The competition, organised by the Public Institution for the Management of Protected Natural Areas of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County, acts as the national round of the Tree of the Year initiative, representing Croatia in the wider European contest.
Two finalists, one winner
This year’s national title came down to two candidates:
• The Kostrena Oak (Quercus pubescens), submitted by KD Kostrena d.o.o.
• The Healing Pine (Pinus halepensis Mill) from Vrboska on the island of Hvar, nominated by the Friends of Cultural and Natural Heritage Society of Vrboska.
Public voting took place in September and in the end, the Kostrena Oak triumphed with an impressive 1,497 votes, taking home the title of Croatia’s Tree of the Year 2025.
Standing proudly for more than two and a half centuries, the Kostrena Oak has silently witnessed history unfold, from the reign of Maria Theresa and the era of Napoleon to Ban Jelačić and generations of Kostrena’s seafarers.
(Photo: KD Kostrena)
When the local school needed shelter, the oak offered its branches, which now frame the school’s main entrance. Beneath its broad canopy, first loves have blossomed and countless children have set off on new journeys, watched over by this enduring guardian of the community.
As the national winner, the Kostrena Oak will go on to represent Croatia in the European Tree of the Year 2026 competition, which will take place in Brussels in March next year.
KD Kostrena
Croatia’s ancient oak will stand among 18 national champions from across Europe, each celebrated for its deep roots in local heritage and the stories that connect people to nature.
Croatia’s past Tree of the Year winners:
The Asian Plane Tree from Trsteno (7th place, 2018)
Gupčeva Lipa from Gornja Stubica (11th place, 2019)
The Lovers’ Ginkgo from Daruvar (2nd place, 2020)
The Košćela of Medulin – The Chocolate Tree of Our Memories (10th place, 2021)
The Mammoth Tree from Slavonia (11th place, 2022)
The Pedunculate Oak from Drežničko Polje (16th place, 2023)
The Mulberry Tree at Skradinski Buk (11th place, 2024)
And most recently, the Tree of Freedom from Rab (9th place, 2025).
