Things To Do
in Novska

Novska is a small inland town in central Croatia, located on the A3 motorway and the main Zagreb–Belgrade rail line. It sits near lowland rivers and floodplain nature areas, offering easy access to rural landscapes, birdlife and traditional Slavonian culture. The town has a modest historic core, working railway heritage and a local agricultural economy with seasonal festivals.

Novska is a convenient base for day trips to nearby nature parks (Lonjsko Polje, Psunj) and larger regional centres such as Slavonski Brod and Zagreb.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your morning with a visit to the Novska Town Museum, where you can delve into the rich history of the region. Admire the stunning architecture of the surrounding buildings as you stroll through the town square, enjoying the fresh morning air. Grab a local pastry and coffee from a nearby café to fuel your exploration.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk along the banks of the Sava River, where you can enjoy beautiful views and perhaps spot some local wildlife. Visit the nearby Church of St. Nicholas, known for its intricate design and peaceful atmosphere. Afterward, treat yourself to a traditional Croatian lunch at a local konoba, savoring regional flavors.

evening
:

As the sun sets, find a cozy spot in one of Novska's charming restaurants to enjoy dinner with a view of the river. Try local specialties such as čobanac or fresh fish, accompanied by a glass of Croatian wine. End your evening with a stroll through the illuminated streets, soaking in the serene ambiance of the town.

day 2
Nature Walks in Papuk Nature Park
morning
:

Begin your day early with a drive to Papuk Nature Park, where nature trails beckon with stunning views and vibrant foliage. Enjoy a guided tour that introduces you to the diverse flora and fauna, as well as the geological wonders of the area. Stop at a viewpoint to capture breathtaking photos of the surrounding landscape.

afternoon
:

After a morning of hiking, enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the trees, surrounded by the sounds of nature. Spend the afternoon exploring the park’s hidden waterfalls and caves, including the famous Slap Jankovac, which offers a refreshing retreat. Take time to relax and soak in the beauty of your surroundings.

evening
:

Return to Novska for an evening of relaxation at a local tavern. Sample more of the regional cuisine and perhaps engage in conversation with locals about their favorite hiking spots. Reflect on the day's adventures while enjoying a dessert of strudel or štrukli.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-15
Coffee (local café)$1.50-3
🚌Local bus single ticket (regional)$1.50-3
🚕Taxi start / short ride$4-10
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$50-100

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Convenient transport links by motorway and rail for regional travel
  • Access to rich floodplain nature (Lonjsko Polje) and birdwatching
  • Authentic small-town Slavonian culture and hearty regional cuisine
  • Quiet, low-cost base for exploring central Croatia
  • Limited nightlife and cultural attractions compared with larger cities
  • Fewer dining options for specialized diets (vegan/gluten-free)
  • Public transport within the immediate area is limited—car recommended
  • Seasonal closures: some attractions and services may be limited outside peak months
  • "Dobar dan" - Good day / Hello
  • "Hvala" - Thank you
  • "Molim" - Please / You’re welcome
  • "Oprostite" - Excuse me / Sorry
  • "Gdje je ...?" - Where is ...?
  • "Koliko košta?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Račun, molim" - The bill, please

Places to Visit in Novska

Visit one of these nice places.

Novska town centre and railway area

Street-level scenes of daily life, the historic railway buildings and the junction provide documentary-style images and industrial heritage shots.

Odra riverbanks

Calm waters, reedbeds and low bridges make for tranquil landscape and sunset photos, especially during low light.

Lonjsko Polje Nature Park

Expansive wetlands, traditional wooden houses and migrating birds offer excellent nature and bird photography opportunities in spring and autumn.

Nearby hills (Psunj/Papuk foothills)

Elevated viewpoints give panoramic rural landscapes—best for sunrise or late-afternoon light.

Local markets and taverns

Close-up cultural shots of food, vendors, cured meats and lively market scenes capture local character.

Culinary Guide

Food in Novska

Novska’s cuisine reflects continental Slavonia: hearty, meat-and-paprika-forward dishes, smoked and cured specialties, fresh bread and dairy from nearby farms, with simple taverns (konobe) and bakeries serving local favourites.

Novska Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Kulen

Spicy cured pork sausage typical of Slavonia—rich and smoky, found at local butchers and markets.

Must-Try!

Čobanac / Gulaš

Hearty meat stew (shepherd’s stew or goulash) served in many taverns—comfort food after outdoor activities.

Šunka (smoked ham) and domaći sir

Locally smoked ham and farmhouse cheeses often sold at markets and family-run shops.

Burek and kifle

Savory and sweet pastries from local bakeries—perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Novska Local Market

Small weekly market and stalls where farmers sell seasonal vegetables, cheese, smoked meats and baked goods—great for sampling regional flavours.

Roadside farm stalls

Seasonal stands on the outskirts sell fresh fruit, honey and preserves—ideal for buying local produce directly from growers.

Climate Guide

Weather

Novska has a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Summers are warm and relatively dry with thunderstorms possible; winters bring frost and occasional snow. Spring and autumn are transitional with variable temperatures and often pleasant days for outdoor activities.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and politeness

Handshake and eye contact are common for first meetings; a friendly 'Dobar dan' (good day) is appreciated. Use polite forms and thank people—'Hvala'—often.

