The International Fair Nature, Hunting, Fishing, and Tourism will be held from October 6 to 8 at the Varaždin Arena by the Drava River. Organized by DMK Vall 042 d.o.o. with the support of the City of Varaždin and Varaždin County, this is Croatia's oldest event dedicated to hunting, fishing, outdoor activities, and tourism. The 26th edition will bring together around 100 exhibitors from Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, and Slovakia.
The fair has a long tradition and is a well-known event in the region, showcasing equipment and products for hunting, fishing, and outdoor activities. Family farms and craftsmen will also present their offerings. This year’s partner county is Vukovar-Srijem County, which will feature its family farms and tourist offerings at the fair.
This year, the fair will emphasize education, offering exhibitions, workshops, and presentations that are sure to engage and benefit visitors.
“After last year’s smaller post-pandemic edition, we are excited to welcome back some familiar exhibitors, as well as new participants from Slovenia and Croatia who are joining for the first time. It’s worth noting that the hunting equipment selection will be exceptionally rich, so hunters will find plenty of options. As every year, the Croatian Hunting Association Museum has invested significant effort into the diorama featuring taxidermied wildlife, which this year will have a mountain theme.” - highlighted Maja Šimenc, Fair Director.
The traditional co-organizer of the fair is the Croatian Hunting Association, and Goran Kaniški, President of the Varaždin County Hunting Association, introduced part of the program organized by the association.
“As an association, we will actively participate in the fair this year, presenting our work and hosting several activities. The first lecture is scheduled for Friday at 10:30 AM, focusing on bears, organized by the Hunting Museum. On Sunday at 10:20 AM, there will be another interesting lecture titled ‘Vehicle Collisions with Wildlife – What’s Next?’ This will provide valuable data and explanations about new regulations.
Additionally, the Fair Cup in clay target shooting, organized by LD ‘Vepar’ Ljubešćica, will take place on Saturday and Sunday, featuring teams from across Croatia.” - noted Kaniški.
The Croatian Sports Fishing Association is also a co-organizer, and Marijan Kolednjak, Secretary of the Varaždin County Sports Fishing Association, announced their exhibit. Their booth will feature taxidermied specimens and photographs focusing on fish and remarkable catches.
Other program highlights include the following:
- Book presentation and lecture “Following the Trail of Bears” (Krunoslav Rac, Friday at 5:00 PM)
- Book presentation and lecture “Life in the Forest” (Nikola Borić, Saturday at 5:00 PM)
- Culinary workshop with Tomislav Špiček on preparing pheasant dishes (Sunday at 11:30 AM).
The International Fair Nature, Hunting, Fishing, and Tourism will be open to visitors on Friday and Saturday from 9:00 to 19:00, and on Sunday until 17:00. Ticket prices are €4.00 for adults, €2.00 for students and retirees, and free for children under 7.