Nature Park Žumberak-Samobor highlands

Story of the Park

The mountain area of Žumberak and Samobor is one of the least inhabited areas in Croatia. Life here has never been easy, and the only way to live it was to adjust to the laws of nature. Over thousands of years of their presence, people living in the area have managed to preserve the balance – as seen in the vistas of traditional villages, pastures and fields, that still merge harmoniously into the background of endless forests. It is precisely this mosaic of preserved traditional landscapes, coupled with the rich flora and fauna, geological characteristics and valuable archaeological findings, that attracts hikers, mountain climbers and nature lovers to the area today.

The initial slopes of the Žumberak – Samoborsko Gorje Nature Park are guarded by the walls of the Old Town of Samobor and Okić, and by the Old Town of Ozalj to the west. To the north, the Park’s boundaries are defined by the border with Slovenia, and to the south, it borders the lowland region of Pokuplje.

The area is marked by an interplay of Dinaric, Alpine and Pannonian characteristics. The Dinaric face of the Park can be seen in its karst formations; its Alpine side is visible in the steep and sharp mountain ridges, and the Pannonian appearance is provided by undulating hilly areas. The highest mountain ridge is located close to the northern boundary of the Park. Due to its relative inaccessibility, human impact has been kept to a minimum, which is why it this particular part of the Park remains closest to its original form.

The central part of the Park is gradually descending towards the south, with interchanging landscapes of hills, fields and valleys with watercourses cut into the terrain, such as the canyons of Kupčina and Slapnica rivers. This is where we come across many compact settlements evenly distributed in space. Over time, the traditional lifestyle and use of space have created a characteristic, recognizable landscape, marked by villages and hamlets intertwined with arable land, meadows, pastures and forests.

Landscape of the eastern side of the Park is different from other areas, with its deeply cut, steep valleys, and many creeks with abundant water. The area of Plešivica is more densely populated, and marked by numerous vineyards. The landscape of the area of Vivodina is characterized by mildly rolling hills, yet more vineyards, and open views. The western part of the Park is the least inhabited part, and it is dominated by forests.

Mosaic landscape with meadows, orchards, fields and traditional villages, harmoniously connected with endless forests, is not merely a visual value, but also biological one. By taking away space from the forest in order to build villages and create pastures and meadows, people of the region have ensured space for various non-forest habitats, which have significantly contributed to the current abundance of plant and animal species.

In this sense, grassland surfaces are particularly important, with up to forty plant species per single square meter. A significant locality is the wet habitat along the Jarak creek, which forms a bog with as many as 74 plant species, including six rare orchid species – and a carnivore plant alpine butterwort (Pinguicula alpina). As many as 38 orchid species have been recorded in the territory of the entire Park. Beech forests dominate the forest vegetation; pubescent oak and hop hornbeam also grow on warmer parts of the slopes. As many as 377 fungus species have been recorded in the Park as well, including the dusky waxy cap (Hygrophorus camarophyllus), a globally endangered species included in the Red List of Fungi of Croatia.

The possibility of coming across a large carnivore in the Park, such as a bear or a wolf, is negligible these days. However, there are numerous small mammals, amphibians, reptiles and invertebrates that one can encounter. When it comes to a substantial number of invertebrates living in the area, we should mention the rare alpine salamander species (Salamandra atra). There are also 110 bird species recorded in the Park, including birds of prey such as the northern goshawk and birds living along creeks – the white-throated dipper and grey wagtail.

Karst covers as much as 90 percent of the Park surface. Various karst formations can be encountered as a result: dolines, karst valleys and blind valleys. The underground structures in the Park are interesting as well, with approximately 140 speleological phenomena researched so far. According to current knowledge, the deepest cave of Dolača is 155 meters deep and 1,262 meters long. The longest cave is Provala, with 1,862 meters of its canal topographically recorded. Characteristic vertical dynamic of space in the karst terrain is clearly visible in deep erosion valleys with steep sides, mountain peaks and ridges, and valleys of key watercourses in the area of settlements of Bregana, Lipovačka Gradna, Rudarska Gradna, Kupčina and Slapnica.

The valley of the creek of Slapnica is particularly attractive. The creek got its name, stemming from the Croatian word for cascade, precisely due to numerous single and multiple cascades letting the water descend through a narrow and deeply cut valley ten kilometers long. Two cascades in the area are worth mentioning: Vranjački slap is one of them, a cascade covered in tufa – a “live” rock that keeps developing over time. A bit more upstream, there is the cascade of Brisalo – one of the highest cascades in the Nature Park, with the water diving from it into a small clear lake. The highest cascade in the Park is Sopotski slap in Sošice, 40 meters high.

The highest peak of the northwestern part of Croatia is the peak of Sveta Gera (1,178 m) in the hills of Žumberak . A forest glade on top of the mountain used to be a venue of livestock fairs in the past; today, it is a popular destination for mountain climbers and pilgrims. Japetić is the highest peak of the hills of Samobor, with its 879 meters above sea level. On clear days, it provides a view of various peaks of the mountainous part of Croatia, all the way to the Triglav Mountain in the Slovenian Alps. Rock climbers, but also fans of historical buildings, frequently choose the mountainous area of Okić as their destination, with one of the oldest medieval noble cities in Croatia located on the peak of that mountain.

This area has become part of mountain climbing history, as the place where Dragojla Jarnević, a member of the Illyrian Movement, became the first woman to scale the peak of Okić from its southern, steeper side a century and a half ago. The first organized mountain climbing ascent to Oštrc and Plešivica also took place here, back in 1875. Given such a long tradition, it is no wonder that there is a network of around 350 kilometers of mountain climbing trails in the Park. Cyclists have nothing to worry about either, with over 200 kilometers of cycling trails giving them the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of landscapes and attractive tours.

History lovers can examine the findings kept in the Archaeological Park in Budinjak – remains of ancient fortified cities such as Okić, Tuščak, Lipovac and the Old Town of Žumberak, the local history of Uskoks, the rebels against the Ottoman Empire, or preserved examples of traditional village architecture.

Unlike some other protected areas with a clearly defined main attraction in the area, that most visitors are eager to visit – a sightseeing point on top of the mountain, for example, or a cave, or a cascade – the main attraction of this particular Nature Park is its mosaic landscape.

It is only after a full day of “cruising” the Park, that one gets a comprehensive impression of the attractiveness of the area – the mosaic landscape. Dynamic changes of various perspectives, cultural and historical heritage, a unique natural world – these are the things that make this area more than seducing enough to make the visitor eager to return.

Natural heritage

Picturesque nature of the hills of this Nature Park is reflected in mountain grasslands with over 40 plant species per square meter. The animal world is rich in species too, with bear, wolf, eleven bat species, 110 bird species and a number of endemic cave organisms all living in the Park area. The mountain massif is predominantly made of limestone, and there aren’t many locations with standing waters in the area, but the Park still includes over 160 ponds.

The reason: these ponds were created by the locals in times past, primarily as watering places for livestock. The locals wisely decided to fortify the bottoms of natural depressions with clay, so as to retain rainwater.

Plant world

The abundance of plant world in the Nature Park is extraordinary due to its specific geographical position on the border between the Dinaric, Alpine and Pannonian areas, and other influences such as the dominant karst foundation, coupled with relief and climate diversity. Over 1,000 species and subspecies have been recorded in the area. By comparison, there are slightly over 5,000 plant species and subspecies recorded in the territory of Croatia in total. Such a large number of species makes the Park an extraordinary valuable area when it comes to the flora. Many of these species are relics or endemic species; many species are rare, strictly protected and listed in the Red Book of Vascular Flora of Croatia and the IUCN Red List.

Species recorded in the area grow in the most diverse habitats: grasslands, forests, wet and swampy habitats, thickets, cleared areas, moors, rocks and dunes. Weeds and ruderal flora are also present. Mountain grasslands are home to beautiful and critically endangered small pasque flower (Pulsatilla pratensis ssp. nigricans) and the endemic species Croatian pink (Dianthus giganteus ssp. croaticus) with amazingly beautiful pink flowers. Almost 40 orchid species grow in the Park as well, including the bee orchid (Ophrys apifera). This orchid, just like all the other orchid species of that genus, attracts its pollinating insect with its lips and scent that mimic the female insect. The forests, on the other hand, are a habitat of several species fairly limited in terms of distribution, such as the endangered and strictly protected Croatian iris (Iris croatica) and Blagay’s daphne (Daphe blagayana). Transitional areas between forests and open habitats are important for species that are sensitive to grazing and stomping and adapted to shadowy conditions, such as several globally vulnerable species of orchids and lilies. The lesser butterfly orchid (Platanthera bifolia), lady orchid (Orchis purpurea) and martagon lily (Lilium martagon) are some examples of such species. One unique species living in the area is alpine butterwort (Pinguicula alpina), a carnivore plant. It grows on bogs that also represent the habitat to two other critically endangered species: common cottongrass (Eriophorum angustifolium) and alpine asphodel (Tofieldia calyculata).

It would take an entire book to mention all the other plants in the area that are interesting in terms of color, or form or manner of adaptation. However, just like everything else in nature, it is incommensurably better to see them in real life, than in any book or photograph. Therefore, we invite you to explore the Park and enjoy the wonders of amazing plants in the area. Make sure to “pick” them only with your camera, however!

Animal world

The area of the Park abounds with animal species. Even though they are quite a rarity these days, large carnivores such as bear (Ursus arctos) and wolf (Canis lupus) live in the area. There are 110 bird species in the Park, which represents one third of bird species recorded in Croatia.

In addition to typical continental amphibian and reptile species, higher elevations are home to alpine salamander (Salamandra atra) – a rare and unusual amphibian species that does not require water for reproduction, since its gives birth to live young. The presence of brown trout (Salmo trutta) and threatened stone crayfish (Austropotamobius torrentium) is proof that mountain creeks are free of pollution.

Numerous invertebrates significantly contribute to the biodiversity of the area. A proof of complexity and relations in the ecosystem is the globally vulnerable butterfly species mountain alcon blue (Phengaris alcon rebeli). Its survival closely depends on other species – such as the plant star gentian (Gentiana cruciata) that represents the only food for butterfly larvae, and ants of the genus Myrmica, which butterfly larvae deceive into feeding them.

Dinaric karst is tremendously important for fauna diversity. Over 144 caves and pits provide home to various species of cave beetles, snails, spiders and crustaceans, with as many as 16 endemic species recorded so far. Caves are also home to bats, the most threatened group of mammals in the country.

Grasslands

The first settlers in these areas were clearing the forests in order to create space for their settlements and arable land in the surrounding area. A consequence of such traditional agricultural activities are numerous grasslands, grassland orchards and fields in rural areas, their vistas contributing to the picturesque nature of the landscape. They are also important as habitat of numerous plant and animal species, and as source of medicinal and edible plants; their importance in education, tourism and recreation is rising as well.

All grasslands are not the same. For example, steep slopes and rocks represent a foundation for grasslands of Sesleria kalnikensis – one of the few completely natural grassland communities. The biggest diversity of species can be seen in semi-natural grasslands of upright brome and hoary plantain, with up to 40 plant species recorded per square meter. These species include Croatian pink (Dianthus giganteus ssp. croaticus), carnic lily (Lilium carniolicum), Pannonian clover (Trifolium pannonicum) and critically endangered black pasque flower (Pulsatilla pratensis ssp. nigricans). Significant habitats in the Park also include grasslands of matgrass, and, in lowland areas, meadows of tall oat-grass. Such a mosaic of grassland habitats provides living space to an entire range of invertebrates, birds and mammals, offering them food, shelter and place to rear their young.

