In the Municipality of Pitomača, literary history, tambura tradition and protected landscapes come together with a range of ways to explore the Drava and its surroundings. The poet’s house in Grabrovnica, cultural sites in Pitomača and the Križnica landscape each have their own focus. Practical conditions are also important when planning: the Interpretacijski centar Kuća Petra Preradovića is accessible by appointment only, and the cable ferry to Križnica may not operate at certain water levels.

Križnica and the protected landscapes

Križnica is a protected landscape of special significance, designated for its exceptional aesthetic and biological value. The old course of the Drava and the still waters there provide habitats for many fish species. Križnica is where protected landscape and waterways meet.

The regional park within the Municipality of Pitomača includes four protected landscapes of special significance: Močvarno stanište Vir, covering 1.15 ha; Širinski otok, covering 105.65 ha; Jelkuš, covering 291.85 ha; and Križnica, covering 803.17 ha. Their sizes range from the small area of Močvarno stanište Vir to the much larger Križnica.

Getting to Križnica also comes with a special condition. There is no land connection to the rest of Croatia other than a suspension bridge about two metres wide, with a steel structure and a wooden walkway. A cable ferry also crosses the Drava, but it cannot operate when water levels are low or high. If you are planning to take the ferry, check whether it is operating before your visit.

Literary history and culture

The Kuća Petra Preradovića in Grabrovnica was built in 1775. In 1968, one of the first museums dedicated to a writer was established there. The Kuća also features an immersive 3D virtual reality reconstruction of the poet’s birthplace. History and digital interpretation come together here.

The Interpretacijski centar Kuća Petra Preradovića can be visited Monday to Friday by prior appointment. Visits outside regular opening hours are possible with at least 48 hours’ notice. Be sure to make the required reservation when planning your visit.

The tambura tradition is also part of Pitomača’s cultural history: the first tambura ensemble was founded there in 1906. The Festival pjesme Podravine i Podravlja promotes new songs inspired by the culture and heritage of Croatian landscapes along the Drava. Together, these themes reveal different aspects of musical heritage—the history of an ensemble and the creation of new songs.

On Kladarski breg, the TIC Klopotec is home to Croatia’s largest klopotec. A klopotec is a traditional symbol of winegrowing in Podravina. At the TIC, you can explore local cultural heritage and take part in workshops and events. There is also a panoramic view of the Podravina plains, the slopes of Bilogora and the distant horizons of neighbouring Hungary.

Seasonal events and activities

Dani pečenjakov is a summer event in Pitomača. Held in late July or early August, it celebrates pečenjak—roasted corn—prepared in various ways and introduced to visitors. If the event is important to your trip, check the exact dates.

OPG CHRESNO has a wine-tasting venue fully prepared for the tourism market. Check the current arrangements for visits in advance. This lets you include a wine tasting in your plans without making unverified assumptions about visiting conditions.

The cycling routes in the Pitomača destination include EuroVelo 13—the Iron Curtain Trail. Horseback riding tours start at Zlatni klas; the excursion routes are ready and an escort is provided. Cycling and horseback riding offer different ways to experience the destination, with no implication that they follow the same route or take the same amount of time.

With a little luck, you can spot herds of deer and protected sand martins along the Drava with Drava Tour Adventure. At the Jelkuš sandbank, you can stop briefly to sunbathe on the wild beach. Wildlife sightings may vary; a stop at the sandbank offers a different way to spend time by the river.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Pitomača, Otrovanec, Municipality of Čačinci, Municipality of Slatina, Municipality of Sopje, Municipality of Gradina, Suhopolje, Municipality of Virovitica.

To the overview of the wider travel region: Virovitica-Podravina.