Why Papuk is a great choice for a different kind of Croatian summer holiday

Peace and tranquility, relaxation in the thick shade of the forest, bathing in an aqua park, adrenaline challenges, and the world of Graševina wines… are there any more beautiful invitations to visit the Požega-Slavonia County?

It’s adored by hikers, cyclists, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking an active holiday surrounded by untouched beauty. This green oasis in the heart of Slavonia is one of the five mountains in Požega-Slavonia County and a highly recommended destination for those longing for a summer vacation far from the crowds.

(Photo credit: Borna Subota/TZ Požeško-slavonske županije)

The Nature Park and UNESCO Geopark Papuk rightfully bear the title of the most beautiful mountain in Slavonia, and let’s discover why it is one of its strongest assets.

For an Active Summer

From the peaks of Papuk, one can behold breathtaking views, as hikers, mountain bikers, and free climbers know. You don’t need to be in top form to explore the forest paths and discover the remnants of magnificent medieval castles and its rich plant and animal life at the edge of Papuk.

Adrenaline Park Duboka (Photo credit: Borna Subota/TZ Požeško-slavonske županije)

The best way to start your Papuk adventure is from Velika, the official entrance to the Nature Park. There, you will find the Adrenaline Park Duboka with two treetop courses. The one with 12 elements is for the more experienced, while the lower one with nine elements is perfect for kids.

Adrenaline Park Duboka (Photo credit: Borna Subota/TZ Požeško-slavonske županije)

Bathing in a Forest Setting

In Velika, you’ll also find the modern Aquapark Shhhuma, another attraction for all those who equate summer with swimming. Embraced by Papuk, this aquapark spans over 17,000 square meters and offers six pools, including an Olympic-sized one, a water mushroom, slides, a slow river with a water bar, a children’s water tower, and a splash pad… So, if you’re heading to Papuk, don’t forget your swimwear.

Aquapark Shhhuma (Photo credit: Borna Subota/TZ Požeško-slavonske županije)

Aquapark Shhhuma (Photo credit: Borna Subota/TZ Požeško-slavonske županije)

Once There Was the Pannonian Sea

Once upon a time, this area was inhabited by sharks, whales, dolphins, sea bears, and rhinoceroses… It was more than 16 million years ago when Papuk was part of the Slavonian archipelago, an island in the Pannonian Sea.

House of the Pannonian Sea  (Photo credit: Borna Subota/TZ Požeško-slavonske županije)

You can discover this fascinating story at the House of the Pannonian Sea in Velika. Children can play with sea sand on the interactive floor, try to find their way out of the green maze, take photos with sharks or rhinoceroses…

House of the Pannonian Sea (Photo credit: Borna Subota/TZ Požeško-slavonske županije)

An Attractive Wine Destination

Wine enthusiasts already know that vineyards with ambient wineries adorn the slopes of Papuk, creating picturesque landscapes of Slavonia. The undeniable connection between the rich geological history of this mountain and the terroir is confirmed not only by research but also by internationally acclaimed top-quality wines. Kutjevo, the wine capital and the most famous vineyard region of Požega-Slavonia County, stretches largely on the slopes of Papuk. Some of the most renowned names in the Croatian wine scene own vineyards on the wine-growing Papuk “grand cru” positions of Hrnjevac, Vetovo, Mitrovec…

Kutjevo cellars (Photo credit: Borna Subota/TZ Požeško-slavonske županije)

For a Harmonious, Full, and Rounded Taste

On the slopes of Papuk, Graševina is nurtured, the most widespread and sought-after grape variety in Croatia. It yields its best results in Požega-Slavonia County, producing a wide spectrum of wines – from light and sparkling champagnes to exceptional fresh, powerful aged, and characterful orange and sweet predicate wines. 

Pairing them with traditional Slavonian dishes creates a special gourmet experience. A spicy appetizer with the obligatory kulen, a lighter fish menu, or traditionally spicier dishes like fiš and čobanac, delicious sarma, meat specialties… and of course, the finest Slavonian sweets, accompanied by selected Graševina wines, will offer a full, harmonious, and rounded taste.

(Photo credit: Borna Subota/TZ Požeško-slavonske županije)

The World of Graševina

As one of the most beautiful tourist attributes of Požega-Slavonia County, Papuk is part of the World of Graševina, a unique project that innovatively combines wine tourism, rich cultural heritage, tradition, and customs. As part of this project, with a total value of 8,729,448.52 euros, the Interpretation Center – Becarac Museum in Pleternica has been opened, the Spahijski cellar in Pakrac is being renovated, and the House of Graševina is being built in Kutjevo. 

(Photo credit: Borna Subota/TZ Požeško-slavonske županije)

The significance of the World of Graševina has been recognized by the European Union, which co-financed it with 7,364,375.34 euros from the European Regional Development Fund through the Operational Program Competitiveness and Cohesion 2014-2020.