Due to depopulation in the area and the resulting decrease of livestock breeding, grasslands are threatened by secondary succession – return of the forest. Loss of grasslands would result in a loss of biological and landscape diversity and other ecological values inherent in these habitats. Even though the process itself is natural, there are efforts in place to prevent the overgrowing of vegetation, focusing on the maintenance of grasslands by grazing or mowing, and by the removal of wood species.

Ponds

On a mountain massif with predominant karst characteristics, there aren’t many sites with standing waters. Despite that, a careful visitor might count over 160 ponds in the area, the reason being that people have created many of them in times past, primarily as watering places for livestock. The locals wisely decided to fortify the bottoms of natural depressions with clay, so as to retain rainwater.

In the past, social life of a village was connected with ponds as well. Apart from serving as watering places for livestock, some ponds were also used by children as refreshment during summer heat, or as skating grounds in wintertime; water from these ponds was also used to wash clothes or extinguish fires. Over time, plant and animal species started settling in them, which made the ponds an important aspect of biodiversity. As a consequence, ponds in the Nature Park are home to one half of amphibian species and one quarter of dragonfly species of Croatia. Wild game also uses the ponds as a source of water, and some snake and bird species look for food in them. One amphibian species living in the ponds is yellow-bellied toad (Bombina variegata), easily mistaken for green toad. When encountering a potential predator, however, yellow-bellied toad sends a warning that it is not edible by showing its bright-yellow belly.

With the disappearance of livestock breeding, ponds have lost their economic function, and the villagers stopped maintaining them in most cases. That eventually resulted in the overgrowth of vegetation and the drying out of ponds, and it is no wonder that their number was cut in half in slightly over half a century. However, frogs, newts, dragonflies and water plants are still here. In order to preserve their habitat, ponds must be cleaned regularly. That is the only way in which biodiversity dependant on water can be retained on karst terrain.

Žumberak is the center of the Greek Catholic religious community in Croatia. Built in the 18th century, Greek Catholic churches in the area represent a remarkable heritage – such as the church of St. Nicholas in Badovinci, church of St. Petka in Budinjak, church of St. George in Stojdraga, church of St. Peter and Paul in Mrzlo Polje, and church of St. Peter and Paul in Sošice, next to the Roman Catholic church of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

One interesting characteristic of the area are tumuli, mounds of earth raised over ancient graves. They represent a customary form of cemetery architecture from the early Iron Age that can be encountered across a wide European area. A gravesite with 140 tumuli has been discovered below the village of Budinjak, representing one of the biggest findings of this kind in the area of the southeastern Alps.

How Stojdraga got its name

The village of Stojdraga is located in the northeastern part of the area of Žumberak. Uskoks, the rebels against the Ottoman Empire, settled there in mid-16th century. The unusual name, literally meaning Stop Darling in Croatian, is easily explained once we take a look at an intriguing legend of the area... Way back, the locals decided that they should determine the border between a Croatian and a Slovenian village in the area. Following several unsuccessful attempts to agree on the border, both sides agreed that a Croatian boy and a Slovenian girl would start walking towards each other early at dawn, and that the border will be set on the place where the two will meet. And so they proceeded to organize the walk. However, as the boy and the girl started walking towards each other, the belt of the boy’s peasant shoe unfastened, and he had to stop.

As he was fastening his shoe back, the girl already walked over quite a distance, and so the boy shouted: “Stop, darling!” The girl stopped immediately, the spot where she stopped became the border between Croatian and Slovenian lands, and the village on the border got its name Stojdraga. According to another legend, there were once two villages on two neighboring hills, divided by a small creek, and hostility between the villages lasted for quite some time. However, a boy and a girl from these two villages once met, and fell madly in love. As the villagers realized that the young couple was meeting next to the creek, they built a wicker fence on both sides, in order to prevent any continuation of that love affair connecting the hostile villages. They even put guards along the fence, who kept a watchful eye on the border. Whoever crossed it would be shot! The young couple, stunned by how their villages behave, continued to meet despite the fence, however. One day, the girl decided to jump over the fence towards her loved one. Worried, the boy shouted: “Stop, darling!” But it was too late. Someone fired a shot, and the girl was killed. Realizing the harm they did, the villagers removed the fences and stopped arguing, and the place where the girl fell on the ground they named Stojdraga.

Tumuli

In the central part of Žumberak, near the highest point of the main road between the settlements of Bregana and Krašić, there is the settlement of Budinjak. It is a small place with only ten or so inhabitants, but with a very rich past. Hiding for thousands of years behind the legends of fairies and elves dancing their dances on the field of Budinjačko polje, one of the key archaeological sites in Croatia remained almost completely preserved until the present day. The prehistoric finding site in Budinjak (dating back to the period between the 10th and 6th century B.C.) and the nearby site from the Roman period in the settlement of Bratelji (1st and 2nd century) are part of the Archaeological Park that can be best explored by following the Trail of Dukes.

A tumulus is a mound of earth raised over a grave, and it represented a customary form of cemetery architecture in a considerable part of Europe during the early Iron Age. A gravesite with 140 tumuli has been discovered under the village of Budinjak. Such a large number makes this site one of the biggest finding sites of the type in the area of the southeastern Alps. Archaeological excavations began in 1984, with around one quarter of the graves researched so far. Various items have been found in the graves, including metal weapons and jewelry, as well as a number of ceramic vessels in which food and drinks were placed next to the deceased for their after-death voyage. The diversity of forms and methods used to make ornaments on these items testifies to the wealth of the ancient population of Budinjak, and it also shows the considerable craftsmanship and skills of metallurgists and potters of those times. Given their design, decoration and motives, it is assumed that many of these items originate from distant areas such as the Apennine Peninsula, the Alpine area, the Danube region and the central Balkans. It is obvious that Budinjak was an economically strong settlement back in those times, enabling its inhabitants to maintain contacts with very distant lands.

Uskoks of Žumberak

In the period marked by the Ottoman threat in the 15th century, border areas of the Habsburg Monarchy and the Ottoman Empire – parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Dalmatian Hinterland – were frequently pillaged during the turbulent conflicts, and were, generally speaking, unsafe areas for living. In the 16th century, several Turkish incursions into the regions of Kranjska and Koruška, all the way to Vienna itself, led the Habsburg rulers to start promoting the settlement of the area of Žumberak by a military community that would serve as a strong defense line – part of the Croatian Military Border.

They invited the border population of Uskoks by offering free land and exemption from any tax, tribute or work duty, but with the obligation to wage war against the neighboring threat. In the first four waves of migrations, 1,000 “houses” settled in the area of Žumberak. One house meant four or five brothers with their families. Since then, the mountainous area of Žumberak is also known as the Mountain of Uskoks – Uskokengebirge. With the retreat of the Ottoman threat, the Military Border was abolished in 1871. This period became known as a transition from “under the sword to under a hat” among the people of Žumberak – in other words, the Uskok community replaced its military life with agricultural life.

The community of Uskoks was characterized by the Greek Catholic religious affiliation, as a mix of Eastern and Western Christianity in terms of liturgical rites. Today, the memory of cultural heritage and history of Uskoks of Žumberak is primarily maintained through the efforts of various associations and individuals working on the preservation and further development of tradition and knowledge. The Ethnographic Collection of the Sisters of the Order of St. Basil in Sošice and the Uskoks’ Museum in Stojdraga include permanent exhibitions preserving the memory of the life of Uskoks of Žumberak over the centuries. The still existing pride of the glorious ancestors and the desire to preserve the Uskok identity can also be seen in the number of people visiting many annual meetings and events organized by the descendants of Uskoks of the areas of Žumberak and Senj.

Author: Arhiva PP Žumberak-Samoborsko gorje

Author: Ivica Mihalić

Author: Arhiva PP Žumberak-Samoborsko gorje

Paragliding and flying

Two take-off sites are on offer in the Park – Japetić and Plešivica. The take-off site of Japetić is long and spacious, which makes it more suitable for beginners. The take-off site on top of the mountain of Plešivica is reachable by a hiking trail, and it is not suitable for beginners as it requires a certain degree of flying experience.

Japetić

The take-off site is located right below the mountain lodge Žitnica. The start is spacious and long, and therefore suitable for beginners as well.
The take-off site is located at 820 meters above sea level.

Landing site: Gorica Svetojanska

The landing site is located in Gorica Svetojanska below the church and cemetery, at 240 meters above sea level.

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Note: Operator: Paragliding club Parafreek, Starogradska 15, Samobor

Contact person: Ivica Knežević 00385 (0)98 906 9051
E-mail: [email protected]

Plešivica

The site is located at the peak of the hill of Plešivica. It can be accessed from the northern side and from the southern side along a hiking trail. The take-off site is located at 779 meters above sea level.

Landing site: Meadow south of the village of Plešivica

The landing site is located at 200 meters above sea level.

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Note: Operator: Klub slobodnog letenja (KSL), ŠD Sutinska vrela, Dvoriček 2, 10090 Zagreb

Contact person: Danko Petrin 00385 (0)98 466 281
E-mail: [email protected]

Four well-prepared and quite diverse educational trails are available to visitors of the Park all year long. One can choose whether to focus on archaeology, fruit and grapevine growing, exploration of the area of Vivodina, or karst relief (given the fact that the Park represents the northernmost boundary of karst terrain in Croatia).

Žumberak Archaeological Trail

People familiar with the archaeological heritage of Žumberak will easily list forty or so sites from various historical periods that have been discovered in the area so far. If you ask them which of these sites are best destinations for a visit, they will suggest those sites that are most accessible and most thoroughly researched.

The route of the Žumberak Archaeological Trail connects precisely these sites, six of them in total, located near the county road leading from Bregana towards Krašić.

In Grdanjci and Sošice, settlements that represent the beginning and the end of the route (or the end and the beginning, depending on which direction you take), do not expect to see the ruins of old towns or other usual forms of presentation of archaeological heritage. In these settlements, make sure to visit our ranger stations in order to obtain useful information, advice and printed materials, and then continue with your exploration.

Trail length: 53 km

Duration: 7 hours

Suitable for individual / group visits: Individual and group visits

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Trail type: Asphalt 80%, gravel 20%

Trail of Princes in the Archaeological Park in Budinjak

If you take a walk along the Trail of Princes, you will find yourselves on a path leading through the rich history of Budinjak, in a landscape patiently created and maintained for thousands of years by people living in harmony with nature.

You cannot lose your way – the route of this trail, beginning in front of the Budinjak Eco Center, is marked by wooden pillars with plaques explaining directions and points of interest on the trail. Two archaeological sites located in the Archaeological Park – the site from the Early Iron Age in Budinjak, and the site from the Roman era in Bratelji – are also marked by interpretation panels placed at the entry to these sites.

Trail length: 4.2 km

Duration: 2 hours

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Suitable for individual / group visits: Individual and group visits

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Trail type: Forest path 70%, gravel 30%

Number of interpretation panels: 10

Note: Tours with professional guides available from 9:00 till 17:00 on Saturdays and Sundays in the period from May to October; on prior notice on working days, including the period from October to May.

Gdje voće zri (Where Fruit Ripens)

If you decide to take a pleasant walk along the area of Vivodina, and you also wish to learn something new, the educational trail called Gdje voće zri (Where Fruit Ripens) is a very good choice. The trail passes through the area of mild southern slopes, where people have been cultivating fruit for a very long time. You can reach the trail from Ozalj or Krašić. The trail is located in Lović Prekriški, a small village above the settlement of Vivodina. An easy walk takes you through ten educational points of interest where you can learn how orchards are not merely places where man cultivates fruit as food. Of course, that is the primary purpose of orchards, but they are also home to many small animals.

