Discover the new tourist destination Vrata Papuk

Tourist area Papuk Gate, located in the eastern part of Croatia, stands out as a unique destination that offers visitors a wealth of natural beauty and cultural sights.

We spoke with the director of the Tourist Board of the Vrata Papuk area, Ana Marunic, who shared her view of the attractions and events that make this region extremely attractive to tourists.

Unique tourist attractions of the Vrata Papuka region

Ana Marunica points out that the Vrata Papuk region is special because it rises from the lowland plain of Slavonia, with the Papuk mountain as its most impressive part. heel, UNESCO World Geopark, preserves numerous attractions such as Jankovac Forest Park i Geo info center in Voćin. Park-forest Jankovac, located in a mountain valley, enchants with beech forests, lakes, mountain lakes and impressive waterfalls, attracting hikers, hikers and cyclists.

Geo info center in Voćin offers visitors the opportunity for an interactive journey through the cultural, biological and geological past of Papuk. Interesting facts about Papuk glassmakers, the medieval fortress of Ružica town and the endemics of Papuk forests are revealed here. Visitors have the opportunity to experience the dawn in the comfortable rooms of the Jankovac mountain lodge and taste delicacies with the signature of the forest.

Geo Info Center - an essential attraction for every visitor to Vrata Papuka

The geology section is devoted to geology in general and geological specificities of Papuk. In addition to the exhibits, visitors can enjoy the 8 multimedia presentations through interactive screens. These screens are often additionally enriched with mechanical elements or projections, creating an impressive learning and entertainment experience.

The Geoinfo Center also has an exhibit dedicated to biology that displays models, sculptures and photographs of the interesting living world that inhabits Papuk. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the diversity of flora and fauna of this area and get to know the preserved ecosystem of the mountain.

Another extremely interesting part of the Geoinfo Center is the archeology exhibit. Here, visitors can use an interactive screen where they can choose one of the 7 periods on Papuk and learn more about it. This section of the center provides details on the culture, sites and artefacts that have been found in the area over the centuries. It is a real historical time machine that enables a deeper understanding of the rich past of Papuk and its inhabitants.

The Geoinfo Center is not only educational, but also has additional contents for visitors. Within the center there is a souvenir shop where visitors can find authentic souvenirs that will remind them of their visit.

Also, the center offers rest and refreshment areas where visitors can relax and refresh before or after exploring the exhibitions.

The most important events for the promotion of tourism

With regard to the segmentation of the modern tourist market, Marunica emphasizes the need for a 'break from everyday life' and highlights the importance of local events such as Medieval knight tournament.

This event not only presents the rich history of Papuk, but also valorizes the cultural heritage of the destination, attracting a large number of visitors. Also, Shrine of Our Lady of Vocinska attracts pilgrims through religious programs, contributing to the tourist attraction of the municipality of Voćin.

Balancing tourism and conservation of natural resources

The development of tourism in the Papuk Nature Park is based on the principles of space protection. Sustainable development is set as a key form of development, and responsibility for the preservation of natural resources is assumed through concrete activities. An example of such activities is construction Vrata Papuk visitor center in Slatinski Drenovac, which contributes to the sustainable management of spaces and expands the tourist offer.

The development of infrastructure is crucial for tourism, and the local population is encouraged to opening of private accommodation through education programs at the destination. It is expected that the county will provide support for the opening of new accommodation facilities and the improvement of tourist infrastructure.

Tenders are also expected from the umbrella ministry for private entrepreneurs, and TZP Vrata Papuka will provide support in applying for and withdrawing funds for the needs of tourism development in the region.

For more information, visit the official website of the Vrata Papuka Tourist Board tzp-vratapapuka.hr.