Written by our local expert SJ
Sarah-Jane has lived in Croatia for 10+ years. SJ, as she is known, has been traveling the Balkans & beyond since 2000. She now shares her passion for traveling with her husband & kids.
When most people think of Slavonia, the first images that pop up are golden plains, hearty meals, and the kind of warm hospitality that makes you feel like you’re part of the family. But tucked away in this often-overlooked region of Croatia is something that might surprise you: a mountain that was once an island, a high-tech time machine of a museum, and landscapes that feel like you’ve stepped straight into a nature documentary.
Welcome to Papuk Nature Park and the Geo Info Center in Voćin.
Set in the quiet village of Voćin, the Geo Info Center is one of those spots you walk into and instantly think: why didn’t I know about this sooner? This isn’t your average small-town museum. On 800 square meters of space, it combines geology, biology, and history with just the right mix of education and fun.
The star of the show is the 6D theater. Imagine being strapped into a ride that whisks you back to when Papuk was still an island in the middle of the Pannonian Sea. The earth shakes, the wind blows, and suddenly you’re watching mountain ranges form and dinosaurs roam. It’s a proper immersive experience — kids and adults both come out wide-eyed.
History buffs will love the archaeological exhibits, which span everything from the Iron Age to the Middle Ages, while nature lovers will enjoy the biological displays of Papuk’s unique flora and fauna.
Families with little ones should head straight to the “Geo Capsule,” an interactive corner designed for curious hands. And when you’ve had your fill of time travel, you can grab a coffee at the Geo Bar or pick up a locally-made souvenir to remember your visit.
Of course, the museum is just the start. Papuk itself — Croatia’s first UNESCO Global Geopark — is where the real adventure begins. Covering over 300 square kilometers, this mountain range is a playground of dense beech and oak forests, rocky cliffs, waterfalls, and hidden valleys. Papuk has a fascinating backstory: millions of years ago, it was an island rising out of the ancient Pannonian Sea. Today, its rocks are studded with fossils that tell stories of long-extinct sea creatures.
It’s a reminder that the landscapes we hike through today are shaped by an unimaginably long history.
If you’re visiting in autumn, you’re in for a treat. The forest explodes into fiery shades of orange, gold, and red, making every hike feel like walking through a painting. A must-see is Jankovac Forest Park, with its serene lakes and the Skakavac waterfall — easily one of the most picturesque spots in continental Croatia. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife too; Papuk is home to plenty of protected species, including the Ivanjski rovaš, Croatia’s smallest lizard.
Papuk isn’t just for hikers and geology nerds (though, fair warning, you’ll probably turn into one by the end of your trip). The park is actively expanding its offer. In Slatinski Drenovac, an adrenaline park is under construction with zip-lines, climbing areas, and other outdoor activities. It’s going to be a great option for families or anyone looking to balance serene walks with a bit of heart-pumping adventure.
Voćin, where the Geo Info Center is located, is easy to reach from both Zagreb and Osijek, making it a perfect weekend escape. The drive itself is part of the experience, taking you through Slavonia’s peaceful countryside — a part of Croatia that’s refreshingly untouched by mass tourism.
If you’re looking for more details about trails, tickets, and events, check out the Papuk Nature Park website at www.pp-papuk.hr.
Papuk and the Geo Info Center are the perfect example of why you should always look beyond Croatia’s coast. Yes, the Adriatic gets all the attention (and rightly so), but inland Croatia has gems like this that deserve a spot on your itinerary. Whether you’re traveling with kids, looking for a cultural deep-dive, or just want to trade the crowds for crisp mountain air, Papuk delivers.
If you’re planning your next trip to Croatia, add Slavonia to the list. Go for the wine and the food, sure — but stay for the mountains, waterfalls, and a museum that lets you travel millions of years back in time without leaving your seat.
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