Two pearls of Slavonian natural and spiritual heritage are located on the geographical eastern edge of Croatia, inviting you to explore their riches...
The expansive fertile plains and dense shaded forests interwoven with river currents surrounded by green hills are some of the first associations with Slavonia, a region known for its unmatched hospitality, warmth, and hard work. Two cornerstones form the strength of Slavonians and the essence of their identity: love for tradition and deep faith. If you set out to explore this area, it is best to start on the wine road, where the hosts will warmly welcome you in the cellars of local wineries. Along with wine, nearby restaurants offer an unavoidable tasting of local specialties, such as freshwater fish prepared in various ways. Do not set out for Aljmaš and Erdut without planning to stay at least a few days in one of the holiday homes or apartments located above the Danube, which guarantee a wonderful rest.P
Photo: Tourist board of Osijek-Baranja County (Vjeran Vidaković)
You will certainly be able to refresh your soul, as there are two shrines located nearby that attract many, both pilgrims and tourists eager to learn about the history and culture of the area. One form of devotion particularly favoured by local people is pilgrimages to Marian shrines. Here in Aljmaš, at the very eastern edge of Croatia, lies the Shrine of Our Lady of Refuge, founded in 1704, which today attracts over 200,000 pilgrims annually. The shrine is especially festive during the Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady. Pilgrims often walk the Stations of the Cross on Mount Calvary and enjoy the view of the largest statue of the resurrected Christ in Croatia. From this spot, there is also a beautiful view of the entire shrine and the confluence of the Drava River into the Danube, which undoubtedly adds a special touch to the pilgrimage experience. Additionally, on the Erdut Dalj Mountain, there is an Orthodox Marian shrine, the Monastery of the Dormition of the Holy Mother of God, also known as the Monastery of Vodica.
Photo: Tourist board of Osijek-Baranja County (Vjeran Vidaković)
At the Shrine of Our Lady of Refuge, efforts have been made to valorise the historical and cultural heritage of Aljmaš. Last year, the military bunker at the foot of "Aljmaš Calvary" was transformed into a Memorial Centre. Here, visitors can briefly return to the time of the Croatian Homeland War when the Aljmaš shrine was destroyed. Special effort has been put into designing a room dedicated to all war victims, as well as one that preserves the memory of the coronation of Our Lady of Aljmaš during the pastoral visit of Pope John Paul II to Croatia. In addition to a room for impressions, where visitors can write down their thoughts and testify to the graces received, there is also a permanent exhibition of paintings and sculptures in honour of Our Lady of Refuge created by academic artists during the Homeland War. Finally, in spaces dedicated to the traditional culture of Aljmaš and the Erdut region, visitors can learn about the rich, still largely undiscovered heritage of this corner of beautiful Croatia, combining many natural beauties and a wealth of interesting cultural offerings that this part of Slavonia provides.
Photo: Tourist board of Osijek-Baranja County (Vjeran Vidaković)
Also noteworthy is the carefully designed educational trail Porić, which begins right in Aljmaš, allowing visitors to get acquainted with the flora and fauna specified for this area and crucial for its biological diversity. The Porić trail is essentially a ‘forest path’, which in Hungarian language is called ‘erdut’ – from where the name of the town and municipality originates. Along the trail, several lookout points have been established where visitors can spot some of the birds that inhabit this area and are not often seen, such as the great egret and the crested grebe. Be prepared to work up a bit of a sweat and fill your lungs, as this beautiful walk involves more than two hundred steps to health. The numerous benefits of such physical activity are best illustrated by the fact that due to the exceptional air quality in this wooded area, there was once a hospital for lung patients here. This pleasant trail winds along the picturesque banks of the Danube, which may inspire fishing enthusiasts to rent a traditional wooden boat, bring their fishing rod, and enjoy their time on the river, where they can be immersed in peace and quiet for hours, occasionally interrupted by the sound of flowing water.
Photo: Tourist board of Osijek-Baranja County (Efekt media)
On the opposite bank lies the Kopački Rit Nature Park, whose appearance largely depends on the water levels of the Danube and Drava Rivers. It is one of the best-preserved floodplains in Europe, with its most valuable part being the Special Zoological Reserve. The entire area is protected as part of the regional park Mura-Drava-Danube, known as the European Amazon. Furthermore, around Erdut meanders one of the most beautiful and largest meanders of the Danube. Here, the river showcases its power and nature, creating a unique landscape known for inspiring artists throughout history. The famous Osijek painter Julije Knifer found eternal inspiration in the Danube meanders. Visitors to this beautiful area can also enjoy views of the meanders by visiting one of the local wineries from Aljmaš to Erdut, as well as the old town of Erdut or staying in one of the many attractive holiday homes located above the Danube.
