brod posavina county tourism

Daily Travel Updates

Friday, 28 January 2022

PHOTOS: Snowy Riversides and Magical Mountains of Croatia in January 2022

January 28, 2022 – The snowy riversides and magical mountains of Croatia in January 2022 show a spectacular and all-natural winter wonderland.

Snow finally stuck to the streets of central Zagreb for a couple of days this week. Early morning temperatures dropped to the lowest yet of this winter. Despite the chill, clear skies and sunshine days were enough to see the snow soon melt away.

But, far from the city, the snowy riversides and magical mountains of Croatia in January 2022 have kept their white blanket for longer. These all-natural landscapes look epic after the snowfall. For winter walkers and climbers – or even just lovers of photography – these images are way more spectacular than the bright lights and theatre of the Advent season.

Let's take a closer look at the winter wonderland of snowy riversides and magical mountains of Croatia in January 2022.

Gorski Kotar

Delnice, Lokve, Fužine, Stara Sušica, Ravna Gora

From above, Dvorac Stara Sušica © Vladimir Franolić

Jezero Bajer near Fužine © Marino Kirinčić

Another view of Dvorac Stara Sušica © Branko Lautar & Višnja Bolf

Risnjak National Park and Snježnik Hrvatski

Snježnik hrvatski © Ivan Ćuća-Žentil

For more about Risnjak National Park, look here

Velebit

Northern Velebit National Park

For more about Northern Velebit National Park, look here

Velebit Nature Park

Ljubičko Brdo © Ivan Ćuća-Žentil

Paklenica National Park

Bojinac © Ivan Coric Photography

For more about Paklenica National Park, look here

Kloštar Podravski, Podravina and Koprivnica-Križevci County

For more about the Drava river in Koprivnica-Križevci County look here. For more about the area of Podravina containing Kloštar Podravski and Đurđevac, look here

Slavonski Brod

The wetlands and ponds in Oriovac near Slavonski Brod are not only home to fish - over 50 species of birds visit these waters © Antun Lukšić

For more about Slavonski Brod, look here

Žumberak-Samoborsko gorje Nature Park

The high peak of Sveti Gera, on the western edge of Žumberak-Samoborsko gorje Nature Park © Domagoj Novosel

The author would like to thank each of the photographers who kindly loaned their work to him for this article

Thursday, 20 January 2022

50 Years of Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić Theatre and Concert Hall Slavonski Brod

January 20, 2022 – In 2022, Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić Theatre and Concert Hall Slavonski Brod celebrates 50 years as the central stage for culture in Brod Posavina County. Celebrations begin with a performance of Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream.

From statues, sculptures and street processions, to family homes, festivals and schools, the name of famous writer Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić (1874 – 1938) is kept permanently alive on the streets of Slavonski Brod. Famed as an author of children's literature, her fairytales drew on Slavic mythology and have been compared to the work of Hans Christian Andersen.

Statue of Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić in Slavonski Brod

This beloved, adopted daughter of the city also lends her name to Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić Theatre and Concert Hall Slavonski Brod (here). The venue is the largest and most prestigious performance space in Brod Posavina County and is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2022.

Celebrations will begin on January 29. Some 50 years ago, the opening performance in Slavonski Brod's new theatre was made by the esteemed Croatian National Theatre Osijek. Coming full circle, to mark the beginning of the special anniversary year, Croatian National Theatre Osijek will return on the very same evening.

Croatian National Theatre Osijek perform 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' © Kristijan Cimer

Rather fittingly, they will perform one of William Shakespeare's most popular and widely performed plays – A Midsummer Night's Dream. Like the works of Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić, Shakespeare's fantastical play takes place in a world filled with fairies.

Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić Theatre and Concert Hall Slavonski Brod

By night, Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić Theatre and Concert Hall Slavonski Brod

The Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić Theatre and Concert Hall Slavonski Brod opened on 29 January 1972. However, its dedication to Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić happened over two decades into its life. The theatre has only been named after Slavonski Brod's most famous writer since 1994. Before then, the theatre had been dedicated to Valpovo-born Đuro Salaj, one of the founders of the Communist Party in Yugoslavia.

In addition to organizing theatre and music performances, the venue plays an integral part in three of Slavonski Brod's most important and most popular annual manifestations – Dance Days, In The World of Fairytales and Brod's Music Summer.

One of the theatre's most popular assets is its ability to hold outdoor performances. They take place in the courtyard immediately outside.

Held every April - around the birthday of Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić - the In The World of Fairytales festival (here) celebrates the life and work of the famous author. In Slavonski Brod, it's not only the theatre that's named after Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić – so too is one of the schools.

Children from Slavonski Brod and from nearby play a huge role in the festival. Up to 5000 of them attend performances of the writer's works at the Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić Theatre and Concert Hall Slavonski Brod. The festival also features a street parade with costumed characters from fairy tales by Brlić-Mažuranić.

