Kopačko Lake

Kopačko Lake is one of the central waters of Kopački Rit Nature Park, a huge wetland in the far north-east of Croatia, in the Baranja region, where the Drava river meets the Danube. The park is one of the largest and best-preserved river floodplains in Europe and is protected as a wetland of international importance. Its centre is a maze of channels, ponds, reed beds and flooded forest, and the water level changes through the year, depending on the floods of the Danube. When the river is high in spring and early summer, much of the landscape lies under water, and in late summer and autumn the ponds shrink and the exposed mud attracts waders.

This variety is what makes the lake and its surroundings so valuable for wildlife. The park holds an enormous number of living species, from fish and amphibians to insects and mammals. It is internationally known for its birds, and in the nesting season you may see herons, egrets, spoonbills, cormorants, black storks and white storks, as well as geese and many kinds of duck. White-tailed eagles nest in the old willow and oak forests, and red deer and wild boar live in the woods around the water. The shallow, warm waters are important spawning and nursery grounds for freshwater fish, which in turn feed the birds, and the whole food web depends on the rhythm of the floods.

Visitors can explore the area using wooden walkways, observation points and marked trails, which are designed to give access to the habitats without disturbing them. Guided boat trips on the lakes and canals are a highlight, since they take you quietly into places that cannot be reached on foot, and the visitor facilities of the park offer information on what is available. Bring binoculars and a long lens if you take photographs, and note that early morning and late afternoon are the best times to see animals. Insect repellent is essential in warm months.

The management of the area has a long history. The floodplain has been used for hunting, fishing and grazing for centuries, and local communities have long made a living from the river, from reed cutting to fish farming. Today, the park aims to protect the wetland and to allow limited, careful tourism. The village of Kopačevo and other places in Baranja offer rooms, local restaurants and sample the region's food, including fish stew, a spicy dish that is a speciality of eastern Croatia.

Plan at least half a day, and check what boat trips and tours are running in the season you visit. Wear waterproof or sturdy shoes and bring sun protection. The area suits birdwatchers, photographers, families and anyone who enjoys wild, watery landscapes.