With the decline of the rural population and villages, sites such as orchards, vineyards, grasslands and all of their creatures are also facing disappearance. There is a point on this trail that offers a magnificent view of the forests, vineyards, orchards and grasslands. Writer Davorin Trstenjak once said: A person who has never visited Lović Prekriški is a person who has never truly seen our Croatian homeland.

Trail length: 2 km

Duration: 1 hour

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Suitable for individual / group visits: Individual and group visits

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Trail type: Gravel

Number of interpretation panels: 10

Note: Tours with professional guides available on prior notice.

Izvori života (Sources of Life)

In the central part of the Park, in a small karst valley below the village of Dane, we come across the educational trail Izvori života (Sources of Life). The area of the Park is the northernmost area of karst relief in Croatia. In the entire karst area of the Croatian mainland, from the coastal areas of Savudrija and Prevlaka all the way to here, surface water is a rarity, and therefore major wealth.

If you dedicate 45 minutes to walking along this educational trail, you will learn how the inhabitants of local villages cared for the wealth hidden in this karst valley, and why this site ended up neglected. You will also discover what is happening in the subterranean karst world, and why it is so sensitive to pollution. You will also realize what is the role of ponds and water sources in the conservation of biodiversity. Finally, you will learn how we should care for the ponds and water sources, and what is their significance for our insecure climate future.

Trail length: 0.8 km

Duration: 45 minutes

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Suitable for individual / group visits: Individual and group visits

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Trail type: Forest path

Number of interpretation panels: 8

Note: Tours with professional guides available on prior notice. Access along the gravel path is not suitable for buses.

With their carefully designed programs, schools in nature offered in the Park cover a number of topics, such as orientation, meteorology, nature protection and learning about forest habitats. In addition to these programs, intended for elementary school pupils, one program on offer is specifically designed for the preschool age group – an ecological workshop where children learn about nature by using all their senses.

Young Ranger

Park rangers play an important role in protected areas. Through observation and monitoring, they take care of environmental and nature protection. Young Ranger educational program is designed to enable children to get directly acquainted with the natural and cultural values of their native region, by learning through observation and play as they get involved in independent and group work.

Our educational programs equip children to act as "young rangers". And who knows – some participants, as they get older, might even decide to become genuine rangers in a protected area!
The venue for this program is the Budinjak Eco Center.

Target age group: Preschool and elementary school

Duration: 5 hours

Recommended time of year for visit: April to June; September to November

Suitable for individual / group visits: Group visits

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Note: Price of the educational program is 40.00 HRK per pupil.

Meet the Forest

Through play and exploration in nature, children learn about the forest and the trees that they choose. After that, they fill out their working materials and note down their measurements and observations. Children also "act" as trees, discover unknown items from the forest, use magnifying glass to count growth rings, and determine the four points of the compass.

Activities:
Find your tree!
What do growth rings tell us?
Food pyramid
Mysterious object
Competition
From seed to plant

Target age group: Elementary school

Duration: 5 hours

Recommended time of year for visit: April to June; September to November

Suitable for individual / group visits: Group visits

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Note: Price of the educational program is 40.00 HRK per pupil.

Meet the Creeks and Ponds

Children explore a pond or a creek, measure it, and note down their results. They take samples, examine them under a microscope, recognize the species, and make their conclusions about the purity of water.

Activities:
Orientation
Measuring water parameters
Sherlock Holmes in a creek/pond
Food pyramid

Target age group: Elementary school

Duration: 5 hours

Recommended time of year for visit: April to June; September to November

Suitable for individual / group visits: Group visits

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Note: Price of the educational program is 40.00 HRK per pupil.

Treasure hunt

Using a compass, map and written instructions, young treasure hunters test their acquired knowledge about orientation in nature, make improvised sun clocks, and get acquainted with the modern GPS technology.

Activities:
Orientation
What do growth rings tell us?
Sun clock
Where do satellites travel?
Treasure hunt

Target age group: Elementary school

Duration: 5 hours

Recommended time of year for visit: April to June; September to November

Suitable for individual / group visits: Group visits

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Note: Price of the educational program is 40.00 HRK per pupil.

Young Meteorologists

Children independently make improvised measurement instruments, use them to make field measurements and observations, and then note down the results in their working materials. This helps them to prepare a weather forecast! Experiments conducted by the educator/guide bring physical laws of the atmosphere closer to children.

Activities:
Making measurement instruments
Meteorological measurements
Let us determine visibility
Cloud, rain, rainbow... – how do they come about?
What do growth rings tell us?

Target age group: Elementary school

Duration: 5 hours

Recommended time of year for visit: April to June; September to November

Suitable for individual / group visits: Group visits

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Note: Price of the educational program is 40.00 HRK per pupil.

Eco playroom (for kindergarten age group or the first grade of elementary school)

Preschool children and youngest elementary school pupils engage in fun games as they learn about nature and the living world of meadows and forests. They discover hidden animals and objects using all their senses, and they paint drawings of nature.

Activities:
Little safari
Food pyramid
Guess who I am – a picture book riddle
Mysterious object
What do growth rings tell us
Coloring book

Target age group: Preschool and elementary school

Duration: 5 hours

Recommended time of year for visit: April to June; September to November

Suitable for individual / group visits: Group visits

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Note: Price of the educational program is 40.00 HRK per pupil.

Accommodation and catering services offered in the area of the Park are quite diverse, and visitors can choose between mountain lodges, rural tourism facilities, tourist apartments and hostels. Catering facilities predominantly focus on local cuisine. Visitors are advised to check the availability and opening hours of restaurant and accommodation services, since some establishments only open by prior arrangement.

Mountain lodge - Dr. Maks Plotnikov at Okić

The mountain lodge is located below Okić grad, at 411 meters above sea level.

Important information:

Opening times: on weekends and holidays
Number of beds: 14
Accessibility by car: accessible

Contact:

Contact person: Stjepan Jandrečić

00385 (0)1 336 1758
00385 (0)91 890 9624

Note:

Hiking distances: Galgovo 1 hour and 30 minutes; Samobor 2 hours and 15 minutes; Rude 1 hour and 30 minutes; Klake 40 minutes

Mountain lodge - Ivica Sudnik at Veliki Dol

The mountain lodge is located at the mountain pass between Lipovečka draga and Rudarska draga, at 530 meters above sea level.

Important information:

Opening times: on weekends and holidays, and on prior notice
Number of beds: 40
Accessibility by car: accessible

Contact:

Contact person: Mario Kukić

00385 (0)91 359 2884

Note:

Hiking distances: Rude 50 minutes; Smerovišće 45 minutes; Samobor 2 hours

Mountain lodge - Željezničar at Oštrc

The mountain lodge is located at the mountain pass under the peak of Oštrc, at 691 meters above sea level.

Important information:

Opening times: on weekends and holidays, and on prior notice
Number of beds: 37
Accessibility by car: not accessible

Contact:

Contact person: Zdenko Petrić

00385 (0)1 337 9117
00385 (0)98 948 9329

Note:

Hiking distances: Rude 1 hour and 20 minutes; Smerovišće 1 hour and 15 minutes; Samobor 2 hours and 30 minutes

Mountain lodge - Žitnica at Japetić

The mountain lodge is located at Japetić, at 815 meters above sea level.

Important information:

Opening times: on Fridays in the afternoon, Saturdays, Sundays, holidays (with the exception of Easter, All Saints' Day and Christmas), and by arrangement.
Number of beds: 35
Internet access: available
Accessibility by car: accessible

Contact:

Contact person: Ivica Ivanušević

00385 (0)98 905 3018
00385 (0)98 877 497
00385 (0)1 338 7261
00385 (0)99 675 0064

Note:

Hiking distances: Slani Dol 2 hours and 30 minutes; Gorica Svetojanska 1 hour and 30 minutes; Šoićeva kuća (along the meadows) 1 hour and 45 minutes

Mountain lodge - Boris Farkaš in Sekulići

The mountain lodge is located south of the peak of Sv. Gera in Sekulići, at 710 meters above sea level.

Important information:

Opening times: on weekends from May 1 to October 1 and on prior notice for larger groups
Number of beds: 30
Accessibility by car: accessible

Contact:

Contact person: Ljerka Farkaš

00385 (0)1 652 2984
00385 (0)91 141 7901

Note:

Hiking distances: Sošice 2 hours; Radatovići 30 minutes

Mountain hut - Vodice

The mountain hut is located below the peak of Pliješ, at 850 meters above sea level.

Important information:

Opening times: on weekends from May 1 to October 31; after October on prior notice
Number of beds: 35
Accessibility by car: accessible

Contact:

Contact person: Drago Fijala

00385 (0)1 629 7511

Note:

Hiking distances: Sošice 40 minutes; Gornja Vas 2 hours and 30 minutes

Mountain hut - Scout

The mountain hut is located near the hamlet of Koretići, at 360 meters above sea level.

Important information:

Opening times: on weekends from April 1 to October 31 and on prior notice
Number of beds: 36
Accessibility by car: accessible

Contact:

Contact person: Srećko Bošković

00385 (0)98 310 808

Marijan Mužak

00385 (0)98 583 891

PK Scout

00385 (0)1 336 0527

Note:

Hiking distances: Noršić Selo 1 hour and 15 minutes; Stojdraga 2 hours and 15 minutes; Šoićeva kuća 3 hours

Hospice - Sv. Bernard

The site is located at Veliki Lovnik, at 690 meters above sea level.

Important information:

Opening times: on Sundays and on prior notice
Number of beds: 35
Accessibility by car: accessible

Contact:

Contact person: Đuro Vlašić

00385 (0)1 338 5276
00385 (0)98 938 8607

Lovorka Grbac

00385 (0)98 790 790

Note:

Hiking distances: Šoićeva kuća 1 hour and 40 minutes; Smerovišće 2 hours; Slani Dol 1 hour and 15 minutes

Excursion site - Šumski dvor

Address: Ivančići 11a.

Important information:

Opening times: daily from 11:00 till 22:00

Contact:

Contact person: Franjo Kolarić

00385 (0)98 982 7245
00385 (0)1 628 7133
00385 (0)98 227 678
00385 (0)98 958 3583

Excursion site - Medvenov mlin

This site is located at Čunkova Draga.

Important information:

Opening times: by arrangement
Number of beds: 8

Contact:

Contact person: Milivoj Medven

00385 (0)1 627 0347

Family farm and excursion site - Podžumberak

Address: Jurkovo selo 41, Žumberak.

Important information:

Opening times: by arrangement
Number of beds: 8

Contact:

Contact: family Klanfar

00385 (0)1 627 2145

Excursion site - Gogo

Address: Slani Dol 4.

Important information:

Opening times of the buffet:
Tuesday to Friday from 12:00 till 22:00
Saturdays and Sundays from 7:00 till 22:00
closed on Mondays.

Opening times for overnight accommodation:
Monday to Sunday:
check-in from 13:00 till 23:00
check-out from 7:00 till 11:00
Number of beds: 8

Contact:

Contact person: Goran Bašić

00385 (0)1 338 4096
00385 (0)99 212 9523

Rural tourism facility - Lijepo brdo Žumberak

Address: Grubači 5, Pećno.

Important information:

Number of beds: 6

Contact:

Contact person: Zlatka Dalbello 091/5442-599

Guest house - Lagotto's Peak

Address: village of Kuljaji 1a, Kuljaji – Radatovići.

Important information:

Number of beds: 4

Contact:

Contact person: Denis Petrovčić 098/449-187

Hostel - Flores

Address: Jurkovo selo 42, Kostanjevac.

Important information:

Opening times: from 8:00 till 20:00; in the winter period on prior notice.
Number of beds: 20

Contact:

Contact person: Igor Suljagić

00385 (0)99 886 3979
00385 (0)1 627 2145

The Park includes six cycling trails. The recommended cycling season on all trails is from April to October. The trails, a combination of asphalted and gravel sections, are marked by a high level of quality, and offer plenty of opportunities for cyclists to find refreshment along the way. They represent an important part of active vacation opportunities provided by the Park during most of the year.

