Discover Lonjsko Polje Nature Park – Croatia’s Amazon. Explore stork villages, wooden houses, and flooded meadows along the Sava River.

Lonjsko Polje Nature Park, located along the Sava River in central Croatia, is one of Europe’s largest and best-preserved floodplain areas.
This unique landscape blends vast wetlands, open pastures, oak forests, and traditional wooden villages that seem frozen in time.

Here, nature still follows the rhythm of the river. When the Sava overflows, it floods fields and forests, creating an ever-changing mosaic of water and life — a rare harmony between humans, animals, and the land they share.

🌿 Lonjsko Polje: The Wild Wetlands of the Sava River

Lonjsko Polje is one of the last great floodplains in Europe — a vast natural landscape that transforms into a lake each year.
Set along the lower course of the Sava River, between the towns of Sisak, Jasenovac, and Nova Gradiška, the park lives and breathes in rhythm with the water. When the Sava overflows its banks, the floods cover forests, meadows, and fields, creating a landscape that constantly changes — from dry pastures to flooded forests and endless water reflections.

This natural rhythm shapes all life in the park. Water brings fertility and food but also dictates the pace of life — when to graze, when to harvest hay, when to sow, and when to retreat to higher ground.
In spring and early summer, Lonjsko Polje becomes a vast sanctuary for wetland birds; fish migrate into the flooded plains, and Posavina horses roam freely across the green meadows.

Oak and ash forests cover almost half of the park’s area. During the high-water season, these forests are completely submerged — a surreal sight where tree trunks rise from the water and their crowns mirror the sky, resembling a scene from the Amazon rainforest.

During the drier months, the water slowly withdraws, revealing fertile pastures and fields that have fed local communities for centuries.
In this delicate coexistence between man and nature, typical Posavina villages were born — wooden houses raised on stilts, wide courtyards, barns, and open grazing lands — a harmony rarely seen in modern Europe.

Lonjsko Polje is therefore not just a nature park, but a living landscape — a place where traditional cattle breeding, natural cycles, and the rhythm of the river still shape everyday life.

What to See and Experience in Lonjsko Polje Nature Park

1. Čigoč – The Stork Village

The first European Stork Village!
In Čigoč, almost every house has its own nest, and the best time to visit is from April to August, when storks return from Africa.
Here you can visit the Stork House (the park’s visitor info centre), walk along the educational trail, and try homemade local specialties in traditional wooden houses.

2. Krapje – The Village of Wooden Heritage

A protected open-air ethnographic village, known for its 19th-century wooden houses built without a single nail.
Krapje is also home to the Lonjsko Polje Nature Park administration and the interpretive trail “In the Footsteps of Tradition.”
It’s an ideal place for a quiet walk through the cultural past of Posavina, where time seems to stand still.

3. Repušnica Visitor Centre (near Kutina)

The main entrance to the park, featuring a modern multimedia exhibition, restaurant, and souvenir shop.
From here, you can set off on cycling and walking trails, or join the popular electric boat tours through the flooded forest areas — gliding silently through a network of channels and oak branches reflected in the water.
The ride lasts about an hour and offers a peaceful, bird’s-eye view of the wetlands.

4. Kayaking on the Strug River

The Strug, a calm tributary of the Sava, is perfect for a gentle adventure on the water.
Within the park, you can rent kayaks or canoes and paddle through green tunnels of willows and reeds.
This activity is especially popular in spring and early summer, when the water level is ideal and the landscape most alive.
Trips last between one and three hours, depending on the route, and are suitable for beginners.

For those less confident with paddling, there’s also an electric boat that glides quietly through the same waters — ideal for birdwatching and photography.

