Papuk
Papuk, Travel Guide with travel tips for holidays in Papuk, Croatia
Papuk was first established as a park in the 19th century when local nobility became interested in preserving the beautiful forests which surrounded Lake Jankovac. Papuk is a park centered around water, and in addition to Lake Jankovac there are a number of natural freshwater springs which feed small rivers and creeks. The park is thick with old-growth oaks and beech trees. Papuk is also a waypoint for many species of migratory birds, making it a great place for birdwatchers to visit. There are a number of wild animals in the area, and very few are predatory or dangerous.
Papuk's main attractions center around the countryside and the wildlife. There are a number of tours and activities surrounding the local bird population, as well as tours which focus on pointing out the diverse ecosystems to be found in the park. The park is mostly open-ended, however, and most visitors should expect to choose their own destinations and do hiking on their own initiative. There are lodges and even a spa for those looking to take an extended stay in the park. There are trails which snake throughout the park and which allow visitors to access all of the local springs and of course Lake Jankovac. Mountaineering is encouraged and there are a number of mountaineering huts and trails in the area, and the mountains are quite climbable to even inexperienced climbers. There is also skiing in winter, and Mount Jezerce has a ski lift to assist in downhill skiing.
Visitors to the park should arrive in Zagreb and then make their way to the park by car or train. Entrance to the park costs 25 kn for adults and 20 kn for children, students and pensioners.
