Croatian nature parks are home for many different species of plants, animals, insects and other living creatures. What they also offer is refuge from cities and its noise and overcrowded/poluted streets. Nature parks in Croatia are 11 and they are protected by law. From 1967 to 2006 eleven nature parks are officially proclaimed – five of them are located in continental Croatia. Mainland nature parks are: 1. Kopački rit, 2. Papuk, 3. Lonjsko polje, 4. Medvednica and 5. Žumberak-Samoborsko gorje. Let’s take a look on each one of them. (to read more about them you can do it by clicking the name of each park)
Kopački rit
Like many other nature parks in Croatia, Kopački rit Nature park is located close to a river. Rivers Danube and Drava make a natural source of water for this park. Riding around in a boat or just hiking on the wooden trail road will let you see different kind of birds and fish. The best option for Kopački rit Nature park is a bike ride. If you do not own one, easily you can rent one in the park. So you will be healthier and more eco-friendly.
Papuk
The highest point of Slavonia has its name and that name is – Papuk. What is specific here are guided educational tours. All information about them you can find on the park’s website. Papuk Nature park is licensed as a Geopark by UNESCO. Nature, beech forest, waterfalls but also old castles and forts can be seen in this amazing park.
Lonjsko polje
Just lovely. This is how I’d explain Lonjsko polje Nature park. Full of life. All those herds of horses will take your breath away and little groups of piglets will put a huge smile on your face. Lonjsko polje Nature park is natural habitat for many animals, fish, birds but also temporary station for many of birds or wild animals. Close to river Sava, Lonjsko polje Nature park is easy approachable from all major Croatian cities. Boat ride in this Amazon-like swamp is a must.
Medvednica
Medvednica is Zagreb’s big sun-umbrella. For its position, Medvenica Nature park is favorite refuge from hot days for citizens of Zagreb, Croatian capital city. Hiking here is splendid. And during the winter, Medvednica Nature park is a venue for big Snow Queen Trophy competition. On this mountain Medvedgrad is located, 13th century fortification.
Žumberak-Samoborsko gorje
This mountainous region in northern Croatia is place where people lived continuously since pre-history. This amazing park is a home for more than 1000 species of plants. Žumberak-Samoborsko gorje is your place if you are crazy about climbing and paraglyding. Also more than 10 hiking trails are available here.
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The author
Marko Radojević
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