11 Croatian Nature parks: Continental 5

Croatian nature parks are home for many different species of plants, animals, insects and other living creatures. What they also offer is refuge from cities and its noise and overcrowded/poluted streets. Nature parks in Croatia are 11 and they are protected by law. From 1967 to 2006 eleven nature parks are officially proclaimed – five of them are located in continental Croatia. Mainland nature parks are: 1. Ko[pački rit](https://www.livetheworld.com/post/kopacki-rit-nature-park-by-foot-or-on-a-bicycle-fhik), 2. Pa[puk](https://www.livetheworld.com/post/nature-park-papuk-has2), 3. Lo[njsko polje](https://www.livetheworld.com/post/lonjsko-polje-lowland-safari-y5zc), 4. Me[dvednica](https://www.livetheworld.com/post/nature-park-medvednica-exyk) and 5. Žu[mberak-Samoborsko gorje](https://www.livetheworld.com/post/zumberak-samoborsko-gorje-hiking-cycling-climbing-nbm4). Let’s take a look on each one of them. (to read more about them you can do it by clicking the name of each park)

Kopački rit

Like many other nature parks in Croatia, Ko[pački rit Nature park](https://www.livetheworld.com/post/kopacki-rit-nature-park-by-foot-or-on-a-bicycle-fhik) is located close to a river. Rivers Danube and Drava make a natural source of water for this park. Riding around in a boat or just hiking on the wooden trail road will let you see different kind of birds and fish. The best option for Kopački rit Nature park is a bike ride. If you do not own one, easily you can rent one in the park. So you will be healthier and more eco-friendly.

Papuk

The highest point of Slavonia has its name and that name is – Papuk. What is specific here are guided educational tours. All information about them you can find on the park’s website. Pa[puk Nature park](https://www.livetheworld.com/post/nature-park-papuk-has2) is licensed as a Geopark by UNESCO. Nature, beech forest, waterfalls but also old castles and forts can be seen in this amazing park.

Lonjsko polje

Just lovely. This is how I’d explain Lo[njsko polje Nature park](https://www.livetheworld.com/post/lonjsko-polje-lowland-safari-y5zc). Full of life. All those herds of horses will take your breath away and little groups of piglets will put a huge smile on your face. Lonjsko polje Nature park is natural habitat for many animals, fish, birds but also temporary station for many of birds or wild animals. Close to river Sava, Lonjsko polje Nature park is easy approachable from all major Croatian cities. Boat ride in this Amazon-like swamp is a must.

Medvednica

Medvednica is Zagreb’s big sun-umbrella. For its position, Me[dvenica Nature park](https://www.livetheworld.com/post/nature-park-medvednica-exyk) is favorite refuge from hot days for citizens of Zagreb, Croatian capital city. Hiking here is splendid. And during the winter, Medvednica Nature park is a venue for big Snow Queen Trophy competition. On this mountain Me[dvedgrad](https://www.livetheworld.com/activities/croatia/medvedgrad) is located, 13th century fortification.

Žumberak-Samoborsko gorje

This mountainous region in northern Croatia is place where people lived continuously since pre-history. This amazing park is a home for more than 1000 species of plants. Žu[mberak-Samoborsko gorje](https://www.livetheworld.com/post/zumberak-samoborsko-gorje-hiking-cycling-climbing-nbm4) is your place if you are crazy about climbing and paraglyding. Also more than 10 hiking trails are available here.