Trail of Fairies Grdanjci – Medven Draga (Trail 1a)

Samobor – Bregana – Grdanjci – Koretići – Jelenići – Brezovac Žumberački
From the square Trg kralja Tomislava, the asphalt trail proceeds to Bregana, where it turns left towards Grdanjci. Passing along the valley of the Brgana creek, the trail reaches Gabrovica, where it turns left and becomes a gravel trail. The trail passes through Koretići, next to the Eco Village and Scout Center, turning right at the intersection Jarušje – Jelenići, where we start climbing. The trail then passes further on through Jelenići, Golubići and Brezovac Žumberački, branching into two trails after several kilometers - trail 3a and trail 3b.

Brezovac Žumberački – Japetić – Dragonoš
The trail turns right towards the intersection Sv. Ana – Japetić, and continues towards Japetić. From Japetić and across Katin Krč, the trail reaches Dragonoš.

Dragonoš – Šipački Breg – Cerina – Slapnica
After connecting with the other trail, the trail descends through Šipački Breg and Cerina along a gravel path for two kilometers. At Cerina, the trail turns left. After a brief and steep descent through the forest, it reaches Slapnica. At Slapnica, the trail turns into a gravel trail, lightly descending towards Smerovišće. At a small intersection prior to Smerovišće, the trail again branches into trail 3a and trail 3b.

Slani Dol – Draganje Selo – Gradišće – Hamor – Samobor
At the intersection, the trail turns left. After a steep climb, we reach Slani Dol, where the climb ends. As we leave the village, the trail starts descending, taking us through Draganje Selo, Gradišće and Hamor, where the asphalted section leading to Samobor begins.

Available bypass routes:
* Steeply down and to the left to the village of Kekići, where visitors can access the Old Town of Žumberak, and return back to the trail after passing next to the church in Kekići.
** Route through Duralije, connecting back to the trail at Tupčina.
*** Route through Relići, connecting back to the trail at the intersection in Kostanjevac.

Trail length: 43 km

Elevation difference: 560 m

Recommended time of year for visit: April to October

Bicycle rental possibilities: Not available

Trail type: Asphalt

Note: Refreshment available in: Grdanjci, Gabrovica, Budinjak, Kostanjevac

Trail of Fairies Grdanjci – Medven Draga (Trail 1b)

Grdanjci – Stojdraga – Budinjak – Gornja Vas – Petričko Selo
The trail begins at the ranger station in Grdanjci along the valley of the Bregana creek. In a light climb, we reach the intersection Stojdraga – Koretići, and continue uphill in the direction of Stojdraga. A steep and winding ascent through the forest leads us to the center of Stojdraga. At the exit from this settlement, the trail passes next to the Millennium Cross with a resting area. The trail passes through Poklek and Novo Selo Žumberačko, reaching the Eco Center in Budinjak, where the climb ends. From Budinjak onwards, the trail leads further through open areas, passing through Gornja Vas and Petričko Selo, reaching a gravel branch leading towards Sošice. This is where

Petričko Selo – Tomaševci – Sopote – Sošice
From the place where the trails separate, trail 1b turns right to a gravel trail. It passes through Tomaševci, next to the branch leading towards the Old Town of Žumberak* and the branch leading to the church in Kekići*. The trail passes near the cascade of Sopotski slap and the church in Sopote. As we enter the village of Sopote, the trail surface turns from gravel to asphalt, and the trail continues next to the pit of Jazovka and enters Sošice. In the center of the settlement, the trail turns left towards Kostanjevac.

Sošice – Gornji Oštrc – Tupčina – Kostanjevac
The trail continues to descend, and it passes next to the branch towards Radatovići and the branch towards Duralije**, and then continues through Gornji Oštrc and Tupčina. After that, it proceeds next to a branch leading towards Relići***, and then it merges with the trail 1a at the entrance to Kostanjevac.
Kostanjevac – Čunkova Draga – Medven Draga
After Kostanjevac, the trail passes through the area of Čunkova Draga, and finishes at Medven Draga. This is where a Park ranger station is located, as well as an intersection with the cycling trail 2 called Staza slapova (Waterfall Trail).

Trail length: 54 km

Elevation difference: 560 m

Recommended time of year for visit: April to October

Bicycle rental possibilities: Not available

Trail type: Asphalt

Note: Refreshment available in: Grdanjci, Gabrovica, Budinjak, Sošice, Kostanjevac

the trail branches into trail 1a and trail 1b.

Waterfall Trail Medven Draga – Grdanjci (Trail 2)

At the intersection in Medven Draga, 100 meters away from the ranger station Medvenova Draga, the trail turns towards the quarry of Slapnica. After the bridge, the trail becomes a gravel trail, passing next to the quarry, enters the Nature Park and the protected landscape of Slapnica, and passes next to the fishing association facility. In its section passing along Slapnica, the trail passes close to the cascades of Vranjački slap and Brisalo, reaching the mill of Draganov mlin.

Draganov Mlin – Jelenići – Koretići – Grdanjci
After a right turn across a small bridge, the trail becomes steep and climbs next to the right branch towards Pećno. As it proceeds towards Jelenići, the trail passes next to a left branch, and continues along a climb through the forest next to a turn towards Rajići, quickly thereafter reaching Jelenići. Once in Jelenići, we pass next to a branch towards Golubići. Upon leaving the settlement, the trail starts descending and passes next to a branch leading towards Kordići and Budinjak, and after that it also passes Delivuke and Šimrake, proceeding towards Koretići. After a light climb, we reach a meadow, where a steep descent follows next. We pass next to a right branch leading towards Jarušje, where the descent becomes less steep. We continue cycling next to a branch leading to the Scout Center, and, a bit later on, next to a branch leading to the Eco Village Žumberak and through Koretići. Cycling through the forest along the valley of the Bregana creek, we pass next to a fish farm and reach the Bio Park Divlje vode, where the asphalt section begins. After the intersection Stojdraga – Koretići – Grdanjci, the trail continues next to Bregana in the direction of Grdanjci, where it stops at the ranger station.

* The trail connects with cycling trail 3 - Staza šišmiša (Bat Trail).
** The trail connects with cycling trail 1 - Vilinska staza (Trail of Fairies).

Trail length: 36 km

Elevation difference: 460 m

Recommended time of year for visit: April to October

Bicycle rental possibilities: Not available

Trail type: Gravel

Note: Refreshment available in: Koretići, Gabrovica, Grdanjci

Bat Trail Samobor – Samobor (Trail 3a)

Samobor – Bregana – Grdanjci – Koretići – Jelenići – Brezovac Žumberački

Od Trga kralja Tomislava asfaltom staza ide do Bregane gdje skreće lijevo prema Grdanjcima. Uz dolinu potoka Brgane dolazi do Gabrovice gdje skreće lijevo i prelazi u makadam. Prolazi kroz Koretiće, pored Ekosela i Scout centra te na raskrižju Jarušje – Jelenići skreće desno i počinje se uspinjati. Dalje prolazi kroz Jeleniće, Golubiće i Brezovac Žumberački pa se nakon nekoliko kilometara dijeli na 3a i 3b.

Samobor – Bregana – Grdanjci – Koretići – Jelenići – Brezovac Žumberački
From the square Trg kralja Tomislava, the trail proceeds to Bregana (along an asphalt section), where it turns left towards Grdanjci. Along the valley of the Bregana creek, the trail reaches Gabrovica, where it turns left (surface turning into gravel). The trail then passes through Koretići, next to the Eco Village and Scout Center. At the Jarušje – Jelenići intersection, the trail turns right, and an uphill section begins. The trail then passes through Jelenići, Golubići and Brezovac Žumberački, branching into trails 3a and 3b after several kilometers.

3a Brezovac Žumberački – Jarušje – Dragonoš
The trail proceeds straight, and then it turns left at a small intersection after 500 meters. We then climb to the intersection Jarušje – Dragonoš, where we turn right to Dragonoš. In Dragonoš, we turn left, and connect with the trail 3b after 500 meters.

Dragonoš – Šipački Breg – Cerina – Slapnica
After connecting with the other trail, the trail descends along the gravel surface through Šipački Breg and Cerina for 2 kilometers. At Cerina, we turn left and proceed along a short and steep descent through the forest until we reach Slapnica. From Slapnica onwards, a gravel section takes us along a light descent towards Smerovišće. At a small intersection prior to Smerovišće, the trail again divides into trail 3a and trail 3b.

3a Smerovišće – Samobor
The trail proceeds to Smerovišće and exits onto an asphalt section. This is where we turn left and continue cycling towards Samobor in a light descent.

Trail length: 54 km

Elevation difference: 550 m

Recommended time of year for visit: April to October

Bicycle rental possibilities: Not available

Trail type: Asphalt 50%, gravel 50%

Note: Refreshment available in: Samobor, Bregana, Grdanjci, Gabrovica, Koretići, Smerovišće

Bat Trail Samobor – Samobor (Trail 3b)

Brezovac Žumberački – Japetić – Dragonoš
The trail turns to the right towards the intersection Sv. Ana – Japetić, and continues towards Japetić. From Japetić via Katin Krč, we reach Dragonoš.

Slani Dol – Draganje Selo – Gradišće – Hamor – Samobor
The trail turns left at an intersection, and a steep climb leads us towards Slani Dol, where the climb ends. As we leave the village, the trail starts descending, and it passes through Draganje Selo, Gradišće and Hamor, where the asphalt section begins, taking us all the way to Samobor.

Trail length: 65.5 km

Elevation difference: 650 m

Recommended time of year for visit: April to October

Bicycle rental possibilities: Not available

Trail type: Asphalt 50%, gravel 50%

Note: Refreshment available in: Samobor, Bregana, Grdanjci, Gabrovica, Koretići, Japetić, Slani Dol

Staza Svete Gere (St. Gertrude Trail) Ozalj – Sošice (Trail 4)

Stari grad (Old Town) Ozalj – Vrhovac – Obrež Vivodinski – Vivodina

From the Old Town of Ozalj, the trail proceeds to the left and onto the main road taking us to the center of Ozalj. In the center, we turn left in the direction of Krašić, across the Kupa River. After the bridge (there is a branch to the left leading to a bathing spot), the trail proceeds along the main road through Zajačko selo, all the way to the branch towards Ferenci and Škaljevica, where we turn left. The trail continues through Vrhovac and Škaljevica, and soon enters the Nature Park. Cycling along the main road, we reach the intersection Lović Prekriški – Obrež, where we turn left* and pass through Gorniki Vivodinski and Obrež Vivodinski (there is a branch to the left leading to a bathing spot). After that, we cycle along the Kupa River, and exit onto the main road next to a wine cellar, where we turn right. We pass next to two border crossing points**, and reach Vivodina following a climb through the forest.

Vivodina – Balići – Radatovići – Sekulići – Sveta Gera – Sošice
After Vivodina, the trail turns left in the direction of Dojutrovica. We continue through Belošići and Radina Vas, pass next to the churches in Dojutrovica and Dančulovići, and enter Balići. After that, we follow the main road until a branch leading towards Visoče, where we turn left. We reach the intersection Radatovići – Sošice, where we turn left, and soon thereafter we turn right towards Radatovići. As we proceed, we follow the main road, and then, as we get to Radatovići, we turn right next to the school, towards
Sekulići. We pass through Kuljaji (there is a branch to the right leading towards the site of Zeleni vir), Bulići and Sekulići, and the asphalt section ends soon after this settlement. In a continuous climb, we reach the branch leading towards Sveta Gera. This is where we turn left and continue to climb towards the highest peak of the Nature Park. The trail returns along the same route to the intersection, where it proceeds to the left. We descend along a winding road, passing next to a branch leading towards Vodice, and we soon reach the asphalt section. When we get to the main road, the trail continues to the right towards the center of Sošice, where we get to the end of the trail.