In The World of Fairytales festival Slavonski Brod

The Children's Theatre Company Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić (founded in 1980) has been operating under the auspices of the Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić Theatre and Concert Hall Slavonski Brod since 2007. In that time, the company and theatre have strived to preserve and perform some of the lesser-known works by the writer. Some of Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić's stories are today out of print. Indeed, some of her writing remains unpublished.

Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić

Within the further anniversary program, Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić Theatre and Concert Hall Slavonski Brod will revisit some of the same plays performed at the venue in its very first year. Croatian National Theatre Osijek appeared at the theatre no less than three times in that debut year, so you should expect their return to the stage in Slavonski Brod later in 2022.

Croatian National Theatre Osijek perform William Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' from 19.30 on 29 January at Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić Theatre and Concert Hall Slavonski Brod. Tickets are priced 70 kuna.

For more information about Slavonski Brod and Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić, look here.

To keep up with happenings in Slavonski Brod, bookmark TCN's pages here.

Tuesday, 28 September 2021

Brod-Posavina County, an Example of Tourism Excellence in Eastern Croatia

September 28, 2021 - Nothing to envy the regions of Istria or Dalmatia when it comes to tourism statistics in the last summer months, as Brod-Posavina county has also broken its own records with an attractive offer that combines peace, comfort, and nature.

The proof that tourism does not take place only on the Adriatic is Brod-Posavina County, which from the beginning of the year to September 21 reached 82% of overnight stays from the best pre-pandemic 2019. And the great growth trend continues, reports HrTurizam.hr.

Judging by the tourist results, Brod-Posavina County has confirmed its status as a year-round destination. Although it is not over yet, the month of September is better than the record 2019. It is also encouraging that 37,357 overnight stays from the beginning of the year to September 21 increased by 35% compared to the same period in 2020.

"If we look at overnight stays by type of accommodation, the most sought-after facilities in the household are farms, ranches, family farms, holiday homes in rural areas, which recorded an increase of as much as 166% compared to last year. The September record-holders in overnight stays are the Tourist Board of the Municipality of Garčin with growth of six times and the Municipality of Cernik, which realized three times the number of overnight stays compared to the same month last year. These statistics indicate only one thing - guests are looking for indigenous, original, and tourist unspent with a stay in nature, and this is exactly what we offer in our county", said Ruzica Vidakovic, director of the Tourist Board of Brod-Posavina County.

It is a happy fact that 15 new facilities with 124 beds have been opened this year, but also the fact that 60% of the total number of tourists are foreigners and 40% are domestic guests.

Regarding the position and growth index of overnight stays for the first eight months of 2021, if we compare with the record 2019, Brod-Posavina County within the cluster Slavonia, five Slavonian counties, achieved an index of 80.28 compared to the average of Slavonia, which is 69.74.

Ethno-eco village Stara Kapela, Ramarin Ranch, Dida Tunje House, Savus Farm, Matin and Ana's apartment, Kereković Estate, Opođe Rural Household, Paljevina Farm, Villa Melani, Villa Čop, holiday houses “Regoč” and “Atar”… - they are real discoveries for lovers of rural tourism. Here you will feel the beauty of the Slavonian village, in the peace and quiet of nature, get rid of stress and find yourself again.

Brod-Posavina County is networked with trails, so almost every corner can be explored by bike. Slavonski Brod, Nova Gradiška, picturesque villages, forests, the riverbank, choose what you like and go on an adventure. This is an opportunity to visit the artificial lakes Petnja and Ljeskova vode, a special reserve of forest vegetation, and the rest of the Slavonian rainforest Prašnik, erosive canyon Pljuskaru with several waterfalls and caves, ornithological reserves Jelas and Bara Dvorina, pasture Gajnu with wetland flora and fauna, cattle, Posavina horses, and black Slavonian pigs. A green paradise for all those who want a holiday in a different way.

“We thank all the stakeholders involved in creating and creating a recognizable and indigenous brand of our destination as well as tourist facilities. We also thank all stakeholders of the private and public sector for their cooperation and support in the implementation of a number of joint projects, thus creating new opportunities and content", concludes Vidaković.

For more, follow our travel section.

Friday, 4 June 2021

Brod-Posavina Tourist Board Introduces New Visual Identity

June 4, 2021 - At a special event, the Brod-Posavina tourist board officially unveiled its new logo, which seeks not only to renew its visual identity but also to adequately represent the county's values.

Traditional architecture, excellent gastronomy, the Sava River, and the border history of the Brod-Posavina region are the foundation of a new, modern visual identity of the Brod-Posavina Tourist Board, reports hrturizam.hr.

