# Drava River gold panning and tourism development

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/drava-river-gold-panning-and-tourism-development
> Updated: 2026-10-12T05:02:42.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

Cross-border cooperation between Slovenia and Croatia has led to the development of new tourism opportunities centered on the Drava River. Through the Interreg “Traces of Gold” event, the “Zlatarske avanture” (Goldsmith Adventures) project showcased activities such as gold panning, rafting, and electric cycling to demonstrate regional partnership.

Traditional gold panning remains a practiced craft along the Croatian stretches of the Drava River. Local practitioners utilize ancestral knowledge to identify gold particles within river meanders and sediment. This tradition is supported by historical records, including a 1776 grant of permission from Empress Maria Theresa for gold panning on the river.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-12: Drava River gold panning tradition continues in Croatia

Locals in Croatia maintain the traditional craft of gold panning on the Drava River, using ancestral techniques and tools to find small gold particles in river sediment.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/drava-river-gold-panning-tradition-continues-in-croatia

### 2026-09-23: Zavrč hosts Interreg project event showcasing gold panning and tourism

Zavrč hosted the “Traces of Gold” event to showcase the Interreg-funded “Zlatarske avanture” project, featuring gold panning, rafting, and cycling to promote cross-border tourism between Slovenia and Croatia.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zavr-hosts-interreg-project-event-showcasing-gold-panning-and-tourism

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Cite as: Drava River gold panning and tourism development. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/drava-river-gold-panning-and-tourism-development