Pedestrian Bridge Over the Drava

The pedestrian bridge over the Drava is one of the best-known modern landmarks of Osijek, the largest city of eastern Croatia, which lies on the right bank of the river in the Slavonian plain. The bridge is for walkers and cyclists only, which makes it unusually peaceful, and it links the city's riverfront with the opposite bank, where the open landscape of Baranja begins. A walk across it is one of the simplest pleasures of a visit to Osijek, and the bridge is the symbol that many residents choose when they want to represent their city.

The bridge dates from the early 1980s, when it opened under a different name, and it has been renamed and rebuilt over the years. It suffered damage during the Homeland War in the early 1990s, when Osijek was one of the cities that came under heavy shelling, and it was repaired and fully renovated in the mid-2000s. For that reason it is often described as a symbol of the city's resilience. It is a long, slender structure, a little over two hundred metres long and rising high above the river, with a clean modern profile that stands out against the flat surrounding landscape.

Crossing it gives a good view of the Drava, a wide and slow river that curves through the city, and of the old fortress district, Tvrđa, with its Baroque roofs and church towers on the far side of the water. In the opposite direction you can look across the floodplain toward Baranja. The bridge is popular in the morning and evening with joggers and cyclists, and at sunset, when the sky is reflected in the water and the lights of the city begin to appear. After dark, the bridge is illuminated, and its lights make a good subject for photography. There is no fee, and it is open all day and all night.

On both banks, paths follow the river, and they make pleasant routes for walking or cycling. Osijek has plenty of other attractions that can be combined with a walk to the bridge: the fortress of Tvrđa, a large eighteenth-century military town that is now a cultural centre, the zoo, the archaeological museum and a number of churches, and many cafes along the river. It is worth stopping at one of them to sit and watch the water.

Be aware that mosquitoes can be a nuisance along the river in warm months, particularly at dusk, so bring repellent. The bridge is exposed to wind and the deck can be slippery in wet weather. Plan about an hour for the crossing and the views. It suits walkers, cyclists, photographers and families, and is an easy addition to a city walk.