Available bypass routes:
* To the right, towards the viewpoint of Lović Prekriški. This bypass route connects with the trail after Vivodina, at the branch leading towards Dojutrovica.
** To the right, next to the second border crossing point, across Stojavnice and Sršići. This bypass route connects with the trail between Belošići and Radina Vas.

Trail length: 59 km

Elevation difference: 1030 m

Recommended time of year for visit: April to October

Bicycle rental possibilities: Not available

Trail type: Asphalt 70%, gravel 30%

Note: Refreshment available in: Ozalj, Zajačko selo, Vrhovac, Vivodina, Sošice

Žumberak – Samoborsko Gorje Nature Park offers as many as 88 hiking trails. Ranging from easy to difficult, their very number makes it easy for visitors to choose what suits their needs and wishes, as they embark on a path of personal discovery of this protected area marked by a high level of quality and sustainability of coexistence between man and the environment.

Hiking acronyms:
a.p. - bus station
a.c. - asphalt road
m.c. - gravel road
PD - Mountaineering Society
š.k. - šumarska kuća
(x) - intersection of hiking trails
l.k. - hunting lodge
pl.k. - mountain lodge
pl.d. - mountain hut
skl. - mountain shelter

SAMOBOR – OKIĆ

Samobor (Trg kralja Tomislava) – Anindol – Tepec (pyramid) – Cerje – Donji Terihaji – mountain lodge at Okić

Trail length: 8.5 km

Trail difficulty: Easy

Elevation difference: 350 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Available

Duration of hiking: 2 hours and 15 minutes

GALGOVO – OKIĆ

Galgovo (a.p.) – Sv. Martin (a.p.) – X with the trail Mihina staza – Podgrađe (a.p.) – Domovići – (X) 8 at Okić

Trail length: 4.8 km

Trail difficulty: Easy

Elevation difference: 310 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Available

Duration of hiking: 1 hour and 30 minutes

SV. MARTIN – OKIĆ

Sv. Martin (a.p.) – trail Mihina staza – Podiščak – Klake (a.p.) – Jakopci (Ethno House) – mountain lodge at Okić

Trail length: 3.9 km

Trail difficulty: Easy

Elevation difference: 240 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Available

Duration of hiking: 1 hour and 15 minutes

RUDE – PLEŠIVICA

Rude (a.p. in the center) – Manja Vas – Kotari – connection with trail 12 above Kotari – (X) with trail 9 from N. Selo to Plešivica on a mountain pass below Veliki vrh

Trail length: 3.8 km

Trail difficulty: Easy

Elevation difference: 460 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Available

Duration of hiking: 1 hour and 40 minutes

GORNJE RUDE – POLJANICE

Rude (a.p. Gornje Rude) – Bukovje – (X) 7A to Prekrižje – iron crucifix, (X) with 33 to Oštrc – (X) with 34 to Beli Breg – hunting lodge at Poljanice

Trail length: 3.7 km

Trail difficulty: Easy

Elevation difference: 280 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Available

Duration of hiking: 1 hour and 40 minutes

BUKOVJE – POLJANICE

Branch separating from trail 7 in Bukovje Podvrško – asphalt road to the hunting lodge at Poljanice

Trail length: 1.1 km

Trail difficulty: Easy

Elevation difference: 100 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Available

Duration of hiking: 20 minutes

NOVO SELO – OKIĆ

Novo Selo Okićko (church of St. Mary) – Novo Selo Okićko (BUS) – (X) 9 Popov Dol – (X) with 2 from Galgovo – mountain lodge at Okić

Trail length: 2 km

Trail difficulty: Easy

Elevation difference: 100 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Available

Duration of hiking: 45 minutes

POPOV DOL – PLEŠIVICA

(X) with 8 in Popov Dol – (X) with 9A – abandoned quarry – along the site Popovdolska pećina – Zub – (X) with 5 at the mountain pass below Veliki vrh – peak of Plešivica

Trail length: 3.5 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 430 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Available

Duration of hiking: 1 hour and 50 minutes

STRMA STAZA (STEEP TRAIL) POPOVDOLSKA PEĆINA

Branch separating from trail 9 above Popov dol – steep trail – Popovdolska pećina – (X) with trail 9

Trail length: 0.8 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 110 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 30 minutes

PLEŠIVIČKI BREZNIK – POLJANICE

Plešivički Breznik (a.p.) – Gornji Pavlovčani – village of Plešivica (a.p.) – hunting lodge at Poljanice

Trail length: 8.7 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 450 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 3 hours

TRAIL TO OKIĆ GRAD

Mountain lodge at Okić – (X) towards the trail Žoharov klinčani put – Okić grad

Trail length: 0.5 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 90 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 15 minutes

OKIĆ – PLEŠIVICA

Mountain lodge at Okić – village Poljanica Okićka – (x) connection with trail 5 above Kotari

Trail length: 2.4 km

Trail difficulty: Easy

Elevation difference: 170 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 1 hour and 40 minutes

ŽOHAROV KLINČANI PUT

Mountain lodge at Okić – (X) with 13A – trail Žoharov klinčani put – (X) 17 trail Dragojlina staza – (X) 11 below Okić grad

Trail length: 0.44 km

Trail difficulty: Difficult

Elevation difference: 80 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 30 minutes

CONNECTION OF TRAILS 13 AND 17

Base of the trail Žoharov klinčani put – connection with trail Dragojlina staza

Trail length: 0.06 km

Trail difficulty: Easy

Elevation difference: 40 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 5 minutes

POLJANICE – PLEŠIVICA

Hunting lodge at Poljanice – peak of Plešivica (pyramid)

Trail length: 1.5 km

Trail difficulty: Easy

Elevation difference: 200 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 40 minutes

POLJANICE – GAJEV KAMEN (BYPASS TRAIL)

Branch leading from trail 34 to Sopote – Gajev kamen

Trail length: 0.9 km

Trail difficulty: Easy

Elevation difference: 60 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 25 minutes

POLJANICE – GAJEV KAMEN (ALONG THE RIDGE)

Hunting lodge at Poljanice – mountain ridge trail – Gajev kamen

Trail length: 1.1 km

Trail difficulty: Easy

Elevation difference: 90 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 30 minutes

TRAIL DRAGOJLINA STAZA

Branch separating from trail 2 – Dragojlina staza – (X) with trail 13A – trail Dragojlina staza – (X) with trail 13 (Žoharov put)

Trail length: 0.3 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 150 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 30 minutes

SAMOBOR – VELIKI DOL

Samobor (bridge across the river Gradna near the Samobor Museum) – Vugrinščak – Taborec – Rudarska draga (a.p.) – Čudomerščak – Palačnik – ridge Pozorin (X with trail 22 Veliki Črnec) – Gregurić Breg – X with trail 23 from Smerovišće

Trail length: 7.6 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 380 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Available

Duration of hiking: 2 hours

RUDE – VELIKI ČRNEC – POZORIN

Rude (a.p. Vuković) – Kolarski Breg - chapel of St. Rocco – peak Veliki Črnec – Velike pećine – (X) mountain pass below Veliki Črnec, intersection with trail 24 – (X) ridge Pozorin, connection with trail 21 leading from Samobor towards Veliki Dol

Trail length: 3.3 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 380 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Available

Duration of hiking: 1 hour and 40 minutes

SMEROVIŠĆE – VELIKI DOL

Smerovišće (a.p. Dumić) – (X) with trail 21 from Samobor – mountain lodge Ivica Sudnik (Veliki Dol)

Trail length: 2.8 km

Trail difficulty: Easy

Elevation difference: 280 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Available

Duration of hiking: 45 minutes

CONNECTION WITH TRAIL 26 – MOUNTAIN PASS BELOW VELIKI ČRNEC

Connection with trail 26 leading from Rude to Veliki Dol – (X) with trail 22 at the mountain pass below Veliki Črnec

Trail length: 0.5 km

Trail difficulty: Easy

Elevation difference: 70 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 15 minutes

ŠOIĆEVA KUĆA – HOFMANOV PUT

Mountain lodge Šoićeva kuća – (X) towards Hofmanov put (leading to mountain lodges Veliki Dol and Željezničar at Oštrc)

Trail length: 3.2 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 200 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Available

Duration of hiking: 1 hour

RUDE – VELIKI DOL

Rude (a.p. in the center) – (X) with trail 24 towards Veliki Črnec and Pozorin – Mountain lodge Ivica Sudnik (Veliki Dol)

Trail length: 2.6 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 250 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Available

Duration of hiking: 50 minutes

VELIKI DOL – OŠTRC

Branch separating from trail 30 above the mountain lodge Ivica Sudnik (Veliki Dol) – bypass route along the meadows – (X) with trail 28 from Rude – (X) on trail 30

Trail length: 1.2 km

Trail difficulty: Easy

Elevation difference: 110 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 20 minutes

RUDE – OŠTRC

Rude (a.p. in the center) – Nerze – (X) with trail 27 towards Veliki Dol and Oštrc

Trail length: 2 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 280 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Available

Duration of hiking: 1 hour

VELIKI DOL – OŠTRC (TRAIL HOFMANOV PUT)

Mountain lodge Ivica Sudnik (Veliki Dol) – X with 27 leading towards the same destination along a flatter route – trail Hofmanov put – X with trail 27 leading from Rude – X with trail 33 leading from Gornje Rude

Trail length: 1.1 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 160 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 30 minutes

ŠOIĆEVA KUĆA – OŠTRC

Mountain lodge Šoićeva kuća – Lipovecgrad – (X) on trail 33

Trail length: 2.3 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 350 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Available

Duration of hiking: 1 hour and 20 minutes

BRASLOVJE – OŠTRC

Braslovje (a.p.) – (X) connection along trail 30 Veliki Dol – mountain lodge at Oštrc, 2 minutes prior to reaching the lodge

Trail length: 1.5 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 300 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Available

Duration of hiking: 1 hour

PREKRIŽJE – OŠTRC

(X) iron crucifix – Prekrižje – peak of Rancerje – mountain pass Preseka – mountain lodge at Oštrc

Trail length: 3.8 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 230 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 1 hour and 15 minutes

CONNECTION TRAIL 33 AND 36A

Below Rancerje, (X) with trail 33 – (X) with trail 36B

Trail length: 0.5 km

Trail difficulty: Easy

Elevation difference: 10 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 10 minutes

POLJANICE – BELI BREG

East of the hunting lodge at Poljanice – (X) with trail Seniorski put 7 – (X) 15 towards Gajev kamen – Sopoti – Bela draga – Beli breg (crucifix)

Trail length: 4.6 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 330 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 1 hour

SOPOTI – STRAŽNIK

(X) Sopoti – Sudjel (hunting watchtower) – (X) on trail 35 (below the peak of Stražnik) towards Velika vrata

Trail length: 1.8 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 240 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 1 hour

BELI BREG – VELIKA VRATA

Mountain pass Velika vrata – peak of Stražnik – meadow of Kovinščica – mountain pass Beli breg (crucifix)

Trail length: 2.5 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 130 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 40 minutes

PRESEKA – BELI BREG

Mountain pass Preseka – mountain pass Beli breg (crucifix)

Trail length: 1.2 km

Trail difficulty: Easy

Elevation difference: 75 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 20 minutes

DOM OŠTRC – VRH OŠTRC

Lodge Oštrc – peak of Oštrc

Trail length: 0.25 km

Trail difficulty: Easy

Elevation difference: 60 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 10 minutes

SAMOBOR (HAMOR) – SLANI DOL

Samobor – a.p. Hamor (2.5 km away from Samobor) – Gradišće – Draganje Selo – Slani Dol (a.p.)

