Osijek lies 283km (175 miles) east of Zagreb, and just 29km (18 miles) from the Hungarian border in the northeastern corner of Croatia. It is the largest city in Slavonia and the fourth largest in the country. During the war, all but 15,000 of Osijek’s 80,000 citizens fled the city and sought shelter in other parts of Croatia or in foreign countries. Many have returned, a sign that the local economy is on the upswing and finally recouping some of its former vigor, some 20 years after the end of hostilities.
The city's other highlight is its river walk, a paved path flanking both banks of the Drava that’s used by joggers, cyclists, in-line skaters, and people fishing or exercising their dogs. The marina on the river houses hundreds of powerboats and sculls. A small bridge leads to Copacabana, the city’s most popular beach.