BIRDWATCHING | Half Day | 155 € | Nature park Kopački Rit, Eastern Croatia. This private 6-hour excursion inclusive of a 3-hour birdwatching program led by a professional guide will show you why is Kopački Rit Reserve recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and listed in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance.

Located in North-East Croatia's Baranja region, Kopački Rit is part of the UNESCO Mura-Drava-Danube Biosphere Reserve. It is one of the largest wetlands in Europe, home to an impressive 293 bird species, which make up 78 percent of Croatia's total bird fauna.

Although not a widely known birdwatching destination, the park is definitely worth a visit. It is free from mass tourism, plays a vital role in local tourism, extends the tourist season, and benefits both, local communities and the surrounding environment.

The best time for birdwatching in Kopački Rit is from mid-April to mid-October. With proper equipment such as binoculars and a spotting scope, visitors can observe both common bird species and, with a bit of patience, rarer ones like the Black Stork or Imperial Eagle.

The tour can be tailor-made for everyone, from beginners eager to learn about this fascinating hobby to experienced birdwatchers who enjoy observing birds through visual enhancement devices like binoculars and telescopes.

Departure dates 2025:

• from the middle of April until the middle of October - every day
• dates on request
• reservations at least 3 days in advance

Price: 155 € per person / 6 hours incl. 3-hour birdwatching programme

• The excursion price is based on a minimum of one (1) participant.
• Individual guests can join an existing group.
• Definite departure will be confirmed to participants by e-mail.
• Participants interested in a private trip may contact Inlandia for an individual offer.

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:

• Birdwatching programme with an English, German or Hungarian-speaking professional guide specialized in birdwatching.
• Entrance fee for Nature Park Kopački Rit.
• Insurance and costs for the organization and realization of a trip.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE  /  Additional costs:

• Transfer to the starting/ending point.
• Equipment for birdwatching.
• Beverages and lunch.
• Personal expenses and tips.
• Additional health and cancellation insurance, which can be arranged by e-mail to info@inlandia.com
• All other expenses not covered by the programme.

You need to bring:

1. All the necessary equipment that you will use in the bird-watching: basic equipment is binoculars and a digital camera (with or without a tripod); for the more serious bird watchers spotting scopes and a hide are necessary if you want to get a much closer look at birds and take photographs by digiscoping - a technique using a digital camera and a scope to take long-range shots.  
2. Lightweight, waterproof, warm clothes, hat, sunglasses, sun cream.
3. Lunch and drinks.
4. Notebooks and pencils are recommended for writing down interesting and needed information.

Find the ideal accommodation - withour recommendation: Country Estate Didin Konak

Note* For those who are more interested in experiencing Kopacki rit in Eastern Croatia, we recommend our excursion Canoeing Kopacki Rit

• Nature Park Kopacki rit
• 293 bird species
• Tikveš Presentation and Education Centre

Kopacki Rit Nature Park is one of the largest wetlands in Europe, and ornithologically significant area (293 species of birds) and the largest freshwater fish hatchery in the Danube region (about 60 species). It is situated in Eastern Croatia, in the picturesque plains of Baranja, between the rivers Drava and Danube. It stretches across an area of 240 km². The high biodiversity of 2.000 biological species reflects the rich flora and fauna of the park. Due to its exceptional natural values, Kopacki Rit has been included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance and the List of Important Bird Areas (IBA). More than 7500 areas in over 170 countries have been designated on the IBAs list from 2004. In 2012, the Kopacki Rit Nature Park was declared part of the Mura-Drava-Danube Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO protection.

The 293 bird species, up to now, have been registered in Kopački Rit, which makes up 78,1% of the total bird fauna in Croatia (375 species). The diversity of birds is especially high during spring and autumn migrations, and then in the summer. Approximately 70% of species living in the park's area can be seen in one single tour, which means that birdwatchers can see as many as 60 bird species in one day.

Some of the bird species in Kopacki rit:

• White-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) is particularly attractive, and they are well-established in the Kopacki rit. We can often see ten to twenty specimens if there is enough food. They feed on meat; sometimes they eat injured birds or geese, wild boars and marsh turtles. Fish have also a special role in their food.
• There are large colonies of cormorants and grey herons (Ardea cinerea) during the nesting period. Kopački rit is a paradise for different species of herons. The most numerous are the Grey Herons. A large colony exists in the area called “Ćošak šume” ("Forest Corner") counting more than a thousand pairs. They like to build their nests high up on the treetops. There is also the purple heron (Ardea purpurea) which used to be the most numerous species in Kopački Rit. Today they nest irregularly in only a couple of pairs.
• The park is also known for the Ferruginous Duck (Anas platyrchynchos) - the most numerous of all ducks in Kopački Rit. They built their nests on trees in spring when the water level is high. The number of these ducks rises to tens of thousands during autumn and winter.,
• The Wild Geese (Anser anser) are great flyers and the ones that come to Kopački Rit nest in Sweden and Finland. They must constantly keep their feathers in good condition to keel over long journeys.

There are also white and black storks, egrets, Black-headed Gull, Little Ringed Plover, Imperial Eagle, …

Recommendation to visit: TIKVEŠ CASTLE - Presentation and Education Centre, located in the northern part of the Kopački Rit Nature Park, is a unique multimedia and interactive exhibition that brings visitors closer to the rich cultural and historical heritage and natural phenomena of Kopački Rit. The history of this area is connected to the management and stewardship of the area's natural resources, about which there is historical documentation dating back to 1697 when the estate was granted to Prince Eugene of Savoy by Emperor Leopold I for his services. The Tikveš Castle complex includes the following buildings surrounded by forests and parks: the New Castle with an annexe and the Country Villa (the Old Castle), which dates back to the 19th century, built by the members of the Teschen line of the Habsburg family. There is also the small Chapel of Papal Blessing and accompanying buildings. Throughout history, the castles were a residential hunting centre of the former Yugoslav president Tito, known in Europe and the world, but exclusively closed for rulers and distinguished guests, which is now, after renovation and conversion, available to all interested visitors. The distance from the Kopački Rit's entrance (Visitor Centre) is 12 km/a 15-minute drive. Opening hours: Thursday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.