Trail length: 4.6 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 300 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Available

Duration of hiking: 1 hour and 30 minutes

SMEROVIŠĆE – SLANI DOL

Smerovišće (a.p. Dumić), through the school courtyard – (X) Slani Dol

Trail length: 1.5 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 220 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Available

Duration of hiking: 45 minutes

CAVE GRGOSOVA ŠPILJA – SLANI DOL

Cave Grgosova špilja at Otruševec (a.p.) – Lešće – Vratnik – Slani Dol (a.p.) – (X) with trail 42

Trail length: 7.1 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 250 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Available

Duration of hiking: 2 hours

SLANI DOL – HOSPICE SV. BERNARD

Last bus station in Slani Dol – (X) branch separating towards Smerovišće in Slani Dol – Mali Lovnik – (X) hospice Sv. Bernard with trail 59 towards Veliki Lovnik – (X) with trail 57 leading from Šoićeva kuća

Trail length: 4,3 km

Trail difficulty: Easy

Elevation difference: 270 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Available

Duration of hiking: 1 hour and 30 minutes

CONNECTION TRAIL 40 AND 54

100 m after the merger of trail 57 (Šoićeva – Dragonoš) with the road Šipački Breg – Dragonoš, turn to the left along the steep meadow of Krpesovka next to a hunting watchtower to the connection with trail 54 leading along a forest road from the direction of Dragonoš

Trail length: 0.5 km

Trail difficulty: Easy

Elevation difference: 60 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 10 minutes

ŠOIĆEVA KUĆA – JAPETIĆ

Mountain lodge Šoićeva kuća – (X) meadow of Leskovica – meadow of Duga draga – (X) meadow of Katin krč – (X) below the peak of Japetić

Trail length: 6 km

Trail difficulty: Difficult

Elevation difference: 510 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Available

Duration of hiking: 1 hour and 30 minutes

SLANI DOL – NORŠIĆ SELO

Slani Dol (a.p.) – Breganica – branch leading to the cave Vilinska jama (2 minutes) – Tušini – (X) with trail 61 Grdanjci – Sitna draga – Križić – (X) Višnjevac – a.p. Noršić Selo – (X) with trail 54 towards Japetić – Noršić Selo (Kapelišće) – (X) Beder

Trail length: 6.8 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 400 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Available

Duration of hiking: 2 hours and 15 minutes

ŠOIĆEVA KUĆA – VELIKA VRATA

Mountain lodge Šoićeva kuća – Mali Lipovec (a.p.) – mountain pass Velika vrata

Trail length: 2.7 km

Trail difficulty: Easy

Elevation difference: 210 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Available

Duration of hiking: 50 minutes

VELIKA VRATA – ŽITNICA

Mountain pass Velika vrata – (X) with trail 56 at Babin zub

Trail length: 1.2 km

Trail difficulty: Easy

Elevation difference: 250 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 40 minutes

JASTREBARSKO – ŽITNICA

Jastrebarsko (a.p.) – chapel of the Holy Spirit – Baliji – Mountain lodge Žitnica at Japetić

Trail length: 9.1 km

Trail difficulty: Difficult

Elevation difference: 630 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Available

Duration of hiking: 2 hours and 45 minutes

KORETIĆI – JARUŠJE

Mountain hut Scout Koretići – (X) bridge under the mountain hut Scout Koretići – along the creek of Bregana – Orto – Jarušje (X) with trail 54

Trail length: 7 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 280 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 2 hours and 15 minutes

SV. JANA – ŽITNICA

Gorica Svetojanska (bus station) – Ivančići (Šumski dvor) – mountain lodge Žitnica

Trail length: 4.1 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 550 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Available

Duration of hiking: 1 hour and 30 minutes

NORŠIĆ SELO – KATIN KRČ

Noršić Selo (Kapelišće) (X) with trail 49 – Jarušje (X) with trail 52 – Dragonoš (X) with trail 58 – (X) with connection trail 47A – Katin krč (X) with trail 48 on the way to Japetić

Trail length: 5.8 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 230 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 1 hour and 30 minutes

DRAGA – ŽITNICA

Mill Višoševićev mlin at Draga – Grabarak – mountain lodge Žitnica at Japetić

Trail length: 4.1 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 450 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 1 hour and 30 minutes

ŽITNICA – JAPETIĆ

Mountain lodge Žitnica at Japetić – (X) with trail 50B – (X) with trail 48 below the peak of Japetić – peak of Japetić, pyramid

Trail length: 0.9 km

Trail difficulty: Easy

Elevation difference: 40 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 15 minutes

ŠOIĆEVA KUĆA – SV. BERNARD

The trail begins 20 minutes of hiking above Šoićeva kuća on access to the first meadow of Leskovica – turn northwards along a forest path – (x) with trail 47 leading from Cerinski Vir – (x) trail 47A, branch leading towards Japetić – (x) with trail 58, 5 minutes before Dragonoš – hospice Sv. Bernard

Trail length: 3.6 km

Trail difficulty: Easy

Elevation difference: 180 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Available

Duration of hiking: 1 hour

DRAGONOŠ – ZEČAK

(X) with trail 57 towards Sv. Bernard and Šoićeva kuća – Dragonoš – Pljovica – mountain pass Poduglenka – La Verna – connection with trail 15 leading from Tihočaj to Zečak

Trail length: 6.4 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 190 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 2 hours and 30 minutes

VELIKI LOVNIK

(X) from trail 46 leading from Slani Dol to Dragonoš – hospice Sveti Bernard – peak of Veliki Lovnik

Trail length: 0.9 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 50 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 20 minutes

GRDANJCI – VIŠNJEVEC – KRIŽIĆ

Grdanjci (a.p.) briefly taking the road leading along the creek of Bregana, to the left into the valley of Škrobotnik; after 100 meters to the left (X) with trail 62 towards Beder – Višnjevec – uphill along the vineyards and vineyard huts onto a plateau, followed by a descent to asphalt road leading to Noršić Selo (Križić) (X) with trail 49 leading from Slani Dol

Trail length: 6.1 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 410 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Available

Duration of hiking: 1 hour and 45 minutes

GRDANJCI – NORŠIĆ SELO

Grdanjci (a.p.) – Beder – Brnjice – Noršić Selo (Kapelišće)

Trail length: 7.3 km

Trail difficulty: Difficult

Elevation difference: 500 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Available

Duration of hiking: 2 hours and 30 minutes

OSREDEK – BEDER

Osredek – Kostanjevec Podvrški – Vučica – (X) with trail 62 leading towards Beder and Grdanjci

Trail length: 6.7 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 330 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 2 hours and 30 minutes

KORETIĆI – NORŠIĆ SELO

Mountain hut Scout Koretići – Noršić Selo – (X) with trail 67 – Noršić Selo (Kapelišće)

Trail length: 2.5 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 270 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 1 hour

NORŠIĆ SELO – N. PLEŠIVICA

Noršić Selo (Kapelišće) – peak of Noršićka Plešivica

Trail length: 1 km

Trail difficulty: Easy

Elevation difference: 90 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 20 minutes

GABROVICA – KRAVLJAK

Gabrovica (a.p.) – (X) Osredek – peak of Tušćak – hill fort Tušćak – Kravljak (X) with trail leading from Stojdraga

Trail length: 5.2 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 370 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Available

Duration of hiking: 2 hours

OSREDEK – STOJDRAGA

(X) Osredek – Stojdraga (a.p.)

Trail length: 1.7 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 250 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Available

Duration of hiking: 1 hour

KRAVLJAK – POKLEK

Kravljak (chapel) – peak of Kičer – (X) summer cottage settlement Poklek with the trail leading from Koretić – Poklek (a.p.)

Trail length: 3 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 230 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 1 hour

KRAVLJAK – STOJDRAGA

(X) Kravljak (chapel) – (X) towards Tušćak – meadow of Srbljeni – Stojdraga (a.p.)

Trail length: 3.2 km

Trail difficulty: Easy

Elevation difference: 90 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Available

Duration of hiking: 1 hour

KORETIĆI – POKLEK

(X) bridge under the mountain hut Scout Koretići – along the creek Tisovačka Bregana – Tisovac Žumberački – Siječevac – Baćina draga – (X) summer cottage settlement Poklek, with the trail leading from Kravljak

Trail length: 6.9 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 360 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 2 hours and 30 minutes

KORETIĆI – GORNJA VAS

(X) at the creek of Bregana below Orto – (X) Šimraki – Kordići – Dane – Mrzlo Polje – Javor – (X) Gornja Vas (a.s.) – (X) road branch leading towards Kalje at the store

Trail length: 8.7 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 300 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 2 hours and 40 minutes

ŠIMRAKI – ZEČAK

(X) Šimraki – Delivuki – Golubići – peak of Zečak

Trail length: 5.1 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 260 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 1 hour and 30 minutes

VIŠOŠEVIĆ MLIN – LA VERNA

Višošević mill on the creek Reka Draga (continuation of the trail leading from the lodge at Žitnica) – (X) at the ridge Brajka – (X) with trail 15 Franciscan facility La Verna

Trail length: 2.8 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 365 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 1 hour and 30 minutes

SVETOJANSKE TOPLICE – BRAJKA

Bukovac (a.p.) – Svetojanske toplice – Paljugi – (X) Brajka with the trail leading from Višoševićev mill towards Zečak

Trail length: 6.3 km

Trail difficulty: Difficult

Elevation difference: 440 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Availability of drinking water: Available

Duration of hiking: 2 hours and 30 minutes

SLAVETIĆ – TIHOČAJ

Slavetić (a.p.) – ridge Grmada – peak of Rešpeternica – (X) Tihočaj with the trail leading from Vranjački slap

Trail length: 7 km

Trail difficulty: Difficult

Elevation difference: 460 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 2 hours

CASCADE VRANJAČKI SLAP – TIHOČAJ

(X) below Vranjački slap in the valley of Slapnica – Vranjački slap – Rude Pribičke (branch taking two minutes leading to the box with the hiking seal) – Gračac Slavetički – along Stiće – (X) Tihočaj with the trail leading from Slavetić

Trail length: 10 km

Trail difficulty: Difficult

Elevation difference: 510 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 2 hours and 30 minutes

TIHOČAJ – ZEČAK

Tihočaj, (X) with trail 13 from Slavetić and trail 14 from Slapnica – Višoševići, (X) with trail 16 leading from the cascade of Brisalo – (X) with trail 05-58 from Dragonoš – Zečak

Trail length: 1.2 km

Trail difficulty: Easy

Elevation difference: 80 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 30 minutes

CASCADE BRISALO – ZEČAK

(X) below the cascade of Brisalo in the valley of Slapnica (small bridge) – cascade Brisalo – Zidane pećine – Staničići Žumberački – Pećno – Višoševići (X) with the trail leading from Tihočaj – peak of Zečak

Trail length: 6.3 km

Trail difficulty: Difficult

Elevation difference: 460 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 2 hours and 20 minutes

MEDVEN DRAGA – BRISALO

Medven Draga (a.p.) – Ribički dom – (X) towards Vranjački slap – (X) towards the cascade of Brisalo

Trail length: 6.8 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 100 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 2 hours

BRISALO – KALJE

(X) below the cascade of Brisalo in the valley of Slapnica (small bridge) – Draganov mlin – (X) Kalje church, with the trail leading towards Hartje – (X) Kalje store, on the road Gornja Vas – Petričko Selo

