News
National Mapping Document for Council of Europe Cultural Routes Presented in Zagreb
On June 8, 2026, the Council of Europe Cultural Routes Mapping Document for Croatia was presented at the Archaeological Museum in Zagreb. The document provides an overview of cultural routes at the national level and an assessment of opportunities for the future development of the programme in Croatia.
The presentation was attended by the Minister of Culture and Media, Dr. Nina Obuljen Koržinek, who described the mapping document as an effective tool for the preservation of cultural heritage, education, the promotion of cultural tourism, and sustainable development. She noted that cultural routes support the development of local communities, cultural and economic life, and new models of sustainable tourism, while also strengthening regional cooperation. The Minister highlighted that Croatia participates in 20 certified Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, and that the document represents a solid foundation for future strategic planning, the development of international partnerships, and the further strengthening of the programme in Croatia. She also pointed to next year's 40th anniversary of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe programme as an opportunity for Croatia's further visibility within this initiative.
Tatjana Horvatić, Croatia's representative in the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe programme and head of the Department for Movable, Ethnographic and Intangible Cultural Heritage at the Ministry of Culture and Media, presented the implementation of the programme in Croatia and explained the role of the Ministry and the process behind the document's development.
Vlasta Klarić, the document's author and an independent expert on cultural routes and European macro-regional strategies, spoke about the methodology used in preparing the document, its key findings, and its recommendations for future development.
Of the 20 cultural routes passing through Croatia, only one was originally launched in the country: the Iron Age Danube Route, which began its development at the Archaeological Museum in Zagreb. Marta Rakvin, curator at the Archaeological Museum in Zagreb and secretary of the route, presented the development and expansion of the Iron Age Danube Route, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and partner connections at the European level.
The Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe programme promotes cultural tourism and sustainable development, putting into practice the principles of several international conventions to which Croatia is a signatory — most notably the Faro Convention, which defines cultural heritage not merely as a collection of monuments and sites, but as a shared resource created, preserved, and used by people and communities.
Of the 43 member states of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, only 8 have so far produced a national cultural routes mapping document. The Ministry of Culture and Media initiated the preparation of this document to examine and assess the implementation of the programme in Croatia and to analyze its further potential, offering an overview of achievements to date, identifying weaknesses, and providing guidelines for future action.
The Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe programme was launched in 1987. The document presented on June 8 was published by the European Institute of Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and Media.
Iron Age Danube Route Participates in the 13th Cultural Routes Training Academy in Pécs and Osijek
PÉCS / OSIJEK — The Iron Age Danube Route (IADR) proudly joined representatives from certified Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe for the 13th edition of the Cultural Routes Training Academy. Held from June 2 to June 5, 2026, the four-day event spanned two countries, taking place across the historic cities of Pécs (Hungary) and Osijek (Croatia).
Under this year’s central theme, "Shaping Confidence and Diversity," the Academy brought together cultural heritage professionals from across the continent. The event serves as a premier annual platform designed for capacity building, strategic dialogue, and intense cross-route knowledge exchange.
The 13th edition of the Academy was a masterclass in cross-border cooperation, jointly organized by
the European Institute of Cultural Routes and the Roman Emperors and Danube Wine Route.
The event was successfully executed in close cooperation with Zsolnay Heritage Management Nonprofit Ltd. in Hungary and the Tourism Board of Osijek-Baranja County in Croatia.
Throughout the intensive sessions, IADR representatives engaged in workshops and panel discussions focused on strengthening the resilience, diversity, and public engagement of Europe’s certified cultural itineraries.
The Academy concluded as a highly valuable experience, offering the IADR network fresh insights, strengthened professional connections, and a renewed, shared vision for safeguarding and promoting Europe's unique cultural and archaeological heritage for future generations.
Connecting Cultural Heritage: Representatives of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe in Slovenia Meet in Novo Mesto
NOVO MESTO — On May 27, 2026, the Dolenjski muzej Novo mesto hosted an important professional meeting bringing together representatives of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe in Slovenia. The main purpose of the event was to assess the current status of these international networks on Slovenian soil and to explore new opportunities for mutual connection, cooperation, and enhanced visibility.
During the meeting, participants actively presented their current projects, exchanged examples of best practices, and discussed strategies to strengthen the recognition of this rich cultural heritage—both within Slovenia and across the wider European space. Closer networking among the various routes was highlighted as both a key challenge and a major opportunity for a more integrated promotion of cultural tourism.
