Slavonia has always been known for its hospitality, vast plains, and rich traditions, but in recent years it has also emerged as a region offering unique experiences for lovers of nature and culture. At the heart of this story lies Papuk, a mountain that has borne witness to the changes of our planet for millions of years. And right there, in the charming village of Voćin, you’ll find the Geo Info Center—a modern multimedia space that opens the doors to the past and reveals fascinating stories about Earth, life, and people.
Geo Info Center: The Modern Face of the Past
The moment you step into the Geo Info Center, it feels like entering a time machine. Spanning 800 square meters, the exhibits cover geology, biology, and cultural-historical heritage, designed to both entertain and educate. The main attraction is the 6D hall, which takes visitors through the history of Papuk—once an island in the Pannonian Sea—and reveals how rocks, mountain ranges, and entire ecosystems were formed. Multimedia projections, interactive screens, and mechanical elements create a sense of full immersion in the story; you can almost feel the eras of dinosaurs, ice ages, or the first human communities that left their mark on this area.
Particularly impressive is the archaeological section, where you can explore various periods of Papuk and see how people lived here from the Iron Age to the Middle Ages. Children love the biology exhibit with models of Papuk’s flora and fauna, while the youngest visitors especially enjoy the “Geo Capsule,” a corner tailored to their curious little hands. After the tour, visitors can relax at the Geo Bar or take home a keepsake from the souvenir shop, which offers local products and themed gifts.
Papuk: A Mountain That Hides a Sea
While the Geo Info Center provides an introduction to the richness of this region, the real adventure awaits in Papuk Nature Park. This mountain, also declared Croatia’s first UNESCO Geopark, stretches over more than 300 square kilometers and offers an incredible variety—from dense beech and oak forests, to steep cliffs, and all the way to peaceful valleys and streams. Papuk’s unique charm lies in its geological past: once an island in the Pannonian Sea, its rocks still hold fossils that testify to the life that flourished here millions of years ago.
Autumn is the perfect season to visit Papuk. Hiking trails turn into a symphony of colors and scents, while spots like Jankovac, with its lakes and the Skakavac waterfall, reveal fairytale-like scenery. Papuk is also home to many protected species, including the Croatian endemic Schreiber’s small lizard—the country’s tiniest lizard and a true little natural attraction.
Slavonia as a Destination of the Future
The Geo Info Center and Papuk Nature Park complement each other perfectly, forming one of the most attractive tourist stories of continental Croatia. Their beauty lies not only in natural phenomena and rich history, but also in the fact that they offer experiences suitable for everyone—from families with children to hiking, history, and science enthusiasts.
And the offer keeps growing. In Slatinski Drenovac, an adventure park is currently being built, which will enrich the experience for visitors looking for active holidays. Zip-line adventures, climbing, and other activities will provide the perfect contrast to peaceful walks and educational tours.
Voćin is easily accessible both from Zagreb and Osijek, and the journey there reveals the beauty of the Slavonian landscape, which is slowly but surely making its way onto the must-visit map for weekend getaways and family trips.
For more information, visit the Papuk Nature Park website www.pp-papuk.hr or the Vrata Papuka Tourist Board.
Photos: Matija Turkalj / Papuk Nature Park / TZP Vrata Papuka
