Kopački Rit Nature Park is a unique ecosystem that is changing by the moment. Located at the confluence of the Drava and the Danube River, the Park brings together a mosaic of channels, lakes, ponds, wetlands that are constantly moving..
About
In a triangle whose sides are drawn by Drava and the Danube, lies the swamp and flood area Kopacki Rit. The meadows are under water three months a year and can conserve 2000 species of animals through this fertile cycle. Those who wish to learn more about the swamp ecosystem can do so under professional supervision and can sail through the park with nature parks’ special boats.
Visit
Built for Austrian Royalty the Tikveš Castle Complex consists of a forest, parks, and residential buildings: new castle with annex, old castle, chapel, and complementary building with a restaurant. If you book in advance, a professional guide will take you along the nature trail and render the historical development of Kopački rit. Panels were set up next to every building describing their characteristics
Tikveš Castle is hidden in the oak forest of the nature park. The romantically located representative building served primarily state receptions and meetings of the intellectual elite of the country of Croatia. Today the European Center for Environmental Protection is located in the castle and offers 26 people a day the opportunity to spend the night here.
To do
Hiking
The best way to begin your journey in Kopački rit is to walk along the nature trails. The first nature trail leads you from the Visitor’s centre to Sakadaš Lake. Panels have been set up on the nature trail describing animals, plants and wetland habitats. The picturesque Kopačevo village stands behind the beautiful reeds, willow trees and aquatic plant communities. Telescopes have been set up on the dyke right in front of Sakadaš Lake where you can see colourful bird and plant species. The nature trail leads you on towards Podunavlje. From this perspective, you can see the spacious expanding floodplain.
Cycling
There are no marked cycling trails but most of the Park is fully accessible with bicycles.
A network of local roads makes the flat area around the Park perfect for cycling. Park is offering bicycles to rent, booking in advance is recommended.
Fishing
Sport angling is permitted in some parts of Nature Park Kopački rit, mainly on channels, canals and the Danube River. The Kopački rit management office issues daily and annual permissions for sport angling in the Nature Park. Permits are issued according to the location where you want to fish.
So far 44 fish species have been recorded in Kopački rit among which the most outstanding species are the Crucian Carp, the Pike, the Carp, the Catfish and the Zander.
Bird Watching
Bird watching is possible throughout the year but the recommended periods are April – June and August – October. Park organises a bird watching tour lasting around 6 hours and the maximum group size is 15, booking in advance is recommended.
The largest number of species can be seen during spring and autumn migrations and then in summer. The number of species is less during winter, but still, you can watch tens of thousands of geese and ducks arriving from West Siberia. Until now 295 bird species were recorded, of which 144 species are permanent or temporary resident birds of Kopacki rit. Depending on season you can usually see between 35 and 63 bird species every day. The biggest number of species recorded in a one-day tour was 93.