A Wide Network of Partners and Academic Institutions
The meeting brought together a remarkably diverse group of stakeholders dedicated to reviving and preserving European heritage in Slovenia. The event featured active participation from the following cultural routes, government ministries, and educational institutions:
International Cultural Routes:
Iron Age Danube Route
Pot sv. Jakoba Camino - Slovenija (St. James Way)
European Cemeteries Route
The Phoenicians' Route
Women Writers Route
The Routes of the Olive Tree
Via Sancti Martini (St. Martin's Way)
Educational and Governmental Institutions:
Faculty of Tourism, University of Maribor
Faculty of Humanities (University of Primorska)
Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia
Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe Programme
Co-organized by the Dolenjski muzej (an active member of the Iron Age Danube Route) and the Faculty of Tourism UM (part of the Academic Network for Cultural Routes Studies), the meeting concluded with the formulation of clear guidelines for future joint projects aimed at firmly anchoring Slovenian cultural heritage on the European map
Press release
Digital Innovation in Cultural Heritage
Iron Age Danube Route hosts the conference presenting the gamification app and innovative digital tools developed to enhance the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe
Dissemination event in the framework of the Erasmus Plus NEXT ROUTES project
Zagreb, Croatia — The Iron Age Danube Route will host its national Dissemination Conference as part of the European project NEXT ROUTES on 19.09.2025, in the Archaeological Museum in Zagreb at 10:00 AM. The event will gather cultural professionals, educators, institutions, and local stakeholders to explore new approaches for enhancing heritage through digital tools and gamification.
NEXT ROUTES supports the upskilling of Cultural Routes staff by promoting digital, creative, and gamification-based strategies. The project involves seven partners from six countries, working together to create new training methodologies, a digital toolkit, and pilot actions to increase the visibility and attractiveness of Cultural Routes.
“Our goal is to give Cultural Routes new tools to connect with people, especially younger generations, using formats that are familiar, dynamic, and inclusive,” says Marta Rakvin (Iron Age Danube Route)
The Dissemination Conference will showcase the outcomes of the local Gaming Lab, present the functionalities of the NEXT ROUTES Toolkit, and share the experiences developed during the testing phase. The event will also contribute to raising awareness about the potential of gamified learning in the field of heritage and cultural tourism.
For more information:
NEXT ROUTES Platform: https://www.ironagedanuberoute.com/copy-of-danube-s-virtual-elandscapes
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nextroutes
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/next-routes
Call for Poster Presentations: Conference 2025 in Szombathely, Hungary
COMMUNICATION ALONG THE AMBER ROAD IN THE IRON AGE
We are excited to announce the Call for Poster Presentations for the upcoming international Conference 2025, taking place from 16–17 October 2025 in Szombathely, Hungary. This year’s theme, “Communication Along the Amber Road in the Iron Age – New Perspectives in Multidisciplinary Research and Promotion,” invites innovative contributions from across the fields of archaeology, tourism, and heritage management.
Researchers, practitioners, and enthusiasts are encouraged to submit poster presentations addressing one or more of the following suggested themes:
• Archaeological research along the Amber Road
• Heritage preservation
• Digital technologies in archaeology and tourism
• Sustainable tourism at archaeological sites
•
📌 Participation is free of charge.
🗓️ Submission deadline: 20 September 2025
To submit your poster, please send the title, a brief abstract (approx. 300 words), and an illustration to:
📧 iadra.savaria@gmail.com
We look forward to your creative contributions and to welcoming you to Szombathely this October!
Call for Poster Presentations: Conference 2025 in Szombathely, Hungary
COMMUNICATION ALONG THE AMBER ROAD IN THE IRON AGE
We are excited to announce the Call for Poster Presentations for the upcoming IADRA Conference 2025, taking place from 16–17 October 2025 in Szombathely, Hungary. This year’s theme, “Communication Along the Amber Road in the Iron Age – New Perspectives in Multidisciplinary Research and Promotion,” invites innovative contributions from across the fields of archaeology, tourism, and heritage management.
Researchers, practitioners, and enthusiasts are encouraged to submit poster presentations addressing one or more of the following suggested themes:
• Archaeological research along the Amber Road
• Heritage preservation
• Digital technologies in archaeology and tourism
• Sustainable tourism at archaeological sites
📌 Participation is free of charge.
🗓️ Submission deadline: 20 September 2025
To submit your poster, please send the title, a brief abstract (approx. 300 words), and an illustration to:
📧 iadra.savaria@gmail.com
We look forward to your creative contributions and to welcoming you to Szombathely this October!
12th Training Academy of Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe
The 12th edition of the Training Academy of Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe was held from 11 to 13 June 2025 in Torres Vedras, Portugal. Organized collaboratively by several institutions — including the European Federation of Napoleonic Cities (Destination Napoleon), the European Federation Iter Vitis (Iter Vitis), the Rota Histórica das Linhas de Torres, the Association of Portuguese Wine Municipalities (AMPV), the Torres Vedras Municipality, and the European Institute of Cultural Routes (EICR) — the event brought together stakeholders and representatives from across Europe.
This year’s Academy was dedicated to the theme “Cooperation and Cultural Routes,” emphasizing the importance of collaboration at cross-cultural, cross-route, and transnational levels. Over the three days, participants engaged in thematic workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions designed to strengthen ties between different Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe and foster joint initiatives.
The Iron Age Danube Route was among the routes represented, with its delegates expressing appreciation for the opportunity to join such a meaningful gathering. They highlighted the value of sharing best practices and strategies for fostering cooperation between diverse cultural, historical, and geographical contexts.
Set against the historical and scenic backdrop of Torres Vedras, the Academy provided an ideal environment for reflection and forward planning. The event reaffirmed the role of Cultural Routes as dynamic platforms for intercultural dialogue, heritage preservation, and sustainable tourism across Europe.