Respect for elders and traditions

Show deference to older people and be respectful at religious sites—dress modestly and speak quietly in churches.

Conversation topics

Avoid controversial political or historical debates unless you know people well; discussing local sports, food and family is safer and welcome.

Invitations

If invited to a local home, bringing flowers, sweets or a small gift is polite; remove your shoes if hosts ask.

Safety Guide

Safety

Novska is generally safe with low violent crime; common precautions apply—watch for pickpocketing in crowded places and secure valuables. Roads and railway crossings require attention; waterways can have strong currents—avoid swimming in unsupervised spots. In medical emergencies dial EU emergency number 112. Be mindful of agricultural machinery and seasonal field work when exploring rural areas.

Tipping in Novska

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory—rounding up the bill, leaving 5–10% in restaurants for good service, and small change for taxis or helpful porters is customary.

Payment Methods

Croatia uses the euro; credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants and hotels, but smaller vendors, markets and rural businesses may prefer cash—carry some euros for markets and tolls. Contactless payments are increasingly common; ATMs are available in town.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm to hot and generally sunny—great for outdoor activities, cycling and river-side relaxation; expect temperatures in the mid-20s to low 30s °C (mid-70s to 90s °F) and occasional thunderstorms.

Autumn

Crisp, pleasant weather with colourful fields and migration activity in Lonjsko Polje—ideal for photography and mushroom foraging; cooler mornings and evenings.

Winter

Cold with frosts and occasional snow; temperatures can drop below freezing—dress warmly and check road conditions if travelling to higher ground.

Spring

Mild temperatures, blooming countryside and good birdwatching; variable weather—bring layers for chilly mornings and warmer afternoons.

Nightlife Guide

Novska at Night

Novska’s nightlife is low-key: a handful of bars, taverns and cafes host evening gatherings and seasonal events. Weekends may bring live local music or small festivals, but for more varied nightlife—clubs, larger concerts and late-night options—travel to Slavonski Brod or Zagreb. Evenings are usually relaxed and family-friendly.

Hiking in Novska

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Psunj foothills trails

Short to moderate forested trails offering views over the Slavonian plains, good for spring-to-autumn hikes and nature observation.

Papuk Mountain (northern slopes)

Part of a larger protected area with marked trails, geological features and viewpoints—best for day trips to more challenging hikes.

Lonjsko Polje walking routes

Flat paths and boardwalks through the floodplain suitable for easy walks, birdwatching and seasonal photographic opportunities.

Local village loops

Short countryside loops around neighbouring villages that showcase rural architecture, orchards and river scenery—great for relaxed afternoon walks or cycling.

Airports

How to reach Novska by plane.

Zagreb Franjo Tuđman Airport (ZAG)

Main international airport for Croatia, about 1.5–2 hours’ drive from Novska depending on traffic (approx. 110–130 km). Reachable by car, taxi or regional bus connections via Zagreb.

Osijek Airport (OSI)

Regional airport to the east (longer drive, roughly 2–3 hours); useful for domestic or select international connections and reachable by car or combined rail/bus travel.

Banja Luka International Airport (BNX)

Cross-border option in northern Bosnia and Herzegovina (approx. 2+ hours by car) that can be convenient for some regional flights—check visa and border procedures if using.

Getting Around

Walkability

Novska’s centre is compact and very walkable with shops, bakeries and cafes within easy strolling distance. Outlying areas, riverside paths and nature sites require bikes or a car; sidewalks can be uneven in places, so wear comfortable shoes.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Ethnic Croats

Majority population engaged in local services, farming and small businesses.

Ethnic minorities (Serbs and others)

Small minority communities present in the region with shared local traditions and cultural ties.

Rural families and older residents

An aging demographic trend in smaller towns; many households involved in agriculture or commuting to larger towns for work.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport with local amateur clubs and weekend matches that are community focal points.

Handball and Basketball

Common indoor sports with local teams and school programs; community courts host practices and matches.

Hunting and Fishing

Traditional rural activities in the region—seasonal hunting and recreational angling attract locals and visitors.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Novska is generally light within town but the nearby A3 motorway is a busy east–west corridor—expect heavier flows at peak travel times and during holiday weekends. Public transportation options include regional buses and regular rail services on the Zagreb–Belgrade line; local bus routes are limited so a car or bicycle gives the most flexibility.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Novska.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available but limited compared with coastal Croatia; vegetable-based soups, cheese, eggs, salads and side dishes are common—ask staff to adapt dishes and look for bakeries, markets and larger restaurants in nearby cities for more variety.

Vegan

Vegan choices are limited in small-town konobas; bring snacks and rely on markets for fresh produce. Larger supermarkets in the region carry basics like plant milks and canned goods.

Gluten-free

Gluten-free options are not widespread—communicate dietary needs clearly in Croatian ("bez glutena") and prefer naturally gluten-free items like grilled meats, salads and dairy.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Novska has a local health centre (dom zdravlja) and pharmacies for basic care and prescriptions; emergency ambulance access is available. For specialised or hospital-level treatment residents and visitors use larger regional hospitals in Slavonski Brod, Nova Gradiška or Sisak. In emergencies call 112; bring travel insurance and any important medical documents.

Discover Croatia

Read more in our Croatia 2025 Travel Guide.

Croatia Travel Guide