Nature Park Papuk

Place: Velika
Web: http://www.pp-papuk.hr

Description:

On April 23, 1999, the House of Representatives of the Croatian Parliament has brought a decision about proclamation of Nature Park Papuk. The important reason for proclaiming Nature Park Papuk is due to the preserved characteristics of live and still nature, typical for the central Slavonia. It is beyond the doubt that it is about the wide natural and partially cultivated area with emphasis on the esthetical, ecological, educational, cultural, historical, tourist and recreational values. The Park of Nature is first of all a scientific, cultural and educational institution, set up to preserve natural conditions and characteristics, and to introduce wide population with the laws of nature.

Because of diversity and heterogeneousness of flora and fauna of this area, the adequate protection is required, whose basis must be first of all based on scientific cognitions. The proclamation of Nature Park Papuk would allow the more efficient protection of rare and endangered plants and animals.

Nature Park Papuk is open to visitors throughout the year. The park area is characterized by beautiful forest landscape. There are numerous spots which should be visited by tourists and there are varied attractions for every visitor to the park: They range from geological phenomena, botanically interesting areas, historical structures to archaeological sites. A visit to the park offers much more than any other excursion. No matter what are your interests, there will always be something new and exciting awaiting you to discover it.

Nature Park Papuk attractions

Jankovac one of the most beautiful mountain valleys, located on the northern slopes of Papuk, surrounded by a hundred year old beech forest. Due to its exceptional natural scenery, this famous hiking excursion centre has been declared a protected park forest in 1955.

"Count’s educational path" – the educational path is one of major sites within Nature Park Papuk, and it is primarily intended to elementary and high school pupils. The circular path is 2600 m long overall. There are 16 information panels located along the path, furnishing information on plant and animal life, geology and history of Jankovac.

Rupnica (not in Pozesko-slavonska county) – unique natural site, the first protected geological monument in Croatia (since the 14th of October 1948). Rupnica is characterized by specific columnar jointing of volcanic rocks.

Sekulinačke hills (not in Pozesko-slavonska county) – protected as a special reserve of forest vegetation since 1966. This primeval forest of birch and fir represents an oasis of unspoilt nature.

Ružica ruins (not in Pozesko-slavonska county – medieval ruins situated near Orahovica. It ranks among the largest medieval ruins-fortresses in Croatia. The fortress is mentioned in historical records as a royal property as early as 1357.

Pliš – Mališčak – a site on the southern slopes of Papuk, near Velika, containing very interesting flora. Pliš and Mališčak are habitats of the largest number of protected plants on Papuk.