The successful hosting of this 12th edition underscored the commitment of all partners involved in enhancing the visibility and impact of the Cultural Routes programme, and set a strong precedent for future cooperation and development in 2026 and beyond.
Iron Age Danube Routes Gaming Lab held at the Archaeological Museum in Zagreb – 27 May 2025
On 27 May 2025, the Iron Age Danube Route held a Gaming Lab at its headquarters, the Archaeological Museum in Zagreb.
Participants – including students and museum experts – explored the project’s gamified mobile app, designed to make Iron Age cultural heritage more engaging and accessible through digital storytelling and interactive features.
The app tested and reflected the participants orientation and their knowledge in Iron Age heritage, sparking discussions on how technology can transform the way we learn about and experience the past.
The event encouraged creative thinking, critical reflection, and highlighted the power of gamification in promoting cultural routes across Europe.
Thank you to all students and partners who made this event a success!
Iron Age Danube Route Presented for Certification Renewal
The Iron Age Danube Route was under close review this week at the annual Governing Board meeting of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, held in Luxembourg from May 6–7 2025.
As one of the Cultural Routes certified by the Council of Europe, the Iron Age Danube Route underwent a regular evaluation to ensure it continued to meet the rigorous criteria for promoting European heritage, intercultural dialogue, and sustainable tourism. Representatives of the route were invited to present their progress, highlighting achievements across five priority areas, including cultural cooperation, youth education, and contemporary cultural practices.
The audition process included a 10-minute presentation followed by a Q&A session with delegates from 41 member states. Decisions regarding the renewal of certification will be communicated in June.
The Iron Age Danube Route connected archaeological sites, museums, and institutions across Central Europe, tracing the legacy of Iron Age communities along the Danube. Its inclusion in the Cultural Routes network reflected a commitment to cross-border collaboration and the shared cultural history of the region.
Anniversary Week in Großklein
35 Years of the Hallstatt Museum Großklein (hamuG)
On 6 May 1990, the Hallstatt Museum Großklein was officially opened. Since then, it has become a permanent fixture of Styria’s museum landscape and a key starting point for exploring the region’s rich archaeological heritage.
The Burgstallkogel near Großklein is among the most prominent archaeological sites from the Early Iron Age in Europe (8th–6th century BC). With nearly 700 preserved burial mounds surrounding a hilltop settlement on the summit of the Burgstallkogel, the ridge between the Sulm and Saggau valleys represents one of the best-preserved archaeological landscapes of this era. Of particular significance are the four princely burial mounds in Kleinklein, located at the eastern approach to the settlement. These include some of the richest graves of the time, made famous by finds such as the bronze mask and bronze cuirasses, and are now renowned across Europe.
Since its founding in 1990, the museum in Großklein has been committed to preserving, communicating and showcasing the rich archaeological legacy of Großklein and its surroundings.
The municipality of Großklein and the Universalmuseum Joanneum are using the 35th anniversary of the museum’s founding as an occasion to celebrate with a week of events. All residents of Großklein, as well as visitors from near and far, are warmly invited to take part!
We are especially pleased that members of the Route will be attending the celebrations not only from within Austria, but also from abroad!
You can find more information in German at the following link: https://www.museum-joanneum.at/35-jahre-hamug.
IADR at the European Capital of Culture 2025 – Nova Gorica and Gorizia conference
The Iron Age Danube Route recently took part in the international conference “Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe: Recognition and Preservation of Cultural Heritage in Cross-Border Regions”, held in Nova Gorica and Gorizia. The event was organised by the Women Writers Route within the framework of European Capital of Culture 2025 – Nova Gorica and Gorizia, celebrating the unique spirit of the twin borderless cities.
The conference brought together local and regional stakeholders, as well as representatives of various Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe. IADR was pleased to contribute by sharing experiences, best practices, and reflections on the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage in cross-border contexts.
We are grateful for the opportunity to participate in such a meaningful exchange and extend our thanks to the organisers and hosts for their warm hospitality in this remarkable region of Slovenia.
IADR Winner of the Best Practice Award for Youth Programme
At the Annual Advisory Forum in Visegrad the Iron Age Danube Route was awarded the award for best practices for Cultural and educational exchanges for young Europeans!
We are extremely proud of our hardworking team who developed and executed pilot projects: Archaeological Encounters- Kids of the Iron Age and ArcheoGIM: dr. Jacqueline Balen from the Archaeological Museum in Zagreb, prof. Hrvoje Potrebica and Julia Fileš Kramberger from the University of Zagreb, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Kristina Rupert from the Zlatni Papuk Tourist Board and dr. Miona Miliša from the University of Split!
We are also deeply grateful to our partners without whom this cooperation wouldn't be possible: Ms. Anita Katić and Mr. Ivica Pačić from the Požega High School and Ms. Valentina Peroutka from Vilim Korajac Elementary School in Kaptol, Krčma Stari Fenjeri and the Municipality of Kaptol for their never faltering support!
Last, but not least, we are thankful for the students who participated in the programmes and we are looking forward to developing these pilot project in other regions across our network.