Stage map
Stage S12 of the Amazon of Europe Bike Trail begins in the town of Belišće and continues through Valpovo, where you can visit the medieval Baroque castle Prandau Normann, one of the most valuable historical pieces of baroque architecture in northern Croatia. Today the castle is in the service of a museum and guided tours of the castle and exhibition are offered. An expert guide will lead you along with interesting stories and legends related to the castle and the beautiful park around the castle. This section of the route also runs, similarly to the previous stage (S11 Noskovci – Belišće) through the Mura - Drava Regional Park.
Natural sights and relaxing spa
Follow the river bike trail along the Karasica River through the villages of Metlinci, Ladimirevci and Satnica to Petrijevci. Biking along this part of the route, you can enjoy the natural beauty and winding meanders of the Karasica River in a beautiful traditional Slavonian landscape. If tired from cycling in the nature, not far from Satnica and Petrijevci are the Bizovac Aquapark and Spa, where you can experience a unique source of warm medicinal water. Under Bizovac Spa, water sources were found warmer than any other known thermal water. The measured water temperature is 96 ° C. The water is salty and extremely rich in minerals – the perfect source of recovery after cycling this far along the South Route.
Pay a visit to an extraordinary beach
After Petrijevci, continue your cycling tour from Karasica River and through Josipovac and Višnjevac. The latter is the site of the Višnjevac oxbow and former meander and side branch of the Drava and offers an excellent resting place right next to the Old Drava.After gathering your strength again you continue towards Osijek and get to the main Drava River and the famous Pampas beach where you can rest. A self-service station is available here and information can be found about the ecological network of Natura 2000 in this part of Croatia. Follow the river bike trail along the right side of the Drava river bank and arrive to the old baroque part of the city of Osijek – Tvrdja.
Collect new memories
The end of Stage S12 of the Amazon of Europe Bike Trail is the city of Osijek, the vibrant capital of Slavonija. Make sure you don’t miss one of the unique symbols - the cable ferry "Kompa". During the cycling season (April - October) it transports passengers and cyclists free of charge from one side of the Drava River to the other. You may also visit the replica of a traditional mill in which, just like in the old days, wheat is ground with a stone.