5. Mužilovčica – The Heart of Lonjsko Polje

Near the village of Mužilovčica lies one of the park’s most authentic areas.
Depending on the season, the landscape alternates between dry and flooded phases.
In the dry period, you can see herds of Posavina horses, cattle, and Turopolje pigs grazing freely on open meadows.
When the floods arrive, the area transforms into a vast shallow lake filled with wetland birds — herons, wild geese, and storks.
It’s a place where the coexistence of humans, animals, and water unfolds in real time — a landscape that constantly changes yet always captivates.
The area features educational trails, wooden viewpoints, and birdwatching shelters, accessible by bike, car, or guided tours organized by the park.

6. Krapje Đol Visitor Centre and Bird Reserve

An ornithological reserve famous for rare wetland birds such as herons, white-tailed eagles, and black storks.
A wooden boardwalk leads through the marshes to an observation tower — perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
This is one of the quietest corners of the park, where the only sounds are wind, wings, and water.

7. Boat Trips on the Sava River

When high waters flood the plains, Lonjsko Polje transforms into a vast lake.
During this period, boat tours on the Sava and its backwaters offer a unique perspective of the landscape and its wildlife — deer, wild boar, and countless bird species.
By late spring, the waters slowly retreat, revealing lush green meadows where Posavina horses graze freely once again.

8. Birdwatching Observatories

Lonjsko Polje features three modern and beautifully designed birdwatching observatories that let visitors quietly immerse themselves in the world of wetland birds.

• “Stork” Observatory – located near the Čigoč Visitor Centre, built in a contemporary mix of wood and glass, overlooking the surrounding meadows and stork nests.
• “Corncrake” Observatory – near the Repušnica Visitor Centre, on the edge of the floodplain meadows. It’s dedicated to observing the Corncrake, a rare wetland bird that symbolizes traditional haymaking in Posavina.
• “Traditional Fishing” Observatory – set right beside the Lonja River, near the upcoming Osekovo Visitor Centre (scheduled to open in September).
  It captures the essence of life by the river — fishermen, flooded forests, and the tranquil scenery of Lonjsko Polje — a perfect spot for sunsets and photography.

All three observatories are designed as modern interpretations of traditional Posavina architecture, built from natural materials and harmoniously integrated into the landscape.
They are open year-round and accessible by bike, car, or on foot along well-marked educational trails.

All three observatories are designed as modern interpretations of traditional Posavina architecture – built from wood and natural materials, harmoniously integrated into the landscape.
They are open year-round and can be reached by bicycle, car, or on foot along well-maintained educational trails.

🍲 Where to Eat and Stay in Lonjsko Polje Nature Park

A stay in Lonjsko Polje is best when you embrace the local way of life.
Accommodation here is authentic, warm, and always close to nature — in traditional wooden houses, family farms, or old Posavina courtyards surrounded by meadows and forests.

🍴 Recommended Restaurants and Farm Stays

Tradicije Čigoć (Čigoć) – One of the most famous family-run guesthouses in Lonjsko Polje.
Set in a traditional wooden house, it serves carp on a stick, hunter’s stew, wild game goulash, and homemade apple desserts. Rooms for overnight stays are also available.

Eko-Etno Village Strug (Plesmo) – A restaurant on the banks of the Strug River, with a large covered terrace and a view over the meadows.
They serve freshwater fish dishes and locally sourced meat, and you can also rent a boat or a bicycle.

Restaurant Klet Romić (Repušnica, near Kutina) – Known for its homemade smoked meat, sausages, and Moslavina wines.
An ideal stop for lunch after visiting the Repušnica Visitor Centre.

Rural Tourism Tišina Erdödy (near Jasenovac) – Located in a restored traditional Posavina house, this family-run restaurant offers wild game dishes, homemade cakes, and plum brandy in a peaceful countryside setting.

Restaurant Kod Ribiča (Osekovo) – A cozy riverside restaurant specializing in fish dishes and traditional fiš paprikaš (fish stew).
Nearby, the new Osekovo Visitor Centre with the “Traditional Fishing” bird observatory is soon to open.

Bistrički Farm Stay (Krapje) – A traditional farm offering home cooking, local cheese, honey, and boat rides on nearby waterways.
A great place to experience authentic Posavina hospitality.

