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Picigin on the Drava! We come to the seaside, you come to the water – that is how Slavonians invite Dalmatians for a visit during the post-season.

Published: 28.08.2026

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The seaside hasn't been forgotten yet, and the sun hasn't had its final say, but the crowds have thinned, weekends are more pleasant and Slavonia and Baranja are entering the best days of Indian summer and early autumn: Our goal is to showcase the diverse water-related experiences Slavonia and Baranja have to offer. From the Drava and Danube rivers to swimming, thermal pools, and wellness, all accompanied by superb food and wine. We want to invite our friends from the coast to come and discover a completely different kind of holiday after the summer season, says Mislav Matišić, Director of the Osijek-Baranja County Tourist Board

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Photo: Osijek-Baranja County Tourist Board

You can also head to the pool. To Bizovac Spa, for instance, where the thermal water offers an experience quite different from what Dalmatians are used to. And, perhaps most importantly, one can sit down to a lavish feast, Matišić points out.

 

What You Catch, You can Eat

He adds that in the Slavonia and Danube regions, water serves purposes beyond just swimming: We fish here, too, and the catch ends up on the plate. Fiš-paprikaš (spicy fish stew), catfish perkelt (different type of stew), carp roasted on forked sticks, fried and smoked river fish and a glass of Graševina wine from the vineyards of Baranja, Erdut, Đakovo, or Feričanci.

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Photo: Horizont solutions

The weekend of October 2nd to 4th stands out as an especially good time to visit Slavonia. That is when the grand finale of Osijek-Baranja County’s autumn story takes place in the Osijek Tvrđa (Citadel): the eighth edition of the HeadOnEast festival. It is a unique gathering offering food, wines, beers and brandies from Slavonia, Baranja and even neighboring Hungary, alongside numerous attractions for visitors.

 

Vinalija, Beercuz, Langoš Straße...

It will be three days dedicated to everything that, as the locals of Slavonia and Baranja say, is best enjoyed without rushing. Events such as Vinalija, Beercuz, Street Food, Bazaar, Langoš Straße, Houses of Light, Art Meadow, Šor of Art, Graffiti Jam, GeekOnEast, Vinyl Zone, In da Sofa and the Children’s Creative Workshop are all part of a program that allows visitors to experience the special energy that defines Slavonia, Baranja, and Osijek as a destination.  

Cover photo: Horizont solutions