The basic element of the logo is dark blue and reminiscent of the Sava River, it is made in the rotated form of the initial letter of the county, and stylized elements in warm colors represent the windows of the barn, which still adorns almost every yard in this part of Croatia.

"The new logo is decent and modern at the same time, it is applicable in its original form and in a modular way and reflects a new experience of the traditional values of our region. It is based on the Strategic Marketing Plan of Slavonia Tourism from 2019 to 2020 with a branding plan, funded by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and in which our area is described as a meeting of worlds and cultures'', said Ružica Vidaković, director of Brod-Posavina County.

The basic logo is joined by three more variants with the slogans Guardians of Nature, Guardians of Heritage, and Guardians of Taste.

Thus, the strongest tourist trump cards are united, which are based on the historical fact that the inhabitants of this part of Croatia were border guards. In this context, the word guards are in itself warm and evoke positive emotions.

"Modern visual identity confirms how important strategic documents are and gives the best answer as to why they are made. This is an excellent example of the implementation of the Strategic Marketing Plan of Slavonia Tourism in practice", concluded Sandra Herman, State Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

The Lollipop communication team of Elizabeta Penić and Alma Radoš, who are signing the conceptual design and creative communication and branding of the new visual identity, was joined by graphic designer Vedrana Knez as the author of the visual identity.

Follow the latest on flights to Croatia HERE and the latest travel updates and COVID-19 news from Croatia HERE.

For more on travel in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

Friday, 7 May 2021

River Cruises in Brod-Posavina County: A New Tourist Product in Action

May 7, 2021 - River cruises in Brod-Posavina County are slated to be the next tourist hit in Slavonia.

Prior to the coronavirus outbreak, of the five Slavonian counties, Brod-Posavina recorded the highest growth rate of tourist arrivals, averaging 14.8 percent per year. When travel starts again, this trend should continue, and river cruising, an increasingly popular holiday, could also contribute to the growth of tourist traffic, reports HRTurizam.

To create basic preconditions for the development of nautical tourism, the Brod-Posavina County Tourist Board and the Slavonski Brod Port Authority last summer presented the Study of Sustainable Development of River Cruises in the county.

In addition to all procedures and legislation related to the construction of port infrastructure as well as prerequisites for cruise development, the Study linked the tourist attraction base of Brod-Posavina County with the locations of future ports, following examples of good practice from the environment, the structure of visitors to river cruises and motives.

"Our county lies along the entire length of the Sava River and it is time to use this natural tourist potential in the best way. After that first step, the project was implemented, so now the Port Authority is about to obtain a construction and location permit for the construction of an international passenger port worth more than 17 million kuna, and the Ministry of the Sea, Transport, and Infrastructure is working intensively on solving the critical section of the waterway - Novi Grad, which will create a precondition for the development of river cruising on the Sava," said the prefect of Brod-Posavina County Danijel Marušić.

Due to problems with navigability, the tourist potential of the Sava has been untapped for years. For comparison, on the Danube and Drava, one-day excursion tourism and navigation by excursion boats are developing, and in 2019, more than 600 river cruisers docked in passenger ports on these rivers.

The modern passenger port in Slavonski Brod should be ready by the end of 2022. It is part of a large project co-financed by EU funds, which will include the renovation of an old ship with a restaurant, meeting room, educational hall for students, and a souvenir shop. The ship, as one of the biggest attractions of Brod-Posavina County, will be anchored in the new port.

The Sava River, but also the traditional heritage as well as the valuable inhabitants of this part of Croatia known in history as border guards, inspired the new visual identity of the Brod-Posavina County Tourist Board.

Ružica Vidaković, director of the county tourist board, points out that she is extremely pleased with the largest project in the county, which will finally valorize the Sava River for tourism.

"Today, our county is known as a destination for cultural, active, and rural tourism, but also as a paradise for gourmets with indigenous flavors based on healthy local foods. Modern tourists ask for it the most. The trend is green, unspent, and honest for tourism, and these are our strongest assets. Brod-Posavina County is mostly a rural area, less than two hours away from Zagreb, and yet it is far from the crowds and asphalt, a corner of green paradise where you can experience silence. Rarely do they have that," says Vidaković.

Danijel Soldo / Ružica Vidaković, TZBPZ director

Although the rapid growth of tourist arrivals came to a halt ahead of the lockdown in March last year, she deeply believes the positive trend will continue once all this passes. She says that in crisis situations, flexibility and adaptability are the most important, so all campaigns, special presentations, and study trips for the past two years are focused exclusively on domestic guests, the only ones who can travel or come on day trips at this time of limited movement.

“We offer them new places, a new kind of adventure, a holiday without the crowds, a break in interaction with nature, a warm local story. I can experience all this on more than twenty family estates, ranches, and farms that are ten kilometers away from each other," concludes Vidaković.