💡 Tip: Most restaurants and family farms prepare food on request, so it’s best to call ahead a day in advance, especially on weekends or during spring when the park is at its busiest.

🍲 Flavors of Posavina

The cuisine of Posavina is simple yet full of character.
It combines river fish, wild game from nearby forests, and local farm produce.
Try these traditional dishes:

• Carp stew or grilled carp on a stick
• Fiš paprikaš (spicy river fish stew with homemade noodles)
• Roasted game – usually venison or wild boar
• Čvarci (crispy pork cracklings), homemade cheese, and bread from a wood-fired oven
• Plum brandy and Moslavina wine

Many hosts also offer boat rides, cycling routes, local tours, and workshops, so your stay easily becomes a full-day immersion in nature, food, and tradition.
Dining here means sharing a table with your hosts while the sound of storks echoes outside and the smell of wood smoke drifts through the fields — a true taste of Posavina life.

🚗 How to Get to Lonjsko Polje Nature Park

Lonjsko Polje Nature Park is located in central Croatia, between Sisak, Kutina, and Jasenovac, about 90 km southeast of Zagreb.
The park covers a vast area and doesn’t have a single entry point, so it’s best to plan ahead and choose which part you’d like to visit — for example Čigoč, Repušnica, Krapje, or Mužilovčica.

🚙 From Zagreb

The fastest route is via the A3 motorway (Zagreb – Slavonski Brod). Take the Kutina exit, then continue along local roads toward Repušnica and the Repušnica Visitor Centre (about 1 hour and 30 minutes’ drive).
Another option is to drive toward Novska and Jasenovac, which is ideal if you plan to visit Krapje Village and the Krapje Đol Bird Reserve.

🛻 From Sisak

From Sisak, a scenic local road follows the Sava River toward Čigoč, the famous Stork Village (about 40 minutes’ drive).
This route passes through wetlands, traditional wooden farms, and open floodplain meadows — a perfect slow drive with several scenic viewpoints along the way.

🚉 By Public Transport

You can reach Kutina or Sisak by train or bus from Zagreb, but there are no regular public transport lines into the park itself.
If you’re visiting without a car, it’s best to arrange a local guide or taxi transfer to one of the main entrances.

🚴 Exploring Inside the Park

Lonjsko Polje is large and spread out, with marked cycling and educational trails connecting the villages — ideal for slow exploration by bike or on foot.
The best ways to explore are by car, bicycle, or walking, as many roads are narrow gravel tracks.

⚠️ Note: Local roads are often in poor condition — expect a slow drive, and during floods some sections may be closed or inaccessible.
Check the official park website for current road and water conditions before visiting, and plan extra time for stops and birdwatching along the way.

🌞 Best Time to Visit Lonjsko Polje Nature Park

Lonjsko Polje is a living, breathing landscape that changes with every season — the water rises and retreats, and the scenery transforms from week to week.
There’s no single “perfect time” to visit; each season brings its own version of life and beauty to the wetlands.

🌷 Spring and Early Summer (April – June)

This is the best and most vibrant time of year to visit Lonjsko Polje.
In April and May, the floodplain forests are still partially under water, creating a magical scene — trees rising from mirror-like waters, reflections of clouds, and countless wetland birds nesting all around.
It’s also when the storks return to Čigoč, the meadows burst into color, and birdsong fills the air.

As June approaches, the water level slowly drops and the meadows and fields come alive again — a time when you can often see Posavina horses, cattle, and pigs grazing freely.
Mosquitoes start to appear in late spring, but with a good repellent, they’re easy to manage.

🍂 Late Summer and Autumn (August – October)

Late summer brings calmer scenes, warm golden light, and dry country roads.
The floodwaters have mostly withdrawn, but traces of them linger — reflections shimmering on damp meadows, the cracked soil still holding the memory of water.
Autumn paints the oak forests in golden hues and wraps the mornings in soft mist.

