Stage map
The Stage S13 of the Amazon of Europe Bike Trail begins in Osijek - the vibrant capital of Slavonia and Baranja, and of the whole eastern Croatia. The city has a lot to offer. Ante Starčević Square is the main square in Osijek. The squar´s impressive appearance is dominated by the Osijek St. Peter and Paul Cathedral. This magnificent building built in neo-Gothic style was built by Bishop Joseph Juraj Strossmayer. The city also offers numerous galleries, museums, historical and cultural highlights and many bars and restaurants that invite exhausted cyclists to indulge in the abundant taste palette of Slavonija and Baranja.
Numerous opportunities for swimming
There are also numerous bathing locations in Osijek where visitors can cool off or swim.The City Pools of Osijek and the extremely popular city beaches on the Drava River - Copacabana and Željo, are the three most visited ones. It is worth noting that the City Pools are open all year round, which is a great way to spend your free time when you cannot cycle due to bad weather but still want to enjoy your cycling holidays.
Back in the old days
Of utmost importance for the city of Osijek and Osijek - Baranja County is the Tvrđa (The Fortress) - Baroque citadel from the 18th century. Tvrđa was once one of the largest and most modern military forts in Central Europe and was considered the safest fort in the entire country. The Holy Trinity Square is the main square in the Tvrđa and is dominated by a baroque Holy Trinity statue built in 1729. The statue was made as a vow to God that the plague that had previously ravaged the city would never return. For many, this statue is the most beautiful Baroque statue in Croatia.
The European Avenue in Osijek is decorated with secession-style buildings. Excellent transport links - Pan-European Transport Corridor 5c and Osijek Airport, provide extremely easy access to this section of the Amazon of Europe Bike Trail. Osijek itself has almost 40 kilometers of cycle paths, specially built or marked on roads and sidewalks. The city can be easily toured on the bike.
A detour to a different adventure
The route runs through almost the entire city of Osijek towards the Nemetin - industrial zone and towards Sarvaš, where the route is divided into two parts. The main route leads to the dead backwater of the Aljmaš rit where a River’sCool is located. You can also take a detour in Sarvaš, cycle through Bijelo Brdo and join the main route S13 of the Amazon of Europe Bike Trail again in the city Aljmaš.
Spectacular natural gem – the Drava-Danube confluence
Continue your cycle tour by following the signs and you will find the most spectacular natural gem in the area - the confluence of the Drava and Danube rivers. The stunning view of the natural phenomenon of the waters of the two rivers flowing next to each other in different colours before slowly mixing, will not leave you indifferent. In Aljmaš, those interested in catholicism and religious traditions will certainly take their time to visit the sanctuary „Gospa od Utočišta“ – “Lady of refuge”. Dating from 1704, The sanctuary in Aljmaš is the most significant Marian shrine in Slavonia and a favourite destination among Catholic pilgrims. After Aljmaš the route takes you to Erdut.
Paradise for wine lovers
The end of Stage S13 of the Amazon of Europe Bike Trail, Erdut, is a beloved destination for wine lovers, and it has been known for a long time that excellent grapes are grown on the Erdut wine hills. Those grapes are later turned into premium wine. In Erdut, visit the winery of Erdut, which houses one of the largest wine barrels in Europe, built of Slavonian oak, with a volume of 75,000 liters. Be sure to try Zweigelt wine that will remind you of the delicious Maraska cherry. At the end of this stage enjoy the view of the meanders of the Danube from medieval fortress Erdut with a glass of fine Slavonian wine in your hand.
