NATURAL BEAUTIES AND ACTIVITIES
The main feature of the eastern part of Croatia – Slavonia – is the lowland plains with vast cultivated areas. From this plain, which was once the bottom of the Pannonian Sea, rise mountains reaching almost a thousand meters in elevation. One of these mountains is Papuk – the most beautiful mountain in Slavonia.
In the very heart of Papuk, at an altitude of 475 meters, lies the jewel of the Slavonian mountains – Jankovac. This mountain valley, full of freshness and romance, has always been attractive to every nature lover, hiker, and seeker of peace. Every season at Jankovac tells its own story through colors, sounds, the rustling of waterfalls, scents, silence... life. Explore it on two wheels by renting mountain or electric bikes, or dare to sail in canoes and let your imagination run wild, inspired by the fairytale-like scenes this Slavonian idyll offers.
Adventurers of all generations, eager for active relaxation, adrenaline, and fun, can test their agility on two top-equipped obstacle courses in the Duboka Adventure Park, located in the beautiful Papuk Nature Park. The elements of the Duboka Adventure Park span an area of approximately 4000 m² across two courses with various exercises (equipment) placed between the trees.
You must taste Graševina! The most widespread white variety has become so well-established in Croatia that many experts consider it indigenous. In the Požega-Slavonia County, it yields excellent results. Some of the most famous Croatian cellars are located here, and the three wine roads – Požega-Pleternica Wine Region, Kutjevo Wine Region, and Pakrac Wine Region – with around thirty wineries that you can visit by bike, are more than enough reason to visit this area.
The magical Sovsko Lake is located on the forested northern slopes of Dilj, and its shape and dark green color, which sometimes shifts to blue, resemble an eye – it is also called the Blue Eye of Slavonia. This lake is the last remnant of the Pannonian Sea in Croatia. This is indicated by the surrounding layers of limestone with fossils of fish and shells. For nature lovers, it is an understatement to call it a true paradise. Long walks on freshly mown meadows, discovering the forest where the sessile oak and common hornbeam reign, enjoying the harmonious song of birds, the quacking of wild ducks and frogs, and the breathtaking view from the wooden lookout on the hill Jezero Brdo, east of Sovsko Lake, make it an ideal spot for a family picnic on the fragrant grass.
The century-old park – a protected monument of garden architecture – creates the recognizable silhouette of the town and is still a popular place for walks, rest, and relaxation. In its green avenues and gazebos, counts and European nobility once relaxed. Its greenery hides attractive historical landmarks such as the Marble and Stone Baths of Lipik Spa, the Antun's Spring of thermal healing waters, the bench and hill where, according to legend, Countess Jelka Janković rested, the remains of the once magnificent Kursalon and Wandelbahn, fountains, garden ornaments... In the spirit of noble tradition, take a ride through the unique park in a horse-drawn carriage, leisurely, accompanied by the smooth gait of the elegant Lipizzaner horses from the Lipik State Stud Farm. With about seventy beautiful horses, it is one of the biggest attractions in this part of Europe. The tradition of breeding Lipizzaners in this town was established by Count Izidor pl. Janković back in 1843, and the Lipik State Stud Farm received its status in 1938.
A spectacular view of Slavonia and Pakrac can be enjoyed from Omanovac, a 655-meter-high peak of the Psunj mountain. At this popular destination for hikers, picnickers, and paragliders, you can barbecue, play football, try your hand at 3D archery, refresh yourself, and stay overnight in the mountain lodge, all while enjoying the beautiful nature of the highest mountain in Slavonia.
