Beyond Your Stay
Your stay extends far beyond the house itself. Explore scenic landscapes, hidden gems, authentic local cuisine, cultural treasures, and unforgettable experiences waiting just moments away.
Below, you'll find a carefully curated selection of the region's most remarkable attractions, scenic landscapes, outdoor adventures, authentic local experiences, and hidden gems -
all within a 30-minute drive of Empyrean House.
Natura 2000
Ponds and rivers
Just a short drive from Empyrean House, discover the peaceful lakes and rivers of Northern Moslavina. Skresovi Lake, Croatia's first official sport fishing centre, is famous for its crystal-clear waters and excellent fishing. The Ilova River offers scenic boat rides, over 11 km of walking and cycling trails, and outstanding opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife photography. At the foot of Moslavačka Gora, Lake Mikleuška invites visitors to relax with its wooden viewpoints, picnic areas, and tranquil natural surroundings.
Whether you enjoy fishing, cycling, photography, or simply unwinding in nature, these hidden gems offer an authentic Croatian experience away from the crowds.
Prior notification is required for fishing, which can be arranged by contacting the Garešnica Tourist Office.
Northern Moslavina Tourist Office:
Vladimira Nazora 22
43280 Garesnica
+385 043 533 002
Discover hidden waters, untouched nature and unforgettable outdoor experiences.
Professional and recreational fishing
Educational trails
Hiking
Bird watching
Cycling
Retreat in the wilderness
Playgrounds and picnic areas
Archaeological Heritage
Explore the hidden medieval history of Northern Moslavina, where ancient fortresses and archaeological sites are nestled among the forests of Moslavačka Gora. Discover the impressive ruins of Garić Town, one of Croatia's oldest medieval fortresses, the well-preserved Jelengrad Fortress with its panoramic views, and the peaceful remains of Košuta Town, abandoned after the Ottoman invasions over 700 years ago.
Surrounded by scenic hiking trails and untouched nature, these remarkable sites offer a unique journey through Croatia's rich past—far from the crowds and full of authentic stories waiting to be discovered.
Rent a binoculars or telescopes:
Birdwatchers can rent binoculars, and experienced ornithologists can rent telescopes at the:
Visitor Center - Poilovlje
Kolodvorska 2, 43280 Garešnica.
+385 043 331 885
Remains of old fortifications - "Old Garic town", "Jelengrad", "Košuta town", "Bela Church"
Archaeological excavations
Medieval fortress
Educational trails
Hiking
Photo safari
Retreat in the wilderness
Hiking, cycling & photo safari
Experience the unspoiled beauty of Northern Moslavina through its scenic hiking trails, cycling routes, and diverse wildlife. Explore the forests of Moslavačka Gora, discover hidden waterfalls, crystal-clear streams, medieval ruins, and breathtaking viewpoints, including Vis (444 m), the mountain's highest accessible peak.
Cycle through peaceful villages, vineyards, and rolling hills, or capture unforgettable moments on a photo safari among deer, birds of prey, and other native wildlife. Don't miss the Poilovlje Visitor Centre, where interactive exhibits and nature trails reveal the region's rich biodiversity.
Whether you're seeking adventure, stunning landscapes, or quiet moments in nature, Northern Moslavina offers authentic outdoor experiences in every season.
Rent a bike:
Bicycles with helmets are available for rent at the Visitor Center - Poilovlje in Garešnica,
located at Kolodvorska 2, 43280 Garešnica.