Photo: Tourist board of Osijek-Baranja County (Vjeran Vidaković)
Erdut is a picturesque little place rich in history and undeniable charm, with a name long synonymous with one of the highest quality and most expansive wine-growing regions in Croatia. Indeed, Erdut boasts a centuries-old enological tradition and takes pride in having built a widely recognized brand as a guarantee of top quality over time. The Erdut wine region is situated on the gentle slopes of the Dalj Mountain, embraced by the Danube, which provides ideal conditions for grape growing with its specific microclimate and modest elevation of 130 to 190 meters, stretching over an impressive 450 hectares!
Photo: Tourist board of Osijek-Baranja County
The history of the Erdut winery dates back to 1730 when Baron Johann Baptista Maximilian Zuany had the first wine cellar built in this area. Wine enthusiasts can still visit this cellar today and taste the liquid treasures stored there. In 1778, Sir Ivan Kapistran I Adamovich de Csepin purchased the Erdut estate, permanently linking his name to the winery's history. His successor’s decision to display a crate of 12 bottles of Erdut wine at the World Exhibition in Paris in 1855 gave the wine international visibility on the oenological scene. In the mid-19th century, Lady Fanny Adamovich de Csepin had a small castle built in Erdut, where she lived with her prominent husband, the great county head Sir Ervin Cseh, who, as a passionate card player, later decided to build an octagonal card-playing tower. The castle has been declared a protected cultural asset of the Republic of Croatia and today offers a walk through the history of the Erdut wine region and the discovery of some of its secrets. Including an interesting monument to the tradition that brought fame to this area: a wine barrel made of Slavonian oak with a total capacity of 75,000 litres, making it the largest wine barrel in the world still in use! It is always filled with Graševina variety, the flagship of the entire wine region, which is of course available for tasting.
Photo: Tourist board of Osijek-Baranja County
The modern winery was launched in 1984 and boasts an impressive capacity of 6 million liters. The initial concept of processing grapes from its own plantation and purchasing from small producers dictates its operational philosophy. To this day, white varieties, predominantly Graševina, as well as Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Traminac, and Rhine Riesling dominate the Erdut vineyards. Among the red varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Frankovka, and Zweigelt are represented. However, despite the stunning richness and diversity of its flavors and aromas, which different people perceive differently, wine has always been valued as a drink that brings people together and "melts" their disputes. That’s why the Erdut winery believes it can offer optimal conditions for hosting various business events. Their multimedia halls, with a capacity of up to 200 people, and an 8-hectare park surrounding the Adamovich-Cseh Castle are ideal for organizing meetings, conferences, and congresses. And after the official part, it is good to strengthen connections and friendships among colleagues through organized and entertaining team-building activities. Here, the Erdut winery offers several diverse options, from relaxing tastings of the highest quality wines in the picturesque surroundings of the vineyards to a dynamic treasure hunt that requires a good dash around the winery and a determined effort to find the valuable treasure. There is truly something for everyone. For the curious who always want to learn something new, a small wine school option is offered.
Photo: Tourist board of Osijek-Baranja County ( Denis Despot)
Those who believe that being outdoors and participate a good sports challenge are the best forms of relaxation after a long working day, may wish to play a game of tennis or increase their adrenaline levels by running along a 5-kilometer recreational trail. Guests charmed by the green hills of Erdut can extend their fairy-tale stay by spending the night in the castle or at one of the nearby family farms. And couples can embark on a romantic journey at a plateau seventy meters above the Danube!
Photo: Tourist board of Osijek-Baranja County (Marko Banić)
Furthermore, Erdut organizes several events for visitors and guests, aiming to establish itself as an attractive and interesting tourist destination. Flower Fair on Dalj Mountain in April, Days of Milutin Milanković in May when visitors interested in technology and engineering can visit the birthplace of the world-famous astronomer and civil engineer Milutin Milanković. Noteworthy events include the Wine Month of Osijek-Baranja County: 'Fiš & Aljmaš' in June, as well as the Aljmaš Fisherman’s Night. During these days, visitors can particularly enjoy fish specialties prepared by top chefs, complemented by tastings of indigenous wines. In September, wine enthusiasts can look forward to the Wine & Bike Tour Erdut. If you wish to escape the city and make the most of your weekend by actively exploring Eastern Slavonia, you will have an excellent opportunity in September at the Panona Fest, during which you can explore the eco-tourism potential of Slavonia – by canoe, bike, or simply on foot. Whichever of these events you decide to attend, know that you will enrich yourself with many beautiful memories, experiences, and encounters.