It’s the perfect season for photography, birdwatching, and peaceful walks, though mosquitoes can still be around, especially after rainfall.

❄️ Winter (November – February)

Winter in Lonjsko Polje looks entirely different — misty, quiet, and almost mystical.
The Sava River often rises again and floods parts of the plains, making some paths inaccessible, yet this is when you can feel the true power and stillness of water.
The forests stand bare, the water turns murky, and the scenery resembles a series of black-and-white photographs.

For photographers and lovers of solitude, winter has a special kind of magic — just bring good boots and warm clothes.

🪶 Visitor Tips

• Bring binoculars and rubber boots if you’re visiting in spring.
• Follow the park rules – don’t enter fenced or restricted areas.
• Mosquitoes are not present all year, but in summer, bring repellent just in case.
• Enjoy the silence – Lonjsko Polje is not a place for rushing, but for observing and slowing down.

📸 What to Visit Nearby

• Kutina and Moslavačka Gora – gentle hills, vineyards, and scenic viewpoints.
• Sisak – explore the remains of the ancient Roman town of Siscia and the historic bridge over the Kupa River.
• Jasenovac Memorial Site – a powerful historical museum and memorial along the Sava River.

💬 FAQ – Lonjsko Polje Nature Park

Q1: Where is Lonjsko Polje Nature Park located?
Lonjsko Polje is situated in central Croatia, along the Sava River floodplain, between the towns of Sisak, Kutina, and Jasenovac, about 90 km southeast of Zagreb.

Q2: How do I get to Lonjsko Polje from Zagreb?
Take the A3 motorway (Zagreb–Slavonski Brod) and exit at Kutina, then continue towards Repušnica Visitor Centre.
Alternatively, drive via Novska if you plan to visit Krapje and Krapje Đol Bird Reserve. The journey takes about 1.5 hours by car.

Q3: What is Lonjsko Polje famous for?
Lonjsko Polje is best known for its wetlands, stork villages, and traditional wooden houses.
It’s also one of the largest protected floodplain areas in Europe, home to over 250 bird species, Posavina horses, and beautiful oak forests that flood every spring.

Q4: What can I see and do in Lonjsko Polje?
Top experiences include visiting Čigoč – the Stork Village, exploring Krapje’s wooden heritage, kayaking on the Strug River, or birdwatching from modern observatories.
You can also take electric boat tours, go cycling between villages, or simply enjoy the peaceful rhythm of nature.

Q5: When is the best time to visit Lonjsko Polje?
The park is open all year, but the best time to visit is in April and May, when the floodwaters create mirror-like wetlands and wildlife is most active.
Autumn is perfect for photography and quiet walks, while winter offers mystical, foggy landscapes.

Q6: Are there restaurants and accommodation nearby?
Yes – you’ll find eco-villages, family-run farms, and riverside restaurants throughout the park.
Popular spots include Tradicije Čigoć, Eko-etno selo Strug, and Klet Romić, where you can try carp on a stick, fish stew, and Moslavina wine.

Q7: Is Lonjsko Polje good for birdwatching?
Absolutely. The park is one of the best birdwatching areas in Croatia, with observatories like the Stork, Corncrake, and Traditional Fishing towers offering ideal viewing conditions throughout the year.

Q8: How long do you need to explore Lonjsko Polje?
You can visit the highlights in a day trip, but staying two to three days allows you to explore multiple villages, take a boat or kayak tour, and experience the park’s changing atmosphere at sunrise and sunset.

Q9: Can I visit Lonjsko Polje with children?
Yes – it’s a family-friendly destination.
Kids love spotting storks, horses, and ducks, and there are educational trails, picnic areas, and farm stays ideal for families.

Q10: Are there entrance fees?
Yes, there is a small entrance fee for visitor centres, but you can freely wander in the park otherwise.
Tickets can be purchased at any of the official entrances, including Repušnica, Čigoč, and Krapje.