Municipality of Draž: Danube Channels, Culture and Hiking Trails

Old riverbeds, Danube tributaries and a distinctive local culture shape the area of Draž. It lies at the northeastern tip of Croatia. For your trip planning, this is where waterscapes, trails and places with their own history come together.

Danube riverbank, beaches and trails

The area of Draž includes the Danube, its old riverbeds and tributaries. It also encompasses more than 400 hectares of fishing waters. Organised fishing trips by boat on the Danube and its tributaries are offered from Batina. Check the details with the provider before your trip.

At Topoljski dunavac in Draž, there is a large sandy beach with wooden piers. As seasonal facilities may change, check the current conditions before your visit. Piki Beach Bar is also located by the village of Draž, on the Danube tributary Topoljski Dunavac.

The trails also offer a variety of landmarks. Baranjska planinarska obilaznica is considered the best-known hiking trail in the area of Draž. Another named route is Baranya’s Natural Trails: The “Surduci”. It starts at the Veliki drumić (“surduk”) pass in Draž and passes the Trojnaš viewpoint. Surduci are steep natural gullies carved into the terrain over centuries by rainwater.

The Šokac Embroidery Trail starts at the beach in Draž, by the Old Danube Channel, and passes rows of traditional wine cellars known as Gatori. Its start by the water and the Gatori along the route give this trail a distinctive local character.

Šokac culture and history in Topolje

In Topolje near Draž, the Šokačka kuća presents the tangible and intangible culture of the local Šokci people at its original place of origin. You can explore the house with the game Eva i Stipa and an audio guide. Both the cultural presentation and these two specific ways of exploring are central to the experience.

The baroque church of Sv. Petra i Pavla is also located near Topolje. It was built in 1722 in an open field. Prince Eugene of Savoy had the church built in gratitude for his victory over the Turks. Its historical context is reflected in its year of construction, its unusual location and the traditionally recorded motivation for building it.

The event Marijo, svibnja kraljice takes place in the church on the last Saturday in May. It preserves Baranja’s traditional church folk singing. If you are planning a visit at this time, check the event dates in advance.

Batina: Danube riverbank, views and remembrance

In Batina, the passenger pier is on the Danube riverbank in the centre of the village. The riverbank is therefore a clear landmark in the village centre. Above the Danube there is a viewpoint from which visitors can see Croatia, Serbia and Hungary.

Batina’s history includes the Victory Monument at the Batina Battle Memorial, created by Antun Augustinčić in 1946. The Panorama Café and wine bar are next to the Victory Monument. They serve coffee, soft drinks and wines from Baranja’s winemakers.

Events and the wider region

For cycling enthusiasts, Deer & Bike takes place every June in the Municipality of Draž. The event is organised by the Karašicka republika association; exact dates may vary. So check the dates if you want to plan your trip around it.

The Kopački rit Nature Park is part of the wider travel destination of Osijek-Baranja County. More than 2,300 species live there, including around 140 breeding bird species. The park offers tourist boat tours, canoe trips with expert guides and cycling tours.

Discover more destinations: Draž, Batina, Municipality of Valpovo, Municipality of Vuka, Municipality of Drenje, Municipality of Našice, Municipality of Darda, Municipality of Popovac.

Go to the wider travel overview: Osijek-Baranja County.