Vukovar & Ilok – Danube towns with an eventful history
Vukovar lies on the right bank of the Danube and was almost completely destroyed in 1991 during the Croatian War of Independence; today it is both a place of remembrance and of renewal. Baroque townhouses, Eltz Palace and the museum of the prehistoric Vučedol culture reveal its long history. About 35 kilometres further on is Ilok, Croatia's easternmost town, on a hill of vineyards above the Danube.
At a glance
Region
Slavonia / Syrmia
From Osijek
Vukovar approx. 35 km
To Ilok
approx. 38 km from Vukovar
Wine
Graševina, Traminac (Ilok)
Best time to visit
May, June, September, October
Ideal for
history buffs, wine lovers, cyclists
Vukovar
Water tower symbol of the city and a memorial with views over the Danube
Memorials Ovčara Memorial and the Memorial Cemetery of Homeland War Victims
Eltz Palace city museum in a restored Baroque palace
Vučedol Culture Museum modern exhibition on an important prehistoric culture (Vučedol Dove)
Danube promenade riverside walks, boat trips
Ilok
Ilok sits on a hill above the Danube with medieval walls, Odescalchi Castle and historic wine cellars. Ilok Traminac is considered one of Croatia's best-known wines. The Danube Cycle Route (EuroVelo 6) runs through the region.
Honest verdict
A visit to Vukovar is moving and important for understanding Croatia, but it's not a classic holiday spot. The region is quiet and sees few tourists. Combined with Osijek, Kopački Rit and Ilok's wine cellars, it makes a rewarding two- to three-day tour.