Trail length: 5.6 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 290 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 2 hours

BERNARDIĆI – KALJE

Bernardići (Žumberak) – Grgetići – Hartje (a.p.) – (X) Kalje with the trail leading from the cascade of Brisalo

Trail length: 5.3 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 280 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 1 hour and 30 minutes

BERNARDIĆI – SOPOT SLAP

Bernardići (Žumberak) – church of St. Nicholas and the site Žumberački pil – Tomaševci – Kekić Draga – Sopotski slap

Trail length: 7,1 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 360 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 2 hours and 15 minutes

GORNJA VAS – JEČMIŠTE

Kalje, store on the road, Gornja Vas – Petričko Selo – Petričko Selo – (X) with the trail leading across Milakovac towards Grič – Grič – Ječmište

Trail length: 4,8 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 340 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 1 hour and 45 minutes

VODICE – JEČMIŠTE

Mountain lodge Vodice – hike along a gravel trail passing around the ridge of Pliješa – (X) towards Pliješ – Ječmište

Trail length: 4.3 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 250 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 1 hour and 30 minutes

SOŠICE – VODICE

Sošice (a.p.) – Gornje Selo – (X) towards Boljara – mountain lodge Vodice

Trail length: 2.1 km

Trail difficulty: Easy

Elevation difference: 270 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 45 minutes

SOŠICE – BOIĆI – SV. GERA

Sošice (a.p.) – (X) at Sošice towards Sekulići – Boići – (X) Boljara towards Vodice – (X) Maličev krč with the trail across Sleme – peak of Sv. Gera – chapel of St. Elijas

Trail length: 8.1 km

Trail difficulty: Difficult

Elevation difference: 620 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 2 hours and 15 minutes

VODICE – BOLJARA

(X) below the mountain lodge Vodice – creek of Jarak – (X) Boljara with the trail leading from Sošice towards Sv. Gera

Trail length: 2.2 km

Trail difficulty: Easy

Elevation difference: 100 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 40 minutes

SOPOT SLAP – PLIJEŠ

Sopotski slap – mountain lodge Vodice – "zapadni put" ("Western Route") – Pliješ – descent along the eastern ridge – (x) with the trail Vodice – Ječmište at the gravel road

Trail length: 3.6 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 350 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 1 hour and 20 minutes

VODICE – MALIČEV KRČ

Mountain lodge Vodice – Pliješ – Sljeme – Ravna gora – (X) towards the elevation 1006 – (X) Maličev krč with the trail from Sošice towards Sv. Gera

Trail length: 7.4 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 200 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 2 hours

BRANCH TO ELEVATION 1006

(X) on the trail Ravna gora towards Sv. Gera – nameless elevation 1006, the highest peak of Zagrebačka County

Trail length: 0.22 km

Trail difficulty: Easy

Elevation difference: 40 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 10 minutes

SOŠICE – SEKULIĆI

(X) Sošice with the trail towards Sv. Gera via Boići – Blato – (X) towards Cvjetiše and Sv. Gera – Rajakovići – (X) Sekulići towards Zeleni vir – (X) Sekulići towards Gaj – mountain lodge Boris Farkaš Sekulići

Trail length: 7.9 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 320 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 2 hours and 15 minutes

SEKULIĆI – SV. GERA

Mountain lodge Boris Farkaš Sekulići – (X) Sekulići towards Sošice – Gaj – hunting lodge Studena voda – chapel of St. Elijas at Sv. Gera

Trail length: 5.5 km

Trail difficulty: Difficult

Elevation difference: 480 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 1 hour and 15 minutes

SEKULIĆI – CONNECTION WITH THE TRAIL TO SOŠICE

Sekulići (X) with the trail leading towards Sošice – (X) with the trail leading towards Zeleni vir – Cvetiše – (X) with trail 31 connecting Sekulići and Sošice

Trail length: 3.7 km

Trail difficulty: Medium difficulty

Elevation difference: 180 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 2 hours

ZELENI VIR – SUŠICA

Cascade Zeleni vir – (X) at the creek of Sušica towards Sekulići and Cvjetiši

Trail length: 0.7 km

Trail difficulty: Easy

Elevation difference: 40 m

Recommended time of year for visit: Throughout the year

Accessible to persons with disabilities: Not accessible

Duration of hiking: 15 minutes

Slani Dol center is the information center of the Park, and serves as office for Park Management and expert service. The center includes rooms for presentations, workshops and roundtables.

This is where the hiking trail Put kraljice bukve (Queen Beech Trail) begins or ends, depending on where you are on your route. The cycling trail called Staza šišmiša (Bat Trail) passes through this site.

Note:

Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 16:00.

Park headquarters and ranger service station Sošice

Ranger service station in Sošice houses the official headquarters of the Public Institution in charge of the Žumberak-Samoborsko Gorje Nature Park. This is where you can get all the information, printed materials and useful advice that can make your stay in the Park even more interesting and pleasant.

This site is also the place where several Park trails begin or end: cycling trail Staza Svete Gere (St. Gertrude Trail), Žumberak Archaeological Trail and hiking trail Put kraljice bukve (Queen Beech Trail).

This ranger service station is located not far from the entrance to the protected area. It is the seat of the ranger service of the Public Institution, in charge of the monitoring of the Nature Park.

Visitors can obtain information about the wider area and about the Nature Park at this site, as well as printed materials and needed advice. This site is the starting point of the trails Vilinska staza (Trail of Fairies) and Staza slapova (Waterfall Trail). The trail Staza šišmiša (Bat Trail) passes next to the ranger station.

Budinjak is a place with only ten or so inhabitants, but also a site of amazing history. It is located in the central part of Žumberak, near the highest point on the county road that connects the settlements of Bregana and Krašić. Hiding for thousands of years behind a legend of fairies and elves dancing their dances on the field of Budinjačko polje, this site has remained almost completely preserved till the present day, and it represents one of the key archaeological sites in Croatia.

The prehistoric site of Budinjak (dating back to the period between the 10th and 6th century B.C.) and the nearby site from the Roman period in the settlement of Bratelji (from the 1st and the 2nd century) are part of the Archaeological Park. The best way to explore the Park is by following the Trail of Dukes.

The Roman Catholic chapel of St. Petronilla was built on one of the hills near the settlement towards the beginning of the 19th century. This simple construction with a bell cote is known throughout Žumberak for the wonderful view it offers.

Budinjak Eco Center, the visitor and information center of the Park, is also located here.

Japetić is the highest peak of Samoborsko gorje, located at 879 meters above sea level, and a favorite spot of excursionists and hikers. Mountain lodge Žitnica is located near the peak. A 12-meter high pyramid built on this peak had stood on Sljeme, the highest peak of the mountain of Medvednica, until 1960. The pyramid offers wonderful views of the mountainous and northwestern areas of Croatia, and also of Slovenia, all the way to the Alps.

The peak itself is covered in forest. Mountain ridges and sunny slopes are home to many meadows with numerous protected and threatened plant species. Japetić is also a favorite gathering place for paragliders, who hold their competitions on the meadow in front of the mountain lodge.

In 2005, Japetić became certified as a take-off site for paragliders and hang gliders, thanks to the efforts by the members of the paragliding club PARAfreeK from Samobor, who train and compete here.

In the heart of Žumberak, two hidden valleys deserve particular attention. One valley is home to the village of Kupčina Žumberačka, and the other is home to the village of Žumberak. These villages are roughly 1.5 kilometers apart.

Kupčina Žumberačka is a village with preserved traditional architecture, including an interesting small church of St. Rocco with a bell cote. The small river flowing through the village is also called Kupčina, and it is the longest watercourse in the Nature Park. This river, a left tributary of the river Kupa, rises from several springs approximately one kilometer upstream from the last house in the village. Visitors can reach the river source by taking a light walk along the village path lined with cornelian cherries. The springs on that site represent the biggest water sources in the Park area.

The village of Žumberak is located in the neighboring valley. On a slope above the village, one can see the remains of a citadel Novi grad Žumberak, once the seat of Uskok captains. The site burned down in 1793. A unique pil is located here as well – the pillar of shame, once used to punish the perpetrators of various crimes. In the immediate vicinity, there is a manor built in 1744, serving as parish house, and the church of St. Nicholas, famous for its Gothic portal, built around 1645.

In the village of Kupčina Žumberačka visitors can buy fresh trout from the Vrabac fish pond. You can catch your own trout and barbecue it. Next to the fish pond, there are gazebos and barbecuing area for visitors.

The mills remind us of the traditional way in which flour was produced in the past. It took quite a lot of water to provide sufficient power to make the mills work. Once upon a time, there were almost two hundred mills in the area. Today, only several mills remain. One of them is Medvenov mlin on the river of Kupčina.

The source of the Kupčina River consists of a number of small springs connecting and partially forming moors – unique habitats with specific flora. One of the plants in this area is the critically endangered taxon Eriophorum angustifolium. It is forbidden to pick this plant.

The settlement of Mrzlo Polje is located only several kilometers away from Budinjak, in a fertile valley with as many as three mountain creeks flowing through it. This is the only genuine karst field in the entire mountain massif, enclosed on all sides by forest slopes, and it has many abysses that receive water disappearing below ground.

On the way towards Glušinja, we come across a solitary Greek Caholic parish church of St. Peter and Paul. Its oldest preserved part, the altar area, originates from the 17th century. The remainder of the church later went through several renovations, and it stems from the 18th and the 19th century. The bell tower was built towards the beginning of the 20th century. The foundations of the Roman Catholic church of St. Lawrence from the 13th century that once stood here are located only several steps away from this site (they are part of the Žumberak Archaeological Trail).

The hamlet of Javor, located on the way towards Gornja Vas, is a very well preserved example of traditional architecture. It includes wooden houses, as well as pigsties and barns.

The settlement of Gornja Vas is located on a mountain slope offering views of the southern peaks of Žumberak and the plains of the Kupa River behind them. Even further away, on the edge of the southeastern horizon, there is the mountain of Petrova gora, and to the southwest we can see the imposing presence of Klek, a legendary mountain and home to witches according to legend. If we explore the area a bit further, we come across the exhibition of photographs of a graveyard from the Roman period, on display in the building of the firefighters' association in Gornja Vas (the graveyard is part of the Žumberak Archaeological Trail). The church of St. Michael in the nearby settlement of Kalje is only a couple of minutes of hiking away.

Among other archaeological findings discovered in graves from the period of the Roman Empire located on the meadow of Ravnice below Gornja Vas, fragile glassware was found as well. It survived several journeys approximately 2000 years ago, when it was transported from northern Italy, where it was produced, all the way to the buyers in Žumberak. The glassware continues to travel today as well – due to its beauty and value, it was exhibited even in Rome itself, the capital city of the past Empire.

The gentle area of Okić is located in the very southeastern part of Samoborsko gorje, some twenty kilometers southwest of Zagreb, half way between Samobor and Jastrebarsko. The most impressive locality of this area is Okić itself, with the Old Town built on rocky terrain. This is one of the oldest medieval noble towns in the country, marked by a special geographical position and very valuable Romanesque architecture – a unique site in the continental part of Croatia. Many neighboring settlements carry the name of Okić too, such as Novo selo Okićko and Sv. Martin pod Okićem. There are even Okić cherries.

To the west we come across forests, and to the east and south we see vineyards and orchards on the slopes. In the lower elevations, where the hills gradually give way to flatlands, we see more and more meadows and arable land. Plants and animals add to the uniqueness of the area of Samoborsko gorje.

Etnokuća pod Okićem is just one of the many traditional facilities worth visiting in the area. Visitors interested in hiking and rock climbing on demanding terrain around the old town begin their explorations at the Maks Plotnikov mountain lodge.

