Municipality of Sopje: The Drava, Lilanje and Rural Heritage

The part of the Mura-Drava Regional Park associated with Sopje is of particular value for its biodiversity and cultural heritage. The Municipality of Sopje can also be explored through a range of themes: cycling routes, the Lilanje tradition and the Višnjica agrotourism estate, with its rural heritage and activities. These offer starting points for nature, culture and activity-focused interests.

Cycling routes between nature and history

The “Meandrima rijeke Drave” cycling route lists a protected group of white poplars and an early medieval cemetery among its attractions. Nature and culture are thus featured side by side in the same route description: on the one hand, a group of trees; on the other, a historic burial site from the early Middle Ages.

The “Dravski krug” cycling route passes through Sopje, has no significant climbs and leads to a prepared picnic area on the banks of the Drava near Sopje. Its course, terrain and destination by the river provide practical information for planning your route. If you plan your days around cycling and scenery, you can include this riverside destination in your itinerary.

Lilanje: a centuries-old tradition

“Lilanje na Ivanje” is a centuries-old tradition that is observed in a distinctive way in Sopje. The Sopje Lilanje event has been held as an organised festival for many years. Many residents of all ages prepare forked sticks with small bundles of straw, light the straw and whirl the burning sticks around themselves at head height. This specific sequence gives the tradition a striking image and makes it a distinctive cultural theme for travellers interested in local customs.

Višnjica: rural heritage and activities

The Višnjica agrotourism estate preserves rural heritage by restoring a traditional Slavonian pustara settlement. This gives the estate’s history a specific focus: the restoration of this settlement.

The estate offers individual and group horse-riding lessons for all ages. If you would like to include a lesson in your travel plans, check booking and availability directly with the estate.

Cooking workshops are also available: with expert guidance from the chefs at the Višnjica restaurant, you can prepare Slavonian čobanac or fiš paprikaš. Ingredients and equipment are provided; participation must be arranged in advance.

At the fifth edition of “Ribarski dan” in 2026, visitors could sample fiš paprikaš and baked fish at the Sopje picnic area on the Drava. The tasting was part of this specific edition of the event.

Prioritise your interests when searching for hotels

If you are considering the Municipality of Sopje as a destination for a hotel stay, start with the experiences that matter most to you: cycling on a named route, the Lilanje tradition, or the activities and cuisine at the Višnjica estate. Organised activities require different preparations: check the availability of horse-riding lessons directly with the estate, and book cooking workshops in advance.

In the wider destination of Virovitica-Podravina

The wider destination of Virovitica-Podravina also offers nature and cultural experiences. The Gradski muzej Virovitica is located in Dvorac Pejačević in Virovitica. The permanent exhibition in the renovated castle comprises two thematic areas, is largely interactive and features more than 1,500 exhibits as well as over two hours of multimedia content. Jankovac is a protected park forest with two lakes and a habitat for numerous birds, butterflies and wild animals.

Discover more destinations: Španat, Municipality of Čađavica, Municipality of Orahovica, Suhopolje, Municipality of Špišić Bukovica, Municipality of Gradina, Municipality of Čačinci, Municipality of Pitomača.

Go to the wider travel overview: Virovitica-Podravina.