Traversed by the Drava River, Osijek is a lively cultural and economic hub in the eastern Croatian region of Slavonia. It was first mentioned in the 12th century and has since spent time under Ottoman and Habsburg rule. During World War II, its oil refinery was a target for strategic Allied bombing.
Things to do in Osijek
In the heart of Osijek is Ante Starčević Square, a triangular-shaped meeting space named after the celebrated Croatian writer and politician. It’s watched over by the historic Hotel Central and Prandau-Normann Palace while being a short walk from the Museum of Fine Arts. Here you’ll find changing exhibitions featuring paintings, drawings and sculptures dating from the 18th to 21st centuries.
With a tower that rises to 90 metres in height, the Church of St. Peter and Paul is the tallest building in Osijek. It was designed in a Neo-Gothic style by Franz Langenberg and still shows signs of damage from bombing during the 1990s Croatian War of Independence. Step inside to admire the beautiful stained glass windows and the sculptures by Eduard Hauser.
Travelling with kids? Don’t miss Osijek Zoo, which is the largest of its kind in Croatia. It is located on the opposite side of the Drava River from the city centre and provides a sanctuary for camels, giraffes and big cats. In addition to its riverside enclosures, the zoo is home to a reptile-filled terrarium and an aquarium where you can learn about native fish species.
Getting around Osijek
Osijek Airport is a 15-minute drive from the city centre and has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Trains connect from Zagreb to the Osijek railway station while both trams and buses travel throughout the city, connecting most of its attractions.