Lonjsko Polje Nature Park

Lonjsko Polje Nature Park is the largest protected wetland in Croatia, spanning over 50,000 hectares within the Sava River basin. This unique cultural landscape is defined by regular flooding cycles that create a complex mosaic of pastures, oak forests, and shallow water zones. The park is particularly famous for the village of Čigoč, which was declared the first European Stork Village in 1994 because nearly every house features an active stork nest. The region also preserves significant architectural traditions, such as typical wooden houses built from oak planks without the use of nails. Beyond white storks, the area provides a habitat for rare species like the Eurasian spoonbill and the Croatian Posavina horse, an indigenous cold-blooded breed. The park serves as a vital natural retention basin for the Sava River, protecting downstream settlements from catastrophic floods by absorbing excess water.

Nearby cities

Slavonski Brod

This industrial city is located on the Sava River at the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Karlovac

Karlovac is known as the city of four rivers, located at the confluence of the Korana, Kupa, Mrežnica, and Dobra.

Velika Gorica

Velika Gorica is located south of Zagreb and is the largest city in Zagreb County.

Sisak

Sisak is located at the confluence of the Kupa, Sava, and Odra rivers and has a long history dating back to Roman times.

Bjelovar

Bjelovar is a planned city in central Croatia, founded in the 18th century as a military base.

Koprivnica

Koprivnica is located in northwestern Croatia and is known as a major center for the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Zaprešić

Zapresic is located northwest of Zagreb and is a modern city with a rich cultural heritage.

Požega

Požega is located in the heart of the 'Golden Valley' in Slavonia, surrounded by mountains.

Čakovec

Čakovec is the center of the Međimurje region in the extreme north of Croatia.

Virovitica

Virovitica is located at the foot of Mount Bilogora near the Hungarian border.

Petrinja

Petrinja is located at the confluence of the Petrinjčica and Kupa rivers in the Banovina region.

Kutina

Kutina is located at the edge of the Lonjsko Polje Nature Park and is a significant industrial center.

Dugo Selo

Dugo Selo is located east of Zagreb at the foot of Martin Breg hill.

Križevci

Krizevci is one of the oldest cities in central Croatia, known as the city of eight church towers.

Slatina

Slatina is located in western Slavonia at the foot of the Papuk Mountains.

History & landmarks

Varaždin Castle

Varaždin Castle is a well-preserved medieval fortress that evolved into a Renaissance and Baroque palace.

Varaždin Old Town

Varaždin was once the capital of Croatia.

Rastoke

A picturesque watermill village in Slunj, where the Slunjčica river flows into the Korana through cascades.