A city in Croatia has connected its Upper and Lower Towns, establishing one of Europe’s longest riverfront walkways - and it opened on Saturday (October 26). 

Osijek’s Mayor, Ivan Radić, inaugurated a new section of the city’s promenade, the culmination of a long-standing vision to connect two parts of the town with a riverside walkway along the Drava River, a tributary of the Danube. 

The development has given Osijek one of Europe’s longest promenades, stretching for an impressive 10.5 kilometres, or 6.5 miles. 

Through the Right Bank Drava River Project, 2.7 kilometres of river embankment have been constructed, complete with a promenade, cycling path, green belt, and community facilities, according to CroatiaWeek.

1,700 shrubs have also been planted, with 157 new trees due to be added in mid-November. This joint project, funded by the City of Osijek and Hrvatske Vode, is valued at €12.6 million, or around £10.5 million. 

Croatia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Ivan Anušić, attended the opening ceremony alongside Osijek’s citizens and Mayor Radić.

“For generations, Osijek residents have dreamed of a united riverside promenade. Today, we unite the Lower Town, Upper Town, and Tvrđa, realising a vision many generations longed for,” said Radić. 

“This promenade has, for decades, been a gathering place for socialising, sport, recreation, and relaxation. It’s also the place that has made Osijek known as a city on the Drava.”

The mayor also announced plans for further promenade expansion: “Once we start, we don’t stop. So, on this historic day, I am announcing our next major project, again in partnership with Hrvatske Vode - the continuation of the promenade from Neptune through Retfala to Višnjevac. Following these 10.5 kilometres, we will add another 4 kilometres [2.5 miles], valued at approximately €20 million [over £16.6 million]”.

Hrvatske Vode General Director Zoran Đuroković recalled how the Drava River posed a flooding threat to Osijek in 1965, when it rose to over 514 centimetres, prompting a decision to strengthen flood defences for the city, a project that began in 1967.

Mato Lukić, Deputy Prefect of Osijek-Baranja County, congratulated the Mayor and Zoran Đuroković on the successful project: “Especially in recent years, we’ve seen the impact of climate change, high water levels, and the need for proactive defence measures. Osijek is now finally safe from high water levels, allowing us to truly enjoy our Drava,” said Lukić.