Canoeing Kopacki Rit Nature Park

Guided Eco-Tour of Wildlife and Tikveš Castle Complex

Explore Wild Kopački Rit by Canoe

CANOE TOUR | Half Day | from 79 € | Set off on a private guided canoe tour through the breathtaking wetlands of Kopački Rit in Eastern Croatia. Let us lead you on an authentic paddling adventure through the heart of the nature park, followed by a visit to the Tikveš Presentation and Education Centre, all in the company of an expert guide who brings the landscape to life.

Kopački Rit Nature Park is a haven for wildlife, home to more than 290 bird species and 60 species of fish. One of Europe’s largest preserved wetlands, it rests between the Danube and Drava rivers, just 12 km from the vibrant city of Osijek in the Slavonia & Baranja region.

You’ll have the chance to spot fascinating and rare birds, along with other wildlife that makes Kopački Rit so special. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a small herd of endangered native cattle—one of the last remaining in this region.  

After your guided canoe tour, your adventure continues at the Tikveš Presentation and Education Centre, where you can dive even deeper into the world of Kopački Rit. Here, engaging stories reveal the history, development, and importance of this strictly protected ornithological reserve, adding a rich and memorable layer to your visit.

 

ITINERARY

Short Walk Over Lake Mali Sakadas

9:00 AM - Short Walk Over Lake Mali Sakadas

You start your day trip at 9:00 am in the Visitor Centre of the Nature Park Kopački Rit. There, you have to check in with a park employee before entering the park. Kopački Rit Nature Park, often called the European Amazon, stretches across the central Danube floodplain between the Drava and Danube rivers. It was designated a protected area in 1967 owing to its significant ecological value. The route takes you along the boardwalk called Bijeli Lopoč (eng. White Water Lily) to Lake Sakadash and the boat dock. Along the wooden walkway, you will learn more about flora and fauna in the Kopački Rit. The educational boards feature pictures and descriptions of plants and animals, bringing you closer to nature while describing the rich wetland ecosystem. After half an hour's walk through the reeds, willows, and aquatic plant communities of Mali Sakadash, we'll arrive at the boat dock, where we will start our canoe tour. The total length of the promenade is 2.400 m. Walking: half an hour.

Canoe Tour Kopački Rit

9:30 AM - Canoe Tour Kopački Rit

Enjoy a relaxing two hour canoe trip led by a professional geo safari guide as you glide through the Special Zoological Reserve, starting from Lake Sakadaš and following the peaceful Linjov Canal. Canoeing offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich biodiversity of Kopački Rit up close, especially its remarkable birdlife—from colonies of cormorants to rare species of eagles. Your guide will share insights about the wildlife, landscape, and history of this extraordinary wetland, answering your questions along the way. It’s an authentic nature experience suitable for the whole family. Trail length: 5 km. Duration: approx. 2 hours.

Tikveš Castle Complex

11:50 AM - Tikveš Castle Complex

After your canoe trip, continue exploring Kopački Rit with a visit to the Tikveš Castle Complex, located in the park’s northern part, about 12 km from the entrance and Visitor Centre. This spot is perfect for anyone interested in history. The complex was originally a 19th-century hunting lodge built by the Habsburg family, rulers of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, and was later used by Yugoslav State Premier Tito. Its exterior still reflects the elegance of that era. The castle is surrounded by a forest park and includes several buildings: the New Castle with an annex, the Old Castle, a chapel, and other facilities such as a restaurant. The Tikveš Castle complex has been renovated and now serves as the “Tikveš Centre for Presentation and Education,” with support from the EU. The guided tour and presentation last about one hour. To get there, it’s best to drive your own car, as there is no regular public transport. The drive takes 15 to 20 minutes on an asphalt road through the village of Kozjak to Tikveš.

Return to the Visitor Centre of the Kopački Rit

1:30 PM - Return to the Visitor Centre of the Kopački Rit

Your excursion to Kopački Rit ends around 1:30 PM in front of the Visitor Centre, from where you started this day trip. We recommend going for lunch at one of the local restaurants that offer authentic Baranja cuisine prepared either in the traditional way or with a slightly more modern approach. We are happy to provide recommendations and book a table for lunch.

