The Kopacki Rit Nature Park in the region of Slavonia, near the Drava River estuary, is one of the most important marsh reserves in Europe. This Eldorado for nature and animal lovers extends over Hungary, Serbia and Croatia. An important part of the park consists of two lakes, which are connected by channels with the Danube and the Drava.
Flora and Fauna
In the Kopacki Rit Nature Park, 2,000 species of animals find their home here, of which 295 are bird species. These include sea eagles and cormorants as well as gulls and wild geese. You might get lucky and see a squirrel flit by before your eyes and up a tree. With a little patience you will see deer and wild boar. In the rivers pike and carp romp about in the waters with zander. If you look closely, you can also encounter reptiles in Kopacki Rit Nature Park. The flora consists largely of alluvial forests and white willow. At the Drava River you will find softwood forests, while hardwoods predominate in the north.
Tourist Attractions and Recreation
A highlight in the north of Kopacki rit is the Tikves castle. It consists of two castles, which are complemented by a chapel. In the castle-restaurant you can get fresh fish and game. The leisure facilities of the nature park range from sports to fishing and from hiking to cycling tours. For a completely different angle, plan a trip with the ship to the nature park in Slavonia. There are many ships departuring from the “Veliki Sakadas” Pier.
Getting there and Prices
If you are coming from Zagreb, leave the motorway in Slavonika and follow the signs to Kopacki Rit. Drive through Osijek and cross the river Drava. At the entrance of Kopacevo turn left. At the visitor center, parking is available. A day ticket costs 10 Kuna (as of 2014). A tour of the castle costs about 70 Kuna for adults and 50 Kuna for children. There are also boat trips offered for 100 Kuna.