Plešivica is a mountain massif predominantly covered in dense forest. Its highest peak is called Čerga. There are many conifers in the forests of the area. They are not autochthonous, however, but a result of planned forestation instead. On the mountain peak 778 meters above sea level, there is a tower with a viewpoint. The original tower was made of wood, but it burned down in 1881. The current tower dates back to 1905, and it offers wonderful views of the southern slopes of the mountain with scattered villages and vineyards.

The southern orientation and gentle terrain provide ideal conditions for grapevine growing, and Plešivica is one of the best-known winemaking areas of Croatia. However, it is not attractive only due to its vineyards and wine roads, but also due to the many trails it offers to hikers. The tradition of hiking on Plešivica is long and rich. The central settlement on Plešivica bears the same name as the mountain. The settlement is well known for its wine festivities and the abundant offer of the Plešivica Wine Road, and for its traditional Sledging Cup held in January.

This small picturesque settlement in the western part of the Park is located on the slopes of Žumberačka gora, offering magnificent views of Velika Kapela and Mala Kapela, Klek, part of Bela Krajina and Sveta Gera. Radatovići, also known as Sveta Nedjelja, is one of the oldest parishes, if not the oldest parish on Žumberak. The parish of the Resurrection of Christ was first mentioned in 1623.

The inhabitants are mostly involved in agriculture and production of homemade food. In Badovinci, a settlement on the road towards Radatovići, we come across the Greek Catholic church of St. Nicholas. Next to it, there is a monument to the famous Uskok families, with family coats of arms visible as well.

In the building of the former elementary school, there is a small ethnographic collection and a fresco painted by Zlatko Prica and Nikola Reiser. Made in 1943, during World War II, the artwork sends a strong anti-war message. This particular site is currently not open for visits, due to ongoing research.

Jovan Hranilović, the most prominent poet of Žumberak, wrote his most beautiful poems here, called Žumberak Elegies. A memorial plaque and a bust of the poet stand above the entrance to the parish church of the Resurrection of Christ, built in 1870.

Between Radatovići and Sveta Gera, there is an abandoned village of Gaj. It was once the highest inhabited area in Žumberak (it is located at 850 meters above sea level).

Slapnica is one of the most beautiful creek valleys in the Park. The creek flowing through the narrow and deeply cut valley 10 kilometers long got its name (stemming from the Croatian word for cascade) due to numerous cascades along its course. Vranjački slap is a particularly beautiful cascade in the area. It is made of tufa – a "live" rock that keeps developing over time. A bit further upstream, there is the cascade of Brisalo – one of the highest cascades in the Park. Water diving from it creates a small, clear lake underneath the cascade.

At the end of the valley, we come across the only permanently inhabited house in the valley – Draganov mlin (Dragan's Mill). Approximately one hundred meters upstream, there is the source of the creek of Slapnica, with a unique karst world hiding in the surrounding area.

To the south, at the confluence of Slapnica and Kupčina, visitors can explore a manor of an old rural estate of the noble family of Medven, built in 1868.

Due to its wild beauty and natural abundance, the valley of the Slapnica creek has been protected by law as a significant landscape since 1964.

White-throated dipper, a very rare bird species, nests in the valley of Slapnica.

The settlement of Sošice lies in the largest karst field of Žumberačka gora. The oldest name of the settlement – Sussiz – was first mentioned in a document signed by Bernard, the owner of the nearby fortress of Sichelberg (Stari grad or Old Town of Žumberak), back in 1249. It was then that Sošice and five other sites on Žumberak were given as estates to the newly established Cistercian monastery in Kostanjevica. By the time these areas were mentioned again in historical records – in the 16th century – the area of Žumberak had already suffered the Ottoman conquests and became part of the Croatian Military Border.

Since ancient times, thanks to its geographical location, the settlement of Sošice has remained not only one of the largest settlements of Žumberak, but also the key center of the region, and one of its most frequently visited tourist sites. The church center of Sošice lies in the southern hamlet of Kovači. This is where we come across the parish house and the convent of the Basilian nuns. Opposite to them, on a small elevation above the street, there is the Greek Catholic church of St. Peter and Paul from the 18th century and the Roman Catholic chapel of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary from the beginning of the 19th century. Ever since their construction next to each other, these two single-nave sacral buildings with belfries in front of them belong to the most picturesque cultural sites of Žumberak. One of the two oldest schools in Žumberak stands near this site. It was opened in 1769. The other school was opened at the same time in Mrzlo Polje.

On the edge of a field along the path towards the northern part of the village, there is a small chapel. Only several hundred meters away, we come across another chapel - the chapel of St. Anthony the Hermit, built towards the end of the 19th century. Ranger station of the Nature Park Public Institution is also located in Sošice.

In good weather, this settlement, first mentioned in historical records in 1447, offers wonderful views of the Krka and Sava river valleys, the hills of Hrvatsko zagorje and the massif of Medvednica. Snow-covered peaks of the Kamnik Alps and the more distant Julian Alps with the peak of Triglav add beauty to the northwestern horizon when the atmosphere is clear. The sights provided by this place are bound to remain imprinted in the memory of visitors for a long time.

Legend has it that the oldest church of Stojdraga was built by Empress Maria Theresa. It stood in the forest near Drmić, several kilometers away from Stojdraga. In 2008, a cemetery was discovered next to where the church once stood. Today's parish church of St. George was built towards the beginning of the 19th century on a hill above the settlement. Its lavishly carved and gilt Baroque Classicist iconostasis decorated the cathedral in Križevci until the mid-19th century.

Towards the beginning of the 20th century, a park was planted next to the church and the parish house. A five-meter high Millennium Cross was placed on the eastern slope of the park on the occasion of one thousand years since the coronation of the Croatian King Tomislav. In addition to the then parish priest and the locals, mountaineers from Samobor and Zagreb also helped raise this cross.

In the former park, on the way towards the parish house, there is a small resting area. It reminds us of the first organized automobile excursion in Croatia – back in 1926, members of the Croatian Automobile Club chose precisely Stojdraga for their first destination.

Within the parish office, visitors can visit the Uskoks' Museum of Žumberak. Its rich collection of items serves as testimony to the heritage of Žumberak, the history of Uskoks of Žumberak and their identity since their arrival to the area of Žumberak almost 500 years ago until today.

During March and April, small pasque flower, a plant some twenty centimeters tall and covered in dense white hair, flowers with pendulous, bell-like purple flowers.

If you come across this plant as you walk along meadows of Žumberak, do not pick or damage it! This species is critically endangered, and it is facing extinction.

Sveta Gera is the highest peak of Žumberačka gora and the entire northwestern Croatia, at 1178 meters above sea level. It can be seen from afar, due to a tall telecommunication tower built in 1984.

This peak, located right next to the Slovenian border, is surrounded with dense forest and mountain meadows of the area of Kaštanica. A forest glade on the peak is where folk festivities and cattle fairs were once held (before they were moved to Sošice). Today, this site is a popular destination for hikers and pilgrims. Since 1994, on the last Sunday in January, a winter hiking march is organized from Sošice to Sveta Gera, together with church service at the remains of the Greek Catholic chapel of St. Elijah the Prophet built in the 16th century. The parish fair is held on the first Sunday following the feast day of St. Elijah. Archaeological research was conducted on the site towards the beginning of the 1990s, and the remains of the stone church were protected with recognizable wooden cover. There is a small mountain shelter within the church as well. On the Slovenian side, we come across the remains of a small church of St. Gertrude, with a tall mountain-ash tree rising from the remains. In the spring, this tree is characterized by white flowers, and in the summer by red fruits. An interesting detail regarding this site is the fact that the state border passes right between the remains of these two small churches.

The moor site of Jarak is located nearby. It is a threatened habitat rich in rare plant species. Alpine salamander, a rare amphibian species, was discovered not far from Sveta Gera. Females of this species give birth to live young, and the species can only be found at high elevations.

The old village of Vivodina is located on a plateau not far from Ozalj, in the northwestern part of Karlovačka County. It offers magnificent views of the surrounding hamlets, forests and vineyards. The parish church of St. Lawrence with a tall belfry is a valuable example of Baroque architecture of the area.

In addition to the parish church, we come across five chapels in the surrounding hamlets: chapel of St. George in Dojutrovica, chapel of St. Francis Xavier in Gornji Lović, chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes in Belošići, chapel of St. John the Baptist in Stojavnice and chapel of St. Nicholas in Obrež. In the immediate vicinity of the church, we come across the elementary school - one of the few schools in the area of Žumberak that still have pupils. To the north, we can see Sveta Gera, and to the south, we see the Kupa River. To the west, there is the creek of Kamenica that also represents the border between Slovenia and Croatia. The entire area with over 25 villages and hamlets is characterized by wonderful, well conserved nature and harmonious landscapes substantially marked by human impact – for centuries, grapevine growing has remained one of the key activities in the region, increasingly important despite depopulation.

Fruit growing is quite prominent in the area too. At the family of Vrbanek in Obrež Vivodinski, visitors can buy excellent organic apple juice and apple cider vinegar, produced from old autochthonous apple varieties.

This grassland plateau in the eastern part of Žumberak, located at 795 meters above sea level, offers magnificent views of the surrounding hills, all the way to Sveta Gera, the highest peak of Žumberačka gora to the west, and to Japetić, the highest peak of the area of Samoborsko gorje to the east. Many small, scattered villages can also be seen in the area.

Easy access routes to the site of Zečak are available from the villages of Višoševići and Pavković. Hikers can explore this grassland area rich in plant species by returning via Pavković and proceeding to Budinjak through Brezovac Žumberački, Golubići (this village was called Grabar in the past), Jelenići and Kordići.

Most of these villages belong to the Greek Catholic parish of Grabar. The parish was founded in 1810, but the area was populated by Uskoks as early as in 1530. The parish church of St. John the Baptist in Golubići with the adjacent cemetery was built in 1912. Visitors can still see the remains of the former parish house on the slopes next to the church. A descending path leading from the main road next to the church takes visitors to the half-cave of Our Lady of Lourdes in Čeićka Draga. This pilgrimage site with a parish well was built in 1931.

Even though most of the villages in the area are abandoned today, there are still families that nurture the traditional way of life. For example, the pond in the center of the village of Brezovac still serves as a watering place for sheep. The family of Gvozdanović, their house located at the end of the village, offers homemade cottage cheese and cream.

Cerinski vir is a cascade 10 meters high. It is particularly impressive in spring and autumn, when the creek of Javorec flowing through the area abounds in water. The cascades of the creek have created not only Cerinski vir itself, but also many small lakes. Although the site abounds in water in spring and late autumn, the creek can actually run dry in summer.

This site is located in a narrow valley with steep sides, with the creek of Javorec flowing through it. Cerinski vir is the most significant cascade of Samoborsko gorje. The easiest way to reach this site is via Smerovišće and Cerina, or via Veliki Lipovec.

Public Institution

Žumberak – Samoborsko Gorje Nature Park

Address

Slani Dol 1, 10430 Samobor

Director

Kristijan Brkić

Point of contact for questions

Dubravka Kranjčević

Phone: 00385 99 426 4731

E-mail: dubravka.kranjcevic@pp-zumberak-samoborsko-gorje.hr

Directions

Public transport

By bus

Visitors can reach the Park by bus lines operated by the Samoborček company. The timetable is available at: www.samoborcek.hr/vozni-red.

The following bus lines are available to visitors departing from Zagreb:

151 ZAGREB (ČRNOMEREC) – SV. NEDJELJA – SAMOBOR

153 ZAGREB (LJUBLJANICA) – SV. NEDJELJA – SAMOBOR

155 ZAGREB (BUS TERMINAL) – SV. NEDJELJA – SAMOBOR

162 