Općina Donja Motičina: Hiking, Church and Plum Tradition

Općina Donja Motičina combines forests and hills with hiking trails and a strong plum-growing tradition. Forests and hills surround Donja Motičina; the hills are suitable for orchards and vineyards. Traditionally, the municipality is a plum-growing area and is known for the Motičanka variety, also called raskaljanica locally. The landscape, hikes and local variety offer different perspectives on the area.

Hiking and Cycling Routes

The Našička geološka staza begins at the edge of the village of Seona, by the source of the Našice water utility. There is a covered rest area with tables and benches. The Seona–Bedemgrad hiking trail also begins in Seona and leads to the ruins of the medieval fortified town of Bedemgrad. The “Stari Vodovod Seona–Križanje ispod Bedemgrada” route is listed as 5.2 km, with an estimated walking time of 1 hour and 40 minutes.

The Staklana–Dobra Voda hiking trail begins in the hamlet of Staklana in Gornja Motičina and leads to the Dobra Voda spring. It passes the Jovac quarry and runs mostly along a forest road. Another hiking trail starts in Donja Motičina, passes the Tivanovo mountain lodge and heads towards Petrov vrh on the Krndija mountain range. Check the current trail conditions before setting out.

There are also several different route descriptions for cycling. The Motičina–Pijeskovi cycling route is a very easy ride along the slopes of the Krndija mountain range; it starts in Donja Motičina and passes the Jovac quarry and the Pijeskovi area. The Donja Motičina–Gazije MTB route also runs along the slopes of the Krndija mountain range and uses forest roads for most of its length. Another cycling route starts in Donja Motičina, passes through Gazije and reaches Petrov vrh on the Krndija mountain range.

Church and Festival Traditions

The Church of All Saints in Donja Motičina is designated a cultural monument. It was renovated and extended in the 17th century and has since been restored several times. On the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the municipality’s feast day, Donja Motičina holds the cultural and historical event “Motičino moje drago selo.” It is an established local tradition.

The procession on the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus includes other specific customs: after the service, girls in white dresses scatter flower petals in front of the statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Young women and men carry the statue wearing traditional costumes. In this way, the church’s architectural history and the religious festival tradition represent different cultural aspects of Donja Motičina.

Getting Your Bearings and Further Perspectives

Našice is 5 to 6 km from Donja Motičina and offers healthcare, education and cultural services. In the wider destination of Osijek-Baranja County, the Dani slavonske šume event takes place in Našice every autumn in Perivoj Pejačević. It includes a market for products from rural Slavonia and tastings of traditional Slavonian dishes.

Another nature destination in the wider Osijek-Baranja County area is Kopački rit Nature Park. More than 2,300 species live there, including around 140 breeding bird species. Activities on offer include tourist boat tours, canoe trips with expert guides and cycling tours through the park.

Discover More Destinations

Seona, Općina Semeljci, Općina Popovac, Općina Kneževi Vinogradi, Općina Osijek, Općina Vuka, Općina Draž, Općina Drenje

Return to the main travel overview: Osijek-Baranja County.