Lonjsko Polje Nature Park is situated in central part of the Republic of Croatia, bordering on the slopes of Mount Moslavina and the Zagreb-Slavonski Brod motorway in the north and the Sava River in the south. The Nature Park includes both Lonjsko and Mokro ranges as well as the ornithological reserve Krapje Đol. Lonjsko Polje covers the area of 50650 hectares. Time stands still in Lonjsko Polje. Images and scenes that can be seen here are the same as those 1,000 years ago – local people living in harmony with nature and flora and fauna being one of the unique treasures that single it out as a truly rare region in the whole world. Lonjsko Polje became a nature park in 1990. Lonjsko Polje is the home of more than 250 bird species, and plants extinct in the rest of Europe – Four Leaf Clover (Marsilea quadrifolia), deer, beavers, white herons, imperial and white-tailed eagles, ferruginous ducks, black storks terns, and above all white storks with one of the biggest habitats from the village of Gušće to the village of Lonja – can all be found here. There are 17 villages with a well-preserved vernacular wooden architecture in Lonjsko Polje Nature Park The Sava River with its confluents the Lonja, Strug, Pakra, Ilova, Trebež, Česma and numerous other smaller confluents makes this natural landscape one of the most important wetlands in Europe. Various fish species are abundant in all the rivers, so traditional fishing was commonly practised in all the villages. Floods are of great importance to the Nature Park because they insure a continuous survival and development of unique vegetation and in doing so they maintain opulent fauna, especially birds. As far as the vegetation is concerned the greatest treasure of Lonjsko Polje are its woods covering 60% of the entire area. The great area covered by woods provides a necessary diversity of habitat that enables various animal species and organisms to thrive. The traditional way of life of the local people is of great importance too, because in this way biological and ecological development consistent with natural demands of flora and fauna is enabled.

Enjoy endless pasture grounds, marshes, cows and horses that have lived in harmony with nature and people from times immemorial. Come and feel the magic and power of the primeval through the scent of willows, freshly mown grass and dusty roads, come and be happy again!

Lonja Field photos