Municipality of Nijemci

• The “Luka Natali” Local History Museum covers the history of the settlement from its origins through to recent history and the Homeland War.
• The Parish Church of St Catherine stands on the bank of the Bosut at the prehistoric archaeological site of Gradina and was built in the 14th century.
• Spačvanska šuma is Croatia’s largest continuous pedunculate oak forest complex, covering about 40,000 hectares.
• Cycling routes, a five-kilometre themed trail, and bird- and horse-related activities complement the cultural attractions.

The “Luka Natali” Local History Museum is located in the parish pastoral centre in the centre of Nijemci. It presents local history from the settlement’s origins through the Middle Ages to recent history and the Homeland War. The museum also includes “Bakina soba” (“Grandmother’s Room”), an ethnographic space in a traditional style, with details from everyday life in the past. This broad sweep of history and glimpse into daily life complement one another.

Two churches also convey different aspects of the local landscape. The Parish Church of St Catherine, on the banks of the Bosut, stands at the prehistoric archaeological site of Gradina; it is considered a valuable cultural and historical monument and was built in the 14th century. The Church of St Luke, also known as Gospa Lučička, is three kilometres west of the village of Lipovac. It is a single-nave Gothic church with a polygonal apse and a distinctive wooden bell tower. An arm of the Spačva called Luka encircles the entire church grounds for about two kilometres.

Arboretum Park is in the centre of Nijemci, on the banks of the Bosut. Native plants are arranged there in a traditional style. The park includes a pavilion, benches, a fountain and a pergola; it is a place for recreation, relaxation and socialising. The landscaped park therefore offers a different experience from the municipality’s vast forest landscape.

Spačvanska šuma is Croatia’s largest continuous pedunculate oak forest complex (Quercus robur L.). It covers about 40,000 hectares and makes up the largest share of the forested areas in the Municipality of Nijemci. This approximate area gives an idea of the scale of the landscape without equating the forest with a single park.

The “Srijem” cycling route passes through Nijemci and connects to the international Danube Cycle Route, which is part of EuroVelo 6. The N01 “Poljima crnog zlata” and N02 “Tragom žitarica, uljarica i ptica močvarica” cycling routes both start and finish in Nijemci. The routes offer different points of reference for comparison: the “Srijem” route is noted for its connection to the Danube route, while Nijemci is both the start and finish of N01 and N02.

Another option is the five-kilometre “Idemo u Srijem” themed tourist trail, running from the centre of Nijemci to Sopotac. Its features include information boards and rest areas with smart benches. This makes it possible to distinguish the details of this trail—its length and destination—from the cycling connections mentioned above. As route conditions and trail infrastructure may change, it is worth checking the latest information before planning.

The Nijemci Birdwatching Centre spans several locations in Nijemci. More than 80 bird species can be found in the municipality. Anyone wishing to include birdwatching in their trip can bear in mind that the centre is not limited to a single location.

HORIS offers carriage rides across the Syrmian plain as well as horseback rides through nature and the region’s unspoilt landscape. The facilities include a small stable for six horses. As booking arrangements may change, it is advisable to confirm them before planning.

During “Pokladno jahanje,” around 40 riders from nearby places in the Municipality of Nijemci and from other municipalities in Vukovar-Srijem County ride through the streets. They wear traditional costumes, sing and celebrate. The number of participants and the route may vary.

For an overview at the local level, you can switch between the pages for Apševci, Nijemci and Podgrađe.

Discover more destinations: Municipality of Vođinci, Trpinja, Municipality of Nuštar, Municipality of Bošnjaci, Vukovar.

Where is the Church of Gospa Lučička?

The Church of St Luke, also known as Gospa Lučička, is three kilometres west of Lipovac. An arm of the Spačva called Luka encircles the entire church grounds for about two kilometres.

Which cycling route connects to EuroVelo 6?

The “Srijem” cycling route passes through Nijemci and connects to the international Danube Cycle Route, which is part of EuroVelo 6. N01 and N02, by contrast, both start and finish in Nijemci.

What does the “Luka Natali” Local History Museum display?

The museum covers local history from the settlement’s origins through to recent history and the Homeland War. It also includes the ethnographic space “Bakina soba,” with details from everyday life in the past.

For the overview of the wider region, see: Vukovar-Srijem.