Papuk Geopark, Geopark in Požega-Slavonia County, Croatia.
Papuk Geopark is a mountain area in eastern Croatia with peaks reaching 953 meters (3,127 feet) and diverse rock formations, forests, and farmland spread across its land. The landscape features metamorphic stones and is crisscrossed by marked trails, bicycle routes, and educational stations focused on geology.
The area received geopark status in 2007 and became the first Croatian member of the European and UNESCO Global Geoparks Network. This designation made it an officially recognized site for geological and environmental education.
Medieval fortifications like the old town of Ružica reveal how people have settled and lived in this mountain region for centuries. Walking through these ruins, visitors see evidence of long-standing human connection to the landscape.
Visitors can access over 100 kilometers (62 miles) of marked bicycle paths and many hiking trails linking geological sites and caves throughout the area. Sturdy footwear and sufficient time are essential for exploring the numerous educational stops and natural features.
At the Rupnica geological site, visitors can see unusual rock columns with square and hexagonal patterns created by natural fracturing in the stone. These geometric formations are remarkable examples of how geological processes produce regular shapes in nature.
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