With temperatures hitting 38 degrees Celsius in the shade, residents flooded the Drava beach and pools on Sunday, where the river's exceptionally low water level has created the largest sandy beach to date.
The new heatwave that hit Slavonia peaked on Sunday, August 2, 2026, when the temperature in Osijek soared to an unbearable 38 degrees Celsius in the shade. The search for relief turned the popular bathing area Kopika into the center of activity for thousands of people.
The Drava River, whose water level near Osijek has dropped to a historic low this summer, has exposed vast sandy areas. In some places, pedestrians could walk almost to the middle of the riverbed, creating surreal scenes and the largest beach ever. The big sandy beach at Kopika was packed with bathers enjoying sunbathing, beach volleyball, and cold drinks.
While some chose the river, others flocked to the Kopika pool complex. The newly renovated bathing area was again filled to capacity this weekend. Visitors enjoyed the pools, slides, and a rich food and beverage offering, with people scrambling for a spot. Alongside local Osijek residents, numerous guests from other parts of Slavonia and Baranja also arrived at Kopika.
Photographers captured the relaxed summer atmosphere that marked yet another hot Sunday at Osijek's most famous bathing spot.
