Formed on a hill overlooking the Danube, Ilok is picturesque, surrounded by wide vineyards and filled with cellars.
If you are looking for specific destinations, picturesque Slavonia places or Syrmia (local Srijem), are certainly one of the choices. The region located in the east, between the great rivers the Danube, Drava and Sava, will reveal many things: wheat fields, numerous oak forests that stretch along the rivers, and colourful vineyards. Although the region is far away and much different from the Adriatic beaches, here we will find places to relax in a completely different way.
Ilok is a beautiful inland town in Syrmia, at the Dunav Riverbank and right opposite the picturesque Bačka Palanka, Serbia. Ilok is an important tourist destination in Slavonia, famous for its vines mud and other facilities, perfect for a truly relaxing getaway. If you are planning a trip, a long vacation, or a short stay, then keep this guide to Ilok handy. We will show you every place to see and all the things to do in Ilok to have a blast! Read on!
Why you need to visit Ilok
The old royal town of Ilok developed on the right bank of the Danube, between the numerous slopes of the Fruška Gora mountain. The Danube area has enabled the growth of the historic Srijem region. Ilok has retained the former structure of the defensive walls, as well as the palace, where the city museum is located. The name Ilok was first mentioned in 1267 as Wjlok, Wylhoc and Iwnlak. Today is the area with 20 wineries that can be visited. Ilok also inspired me with its old town and spacious green vineyards. Below we will write Ilok, which certainly makes it one of the symbols of the region’s recognizability.
5 Things to do in Ilok
Apart from being recognized as one of the destinations that have acquired a wine tradition from which Ilok has been inseparable for more than two millennia, one should walk through the city to see the heritage.
Take a walk through the old town
A town built above the right bank of the Danube, in historic Srijem, is ideal for discovering, enjoying and recreation. However, one of my favourite things was discovering the charming Ilok old town that shows a turbulent past. The most famous owner of Ilok was Nikola Iločki (1410 – 1477). During his reign, Ilok developed and defensive walls were formed. They have mostly preserved to this day. Nicholas restored the Franciscan monastery and the church of St. Ivan Kapistran in the 14th century. In the 15th century, Ilok received the status of a free royal city, confirmed in 1525. In the period from 1526 to 1688, Ilok was ruled by the Ottoman Empire.
The old town provides accessible evidence of the existence of this area showing the persistence of life in ancient times through the Middle Ages and late. Stroll through the picturesque streets and see some of its valuable features such as old defensive walls and cultural and historical sites.
Visit Odescalchi Castle – Ilok City Museum
Ilok City Museum is located in the castle of Odescalchi. The two-storey museum in the palace, also known as “Odescalchi Castle“, offers various local exhibitions. After restoration, the museum has been open since February 2010. Also, presenting local historical artefacts, through different historical periods. This castle hides almost everything about the Ilok history. It is home to a rich archaeological, historical and ethnographic collection.
Built on the foundations of Nikola Iločki, the impressive building from the 15th century is one of the sights worth visiting. The castle, completed in the Classicist Baroque style, houses underground cellars, also built during the reign of Odescalchi, which gave impetus to the growth of viticulture and wine production. The Italian noble family from Como is first mentioned in 1290, while in 1697 King Leopold I presented the Pope (Pope Innocent XI) to his nephew Livia (1652–1713), the Duchy of Srijem (ductus Sirmii) with the city of Ilok. . The last owner of the Srijem estate and Ilok castle was Innocent (1883–1953)
Walk along theDanube banks
Living along the Danube means living in the heart of Europe. Once in Ilok, one connects 10 counties, including Baranja and the Kopački Rit Nature Park. Standing by the Danube is a real pleasure because the flow of this eternal mighty river signifies the strength of nature. Take a boat trip to Čiklja.
The flow of the Danube brings additional beauty to the place above it and encourages us to stay in shape by walking along the river and enjoying nature. This is one of the main characteristics of the coast. Today, a promenade is located next to the port, as well as the beach as part of the centre for leisure and tourism.
Admire St John of Capistrano Church
Dating back to the 14th century, a church is was built on the site by Duke Ugrin. Durting that time, Dubrovnik delegate also stayed in Ilok. Nilokla Iločki restored a church in 1456 by. The same ruler built the above-mentioned castle was at that time the most famous owner of the area. The architecture of the renaissance park in front of the church and monastery. The Ottoman monuments make a part of an old, urban complex, one of the best-preserved and most interesting in continental.
The monastery next to the church was renovated several times between the 14th and 20th centuries. Herman Bolle made the last changes and restorations in the neo-Gothic style, similar to the one he used in the Zagreb Cathedral.
Tasting wine from Ilok cellars
What Ilok is best known for is without a doubt the high-quality wines that should be tasted. Ilok vineyards that are a gift of nature have enabled Ilok to produce high quality, bouquet, aromatic divine wines. Winegrowers who “serve” vineyards in cellars throughout the year will discover a speciality, which is a sign of hospitality representing the result of work. It is a good combination of climatic conditions and vines. Wineries also offer local specialities, so all that remains is to choose the one you want. In addition, to further understand where the wines come from, you should simply take a walk or bike through the plains and small hills. Those extend the view of picturesque vineyards.
Bonus thing to do: Saint Nepomuk Chapel
Chapel of St. John Nepomuk which is located at the entrance to the old town of Ilok. It dates from the 18th century. It’s worth stopping by and recording it on your cameras. The statue of Ivan Nepomuk is often found in other cities we visit.
Ilok events
Although it seems small, Ilok, like any other city in Slavonia, is full of events.
Ilok wine harvest in September
The Ilok wine harvest is without a doubt one of the most recognizable cultural, entertainment, but also economic and tourist events. It has been traditionally held since 1962. The festival, which takes place in September, presents old customs originating from Srijem and Slavonia. At the same time, people have always gathered at the beginning of the wine harvest to preserve the vineyards and celebrate a good year and harvest and socialize.
Petrovdan in Šarengrad
Local Patron Saint’s Day Peter (June 29) is traditional feast. It hosts furthermore every of late June in Šarengrad,
Wine tasting from the Danube basin and Slavonia
Tasting and evaluation of wines from the Danube and Slavonia basins are usually held in spring, May or June.
Actors Festival
Exceptional acting and theatre events will be held in May in four cities of Vukovar-Srijem County: Županja, Vinkovci, Vukovar and Ilok. During one week, these cities become open stages for almost all theatres from Dubrovnik, through Pula to Zagreb and Osijek.
Capistrano Day in October
The day of the city of Ilok is celebrated on the occasion of the anniversary of the death of St. John Capistrano, October 23. Due to the occasion, it includes several cultural events.
Daily trips from Ilok
Here we have singled out a few of them, which can be done, as the city is surrounded by a beautiful landscape along the Danube.
Bačka Palanka
A relatively small place is located opposite Ilok, stretching on the other bank of the Danube. The place is in contrast to the fact that one of the oldest churches in Vojvodina was built on the foundations of temples from even earlier times. At the same time, in the north of Bačka Palanka, there is the forest of Bagremara.
If you stop by, be sure to visit Lake Tikvara. The Danube Lake covers an area of 5 square kilometres. There is also a complex of resorts Tikvara built by the lake which serves to engage in various sports, recreational and entertainment activities.
Novi Sad
Also known as “Serbian Athens”, this city is the European Capital of Youth 2019 and the European Capital of Culture 2021. With its grandiose architecture, lively art and music scene and hospitable locals, it is an ideal destination not only for everyday excursions but also for packing basic things and coming to Novi Sad.
However, if you only have one day to visit Novi Sad, this is the best way. Apart from the Petrovaradin Fortress, which is a well-known city feature, Novi Sad may also be known for Dunavska Street, the cathedral and a quality gastronomic offer. Arrival from Novi Sad from Ilok:
- By car. The drive from the centre of Ilok to Novi Sad takes about an hour.
Fruška Gora
Fruška Gora National Park is a vast landscape of hills and valleys. The dense forests, lush meadows, orchards and vineyards surround it. The Fruška Gora which rises to 539 meters is home to centuries-old monasteries, charming hamlets and wineries. It is believed to have once been an island in the Pannonian Sea that was covered with water 90 million years ago.
The park originates from the southern bank of the Danube in the province of Vojvodina, near the town of Sremski Karlovci. Between November and March, snowfall is normal. In the knowledge centre on the Irish Wreath, you can get maps of parks and see ecological and geological objects.
Šarengrad
In addition to the remains of the church of St. Petra in Ilok, a building dedicated to the same saint is located in Šaregrad. A tiny Syrmian place is located on the right bank of the Danube. It streches the foothills of the old medieval town of Ilok. St. Peter and Paul church dominate over the entire village. It was the former Franciscan monastery, one of the oldest, most layered and largest sacral complexes of the whole region. A settlement called “Aythya” used to be a monastery house of the Templars or Benedictines during the 11th century.
The monastery, located on an elevated position, dates from the 15th century. The Franciscans ruled over the century during the period form the 14th to the end of the 16th century, while at the beginning of the 17th century, the monastery damaged. From 1743 to 1757 the monastery was rebuilt, as was the church in Baroque features. A school was founded in which the Franciscans taught until 1854. In 1823, a new organ was purchased. In 1965, in the village of Mohovo, a chapel was opened in a private house. Then a new chapel was erected in 1986.
Active holiday in Ilok
The backwaters of the Danube and vast green landscapes filled with vineyards with many hidden places along its banks provide an ideal opportunity to relax with various activities such as cycling and walking.
Walking. Near Ilok there are green oak forests, oases of peace and freshwater. Among the slopes of Fruška Gora is Liska, the highest mountain in the Vukovar-Srijem district (297 meters). Although not high, the top offers a beautiful view of forest slopes and landscapes. Two numbered routes lead along with farms, wineries and forests for about 7 kilometres.
Cycling. Part of the European cycling route along the Danube from the source to the mouth includes the route that passes through Croatia. It is 138 km long and is characterized by several moves that pose a real challenge due to height differences. Experience the adventurous experiences of Slavonia, Baranja and Srijem as you ride along the Danube. Get to know the landscape, the local population, customs and attractions.
Principovac hill and Ilok wine roads
He took a photo that always reminds me of Ilok landscapes on the Principovac hill. Once you enter the vineyards and lookouts, you will feel like you are treading a truly unique landscape.
Arrival to Ilok
- By bus. There is a direct bus line that connects Ilok and Zagreb every day. Travel time is approximately 5.
- Train. There is a railway line that connects Zagreb with the Tovarnik railway station. Trains depart several times a day. Travelling by high-speed train takes approximately 5 hours, while lines with multiple stops take longer.
- Car. The state road D2 leads in the direction of Vukovar, Osijek, Vinkovci and Zagreb, other places in Croatia and south to BiH. The border crossing in the city area leads to the town of Bačka Palanka, in Serbia (Vojvodina), on the other bank of the Danube.