Popovača can be planned around two clear highlights: the Moslavina Wine Road, with tastings by prior arrangement, and two circular routes measuring 28.5 and 32 kilometres. Wine and harvest traditions add another distinctive theme. If you’re looking for a hotel in Popovača, you can first decide whether wine and regional cuisine or cycling should be the focus of your stay; the specific route profiles will help you compare your options.
Wine, Grape Varieties and Regional Cuisine
The Moslavina Wine Road offers tastings of three indigenous grape varieties: Škrlet, Dišeča ranina and Moslavac, which is also known by names such as Šipon. Popovača’s visitor offering places particular emphasis on Škrlet and traditional local gastronomic specialities. Tastings are available by prior arrangement. So if you’re planning this part of your trip, arrange your visit in advance; this will help you fit the wine experience in with the rest of your day.
Moslavina is also associated with numerous vineyards and vineyard cottages. The region’s wine culture therefore encompasses more than the grape varieties mentioned above: alongside tastings and food, vineyards and their associated cottages also play a part in the cultural landscape.
Wine and Harvest Traditions
Voloderska jesen is a traditional event celebrating wine and harvest customs. The organised tradition of grape-harvest celebrations in Voloder began with an event on 1 October 1967 and has continued to develop since then. If you’d like to plan your trip around Voloderska jesen, check the specific event dates and programme, as individual programmes may vary.
Two Circular Routes with Different Profiles
The 28.5-kilometre Popovača–Jelengradska Route is a circular route connecting Popovača, Moslavačka Slatina, Jelengrad and Gornja Jelenska. The 2017 cycling route plan lists asphalt, gravel and forest roads along its sections; check conditions locally. The other circular route, Popovača–Paklenjačka, is 32 kilometres long and starts in Popovača. Its landscape is characterised by vineyards, orchards and forests; the route includes both flat sections and more challenging hilly areas. It also features medieval fortifications and villages with well-preserved traditional architecture.
Distance is not the only factor to consider: the 28.5-kilometre loop connects four named places and includes several different surfaces. For the 32-kilometre loop, the terrain, landscape and historic buildings are useful points of reference, alongside its length. Conditions can change on both routes, so check the latest route conditions before setting out.
Nature and Landscape
Crna roda Osekovo Educational Park is designed as an interactive nature trail. A footpath leads from the field entrance and retention area into the field to one of three observation points. Visitor access may vary seasonally, so check whether it is suitable for your travel dates before visiting.
The Ramsar-listed Lonjsko polje wetland is part of the region’s natural heritage. A total of 350 bird species breed or stop there seasonally. Alongside the nature trail, it offers another theme to consider when planning your trip: compare cycling routes by distance, terrain and cultural heritage, and make nature observation a focus in its own right.
For an overview of the wider region: Sisak-Moslavina County.