Departures 2026: from April till October
Dates: from Thursday to Sunday, on request

Group size

2 pers.

3 pers.

4 pers.

5 pers.

Price per person

93 €

85 €

81 €

79 €

  • The excursion prices are based on a minimum of two (2) and a maximum of five (5) participants.
  • Definite departure will be confirmed to participants by e-mail.
  • Participants interested in a private trip for a larger group may contact Inlandia.com for an individual offer.

Discount: children up to 4 years accompanied by their parents - free of charge.

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:

  • Entrance fee for Nature Park Kopački Rit.
  • Canoe trip with a geological safari guide.
  • Entrance fee for Tikveš Presentation and Educaation Centre.
  • Guided tour through Tikveš Castle Complex.
  • Insurance and costs for the organization and realization of the tour.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE / Additional costs (optional):

  • Transfer to starting/ending point.
  • Lunch in a local restaurant.
  • Additional health and cancellation insurance, which can be arranged by email to info@inlandia.com
  • All other expenses not covered by the programme.

Find the ideal accommodation - with our recommendation: Country Estate Didin Konak

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

  • Nature Park Kopački Rit
  • Canoe tour
  • Tikveš Castle Complex – Presentation and Education Centre

Kopački Rit Nature Park is one of the largest wetlands in Europe, home to approximately 290 bird species, making it an ornithologically significant area. It is also the largest freshwater fish hatchery in the Danube region, with about 60 species. The park is situated in Eastern Croatia, in the picturesque plains of the Baranja Region between the Drava and Danube rivers. It covers an area of240 km2. Walking through the park, visitors are greeted by shimmering waters dotted with water lilies. Gentle ripples reflect the ever-changing sky. Lush greenery thrives along the banks. The air is alive with birdsong, from the melodic calls of songbirds to the distant cries of herons and cormorants soaring overhead. Subtle breezes carry the earthy scent of marsh grasses. The atmosphere is peaceful and invigorating, interrupted only by the gentle splash of fish or the rustle of wings among the reeds. The high biodiversity, comprising over 2,000 biological species, reflects the rich flora and fauna. Due to its exceptional natural values, Kopački Rit is listed inthe Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance and the List of Important Bird Areas (IBA).

Canoe tour along the Kopacki Rit Nature Park, abundant flora and birdlife makecanoeingalong the park's canals a truly exciting experience. Inside the spectacular landscape of the protected areas, you can see cormorants, herons, egrets, kingfishers, fish eagles, and other birds. You can even go to the place where the beavers live. During the tour, with a bit of luck, you may even spot wild boars and deer. Canoe tours typically last about two hours and are available daily from spring through autumn. All necessary equipment is provided, making it convenient for both beginners and experienced canoeists.

Tikveš Castle Complex- The Tikveš Presentation and Education Centre is a modern, interactive, and multimedia exhibition space located in the northern part of Kopački Rit. It uniquely combines nature, history, and modern multimedia storytelling to help visitors understand the significance of the wetland. Its purpose is to introduce visitors to the park’s natural phenomena, cultural heritage, and the historical significance of the Tikveš castle complex. The centre is housed within the restored Tikveš Castle Complex, which includes:

  • Novi Dvorac (New Castle) with an annex
  • Stari Dvorac (Old Castle)

The complex dates back to the 19th century and was built by the Teschens branch of the Habsburg family. For decades, it served as an exclusive hunting residence for European and world leaders, closed to the public—until its recent restoration and transformation into an educational centre.

If you stay a day longer in this region, we recommend visiting the authentic village of Karanac, near Kopacki Rit Nature Park. It is known for its traditional architecture, authentic rural atmosphere, and culinary experiences. Visitors can explore the famous "Street of Bygone Times," which demonstrates ancient crafts such as basket weaving and blacksmithing.

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