This eastern Croatian city on the Drava River has 18th-century baroque buildings, a Gothic Revival cathedral, and a museum dedicated to tobacco production history.
Osijek, the largest city in eastern Croatia's Slavonia region, sits along the banks of the Drava River. Its Baroque old town, Tvrđa, contains 18th-century architecture and defensive walls. The city center features Habsburg-era buildings, while the riverside offers parks and promenades. Visitors can explore several museums, including the Museum of Slavonia and the Gallery of Fine Arts. The surrounding Slavonian countryside is home to wetlands like Kopački Rit Nature Park, local wineries, and traditional cuisine such as čobanac and kulen.
Exploring Tvrđa Fortress
Tvrđa, Osijek's old town, was built as a Habsburg fortress in the early 18th century. Walk along the thick stone walls for views over the Drava River. Inside, cobblestone streets lead past Baroque buildings housing museums, cafes, and shops. Visit Holy Trinity Square to see the monument and surrounding pastel-colored houses. The Museum of Slavonia, located in Tvrđa, displays archaeological finds and folk costumes in a former military bakery.
Riverside Promenade
A tree-lined promenade runs for several kilometers along the Drava River. Take a stroll or bike ride to enjoy views of the water and opposite riverbank. The path passes by parks, cafes, and a marina with small boats. Cross the modern pedestrian bridge for wide views of the city skyline. In the evenings, you'll see many locals taking walks or jogging along the river.
Churches and Cathedrals
Osijek has several large churches. The neo-Gothic Church of St. Peter and Paul has a 90-meter bell tower visible from most parts of the city. Inside, you can see frescoes and stained glass windows. The Church of St. Michael, with its yellow facade and twin towers, shows Ottoman influences from Osijek's time under Turkish rule.
Museums and Culture
Learn about the region's history at the Museum of Slavonia, which has exhibits on archaeology, ethnography, and art. The Gallery of Fine Arts displays Croatian and international paintings in a 19th-century building. For a look at more recent history, visit the Museum of the Homeland War to understand the impact of the 1990s conflict on Osijek. The Croatian National Theatre puts on regular performances of drama, opera, and ballet.
Food and Wine
Try traditional Slavonian dishes like čobanac (meat stew) or fiš paprikaš (spicy fish soup) at local restaurants. Look for kulen, a spicy dried sausage from the region. The surrounding countryside produces several wine varieties, especially whites like Graševina. Take a day trip to nearby wineries in the Baranja region to taste wines paired with local cheeses and cured meats.
Nature Parks
North of Osijek lies Kopački Rit Nature Park, one of Europe's largest wetlands. Take a boat tour through the marshes and floodplain forests to spot birds like herons, eagles, and cormorants. Hiking trails let you explore on foot, while elevated viewing platforms provide views over the landscape. In autumn, the changing leaves create a varied palette across the trees.
Getting There and Around
Osijek has its own small airport with connections to Zagreb and some European cities. More frequent flights arrive at Zagreb, about 3 hours away by car or bus. Within Osijek, a network of trams and buses makes it easy to get around. You can rent a bike to explore the flat terrain and extensive bike paths along the river and through parks.
