There is something magical about being close to nature. For many of us with our urban and stressful lifestyle, the natural world serves like a balm. Finding peace in the unspoiled landscape while watching the nature goes about its business; can't be better than that, right? That ''calming effect'' that nature has is simply unspeakable. If you are looking for that nature paradise in Europe to calm your mind and recharge your batteries, there is no better place than Lonjsko polje.
Located in the heart of Croatia, Lonjsko polje is a vast floodplain that is a home to rich diversity of flora and fauna. This incredible natural wonder is one of Europe's most important wetland areas and an ideal destination for anyone who loves nature, wildlife, and adventure.

A Nature Gem in the Central Croatia

We can't call this nature park a secret; it is far away from it, though, at least for the bird world. On the area of 506 sq km, 250 different species of birds regularly flock to Lonjsko Polje. Namely, this natural park in Croatia is one of Europe's largest and best-preserved natural alluvial areas and one of the most extensive protected wetlands in the Danube basin.

What to See and Do in Lonjsko Polje

Lonjsko Polje is a paradise for nature lovers, and there are a lot of things to see and do in this beautiful area. Here are some of the most popular activities and sights:

Visit the Lonjsko Polje Nature Park

The Lonjsko Polje Nature Park is the main attraction in the area, and it is home to a variety of animal and plant species. From 58 species of mammals and 16 species of amphibians to 10 species of reptiles and 43 species of dragonflies to 33 species of fish and as many as 250 species of birds, all of them live in the area of the nature park. However, the fauna of the park has not been fully explored, so every year during the research, one comes across a strictly protected species that has not been recorded so far. Several walking trails and cycling paths will take you through the park, and you can also take a boat ride on the beautiful river to explore the area.

Bird Watching

Is there a better place to watch the birds than a stork meeting point, the village of Čigoč? Situated in the Lonjsko Polje Natural Park area, Čigoč is home to a vast population of white storks. If you look up, you will see a stork nest on almost every wooden house. The birds flock here in late March and early April until mid-August when they start their two- to three-month flight back towards southern Africa.

Storks are not the only inhabitants of the park. On the area of 506 square kilometers of Lonjsko polje, 250 species of birds have been recorded, among which 134 are nesting birds. On a European and even global scale, such a large representation of birds in a relatively small area means an extremely rich ornitofauna. That's why, Lonjsko polje Natural Park is an IBA (Important Bird Area), i.e., a globally important habitat for bird conservation. Here you will see birds such as the black stork, gray heron, yellow heron, little egret, great white heron, night heron, spoonbill, mallard duck, haliaeetus albicilla, click eagle, black loon, and so on.

Discover the Traditional Way of Life

Lonjsko Polje is known for its traditional way of life, which has been preserved for centuries. The area is dotted with small villages where you can see old wooden houses, traditional barns, and other traditional buildings. You can also visit local museums and exhibitions to find out more about the history and culture of the area. We would love to highlight the heritage village of Krapje. There, you can see traditional wooden houses and other historical structures, such as the church, the firehouse, and the municipal building, and explore the Sava River.

Outdoor Adventures

If you are looking for outdoor adventure, there are plenty of activities to choose from in Lonjsko Polje. You can go canoeing or cycling. A special attraction in the park is sailing on solar-powered boats. Driving these silent boats along the Strug River brings a special atmosphere. There are also a few campsites and picnic areas where you can enjoy a day out in nature.

Enjoy the Local Cuisine

The Lonjsko Polje area is also famous for its delicious local cuisine based on fresh and locally sourced ingredients. You can taste traditional dishes such as roast pork, freshwater fish, and various types of bread and pastries nearby. There are also several local wineries where you can try some of the best Croatian wines.

Getting to Lonjsko Polje

Lonjsko Polje is situated in the central part of Croatia, and it is easily accessible by car, bike, or public transportation. If you are traveling by car, you can reach Lonjsko Polje from Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia, in about an hour and a half. If you prefer public transportation, you can take a train from Zagreb to the village of Repušnica or take a bus from the town of Sisak to Čigoč village.

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Lonjsko Polje is a hidden gem in Croatia that offers a special and unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Whether you are interested in wildlife watching, hiking, cycling, or simply enjoying the local cuisine, Lonjsko Polje has something for everyone. So if you are planning a trip to Croatia, don't miss the opportunity to explore this amazing area.

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