Contact:
+385 043 331 885
Natura 2000
Mountain viewpoint
Untouched nature
Educational trails
Hiking
Photo safari
Retreat in the wilderness
Garešnica town
Located in the heart of Northern Moslavina, Garešnica is a charming town where unspoiled nature, rich heritage, and authentic local traditions come together. Surrounded by forests, rolling hills, vineyards, lakes, and peaceful villages, it is the perfect base for exploring one of Croatia's hidden gems.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking and cycling through Moslavačka gora, birdwatching in the protected wetlands of Poilovlje, fishing, and discovering scenic viewpoints and tranquil natural landscapes. The region's remarkable biodiversity makes it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Garešnica is also known for its traditional gastronomy, offering local specialties such as game, freshwater fish, mushrooms, honey, homemade products, and excellent regional wines. Throughout the year, the town hosts cultural festivals, concerts, folklore events, and traditional celebrations that reflect the warmth and hospitality of the local community.
Whether you're looking for outdoor adventure, authentic cuisine, or a peaceful countryside escape, Garešnica offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of continental Croatia.
A small city amid watery oases anda green sea of forests and meadows
Restaurants
Bars
Maxi Shop
Bakeries
Tourist office
Visitor center - Natura 2000
Church
Cycling
Children's playground
Maxi Shop
Pharmacies
Vet
Local urgent care
Police station
Accommodation Hotel*** Garic Garesnica
Gastronomy
Moslavina, a picturesque region in Croatia, showcases a rich culinary heritage rooted in its agricultural traditions. Local gastronomy features hearty dishes of dried and smoked spicy pork sausages, alongside a variety of cheeses and cured meats that highlight traditional preservation methods. The region is renowned for its wines, particularly indigenous varieties like Škrlet, which pair beautifully with local specialties.
Famous domestic products from local farms include Moslavina honey, homemade jams, and various fruit and herbal liqueurs, enriching the region's culinary landscape. Game dishes stand out as some of the most celebrated offerings, while seasonal ingredients are key, with dishes often incorporating mushrooms and fresh vegetables. Festivals and markets celebrate these flavors, providing visitors with an authentic taste of Moslavina's culinary traditions.
Remains of old fortifications
The listed restaurants are in the top 100 Croatian restaurants based on guest and professional votes:
Terasa Restaurant,
Daruvar (Top 100 Croatian restaurants 2026)
Kod bake Restaurant,
Kapelica (Top 100 Croatian restaurants 2026)
Little Italy Pub Restaurant,
Daruvar (Top 100 Croatian restaurants 2026)
Monumental monument & Village Podagaric
The Monument to the Revolution of the People of Moslavina, created by sculptor Dusan Dzamonja, stands majestically in Podgaric, measuring 10 meters high and 20 meters wide. Commissioned in 1965, it was completed in 1967 and officially inaugurated by SFRY President Josip Broz Tito on September 7. Nearby, a memorial ossuary honors the remains of approximately 1,000 soldiers who perished in battle or from injuries in Partisan hospitals in the region.
Podgaric is an excellent starting point for exploring Moslavacka Gora, with numerous hiking paths accessible from this location. It offers stunning viewpoints of the lake and the surrounding area. Adjacent to the lake is the restaurant "Vila Garic." You can easily reach Podgaric by car via an asphalt road from either Garesnica or Popovaca.
A good starting point for hikers with a restaurant on the lake
Attraction - Monumental monument
Restaurant
Hiking
Educational trails
Photo safari
Retreat in the wilderness
Playgrounds and picnic areas
Moslavina Hunting area
The Moslavina region boasts untouched nature and exceptional hunting potential, making it one of Croatia's premier hunting destinations. Spanning approximately 260,000 hectares, this area is renowned for its abundant and highquality roe deer, celebrated across Europe for their impressive antlers. The diverse wildlife includes deer, wild boar, rabbits, numerous waterfowl, partridges, quails, wild pigeons, and snipe, along with sizeable populations of mouflon and fallow deer. Hunting, a centuries-old tradition in Moslavina, traces back to the Austro-Hungarian era when European aristocrats had private hunting grounds here. Today, local hunting societies manage these grounds, operating under the Bjelovar-Bilogora County Hunting Association, ensuring sustainable practices while preserving the region's rich hunting heritage.
The favorite hunting grounds of aristocratic families from Austria-Hungary, rich in centuries-old tradition, are among the most renowned and prestigious in Croatia
Hunting grounds with trophy game
Hiking
Photo safari
Retreat in the wilderness
Daruvar town
In ancient times, Daruvar served as the capital of the Republic of Iassa and later became a renowned patrician spa resort known as Aquae Balissae, meaning "very hot spring." Today, Daruvar is celebrated for its rich history as a healing town with over two millennia of tradition, characterized by a blend of urban greenery, modern and historic architecture, and a wealth of recreational activities. Visitors can enhance their experience with exquisite gastronomy, local beer, and fine wines from Daruvar’s vineyards. Architecture enthusiasts will be drawn to the Janković family castle, a notable late-baroque structure built between 1771 and 1777.
The most beautiful small town in continental Croatia (according to research by the Croatian National Tourist Board)
Spa Daruvar - Daruvarske Toplice
Thermal Water Park - Aquae Balissae
Central mud bath
Castle Jankovic
Brewery Daruvar
Sports fields
Restaurants
Bars
Maxi Shop
Bakeries
Tourist office
Visitor center - Natura 2000
Church
Cycling
Children's playground
Maxi Shop
Pharmacies
Vet
Local urgent care
Police station
Accommodation Hotels
Daruvar spa resort
Indulge in luxurious wellness treatments, soak in healing waters, and make a wish by tossing a coin into the Ivanovo Vrelo spring. Stroll through the Roman Park forest and discover why this serene area was cherished by Romann emperors as a refuge for peace and relaxation. Daruvar Spa boasts an array of healing thermal water sources, mineral mud deposits, preserved historical architecture, and beautiful landscape parks, along with numerous sports, recreational, wellness-spa, and medical facilities, making it the ideal destination for rest, rehabilitation, and rejuvenation. Since the 2nd century, Aquae Balissae has provided hot, warm, and cold baths, alongside dedicated massage rooms and saunas, at the very location of today’s Daruvar Spa.
The healing thermal waters in the Daruvar area have long enhanced the quality of life, first utilized by the Jassy and later by Roman emperors such as Commodus, Constantine the Great, and Hadrian, along with Turkish and Austro- Hungarian military leaders, gentry, citizens, and peasants for therapeutic purposes. In 1756, Empress Maria Theresa entrusted the Daruvar Spa area to Count Antun Janković, who constructed new pools and facilities. Today, the Daruvar Spa, a specialized medical rehabilitation hospital, offers rehabilitation programs for locomotor system treatment, postsports injury recovery, natural fertility treatments, as well as wellness, spa, and sports-recreational programs.
Spa and health tourism
Daruvarske Toplice - Partner of the Croatian Olympic Committee for prevention and rehabilitation of athletes
Thermal Water Park - Aquae Balissae
Central mud bath
Saunas
Spa treatments
Water attractions
Health tourism
Photo safari and birdwatching
Photo safaris and birdwatching in Northern Moslavina present an extraordinary opportunity to immerse oneself in a pristine natural environment, characterized by lush forests, serene lakes, and rolling hills that form part of the Natura 2000 protected area. This stunning landscape, rich in natural beauty and archaeological treasures, provides a perfect backdrop for capturing unique photographs while reconnecting with nature.
Floristic studies in the region have identified 242 plant species, including 55 protected varieties, while faunal research has revealed 155 animal species, with 84 under protection, showcasing a remarkable biodiversity. Enthusiasts can expect to encounter diverse wildlife, including trophy game like deer and wild boar, as well as abundant waterfowl, partridges, and various bird species, making Northern Moslavina a true haven for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Rent a binoculars or telescopes:
Birdwatchers can rent binoculars, and experienced ornithologists can rent telescopes at the:
Adress: Kolodvorska 2, 43280 Garešnica.
+385 043 331 885
Natura 2000 - Reconnect with nature
