Papuk Nature Park

Papuk is the highest of the Slavonian highlands, a forested mountain that rises out of the plains of eastern Croatia, and in 2015 it became the country’s first UNESCO Global Geopark, recognised for the breadth of its geology, from ancient volcanic rocks to later sediments. It has been a nature park since 1999.

For a region better known for its rivers and wetlands, Papuk is a surprise, a proper mountain of deep forest, streams and open meadows, with hiking trails, mountain huts and, at Jankovac, a small lake and waterfall set in a cirque of rock. The highland also holds ruined castles, among them the old fortress of Ružica grad in the Orahovica area.

Papuk is a quiet park, little visited from outside Slavonia, which makes it a genuine escape. The trails are well marked, and the Jankovac area is the most popular base for a walk. The summit, Ivanka, reaches 953 metres.

For photographers, the Jankovac lake in its rock amphitheatre and the long views from the ridge are the highlights. Pair it with the Slavonian baroque towns, Osijek and Požega, for a proper eastern Croatia trip, and take a layer for the altitude.

Every spot here is mapped and verified. Share this guide if it helped plan your trip.