Vukovar is a town on the Danube in eastern Croatia, where the Vuka river joins it. It is known worldwide for the siege of 1991, and today its rebuilt baroque centre and memorial sites draw many visitors.
Why visit
The Water Tower, a symbol of the town’s resistance, has a viewpoint over the Danube. Eltz Castle houses the town museum, and the Vučedol Culture Museum, set in the riverside landscape, presents a prehistoric culture from around 3000 BC.
The Ovčara memorial and the Memorial Cemetery remember the victims of the war.
Where to stay
A few hotels and guesthouses in town; Osijek is 45 minutes away.
Getting there and around
Vukovar is about 45 minutes by car from Osijek and three and a half hours from Zagreb.
Parking
Parking is easy around the centre.
Day trips
Nearby destinations
Slavonia
Baranja
Flat corner of Croatia between the Drava and the Danube: wetlands, wine cellars and fish stew.
Slavonia
Ilok
Croatia’s easternmost town, above the Danube, with medieval walls and centuries-old wine cellars.
Slavonia
Osijek
Slavonia’s largest city on the Drava, with the baroque Tvrđa quarter and a long riverside promenade.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Vučedol culture?
A prehistoric culture of the Copper Age, famous for the Vučedol Dove vessel.
How much time do I need in Vukovar?
One day for the museums and memorial sites.