths to hiking trails, visitors are often amazed by the beauty of this part of Slavonia, located less than a two-hour drive from Zagreb,” highlighted Dinka Matijević, Director of the Nova Gradiška Tourist Board.
This Slavonian town is geographically and naturally connected to Cernik, an atypical Slavonian municipality at the foot of Psunj. From the town centre, a few minutes’ drive brings you into a rural setting that invites relaxation.
These are the strengths of this destination, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and fans of local food and wine experiences.
“In our promotions and offer development, we focus on our comparative advantages – the rich culinary traditions of Slavonia and excellent wines, particularly Graševina and Cernik Portugizac; attractive events such as ‘Advent in Our Town’ or the ‘Medieval Town of Cernik’; the exceptional baroque architecture of Nova Gradiška’s centre; a wealth of sacred heritage; rural retreats just steps from the town; and the stunning Mount Psunj, Slavonia’s highest peak.
On Psunj, you’ll find the Strmac tourist resort, one of Slavonia’s most beautiful green oases, historically known for health tourism. We plan to restore its former glory through an extensive renovation project,” said Ivan Ivanović, Director of the Cernik Tourist Board.
In recent years, both Nova Gradiška and Cernik have been actively building their tourism story, making the idea of collaboration a natural progression.
New attractions are being created, the offerings are expanding, and locals in both communities are increasingly aware of the potential and value rooted in their preserved traditions.
Initiatives like this, aimed at creating a unified destination and joint promotion, open new opportunities for tourism development in Slavonia and further enrich its offerings. Visit Nova Gradiška and Cernik at your earliest opportunity – you’re sure to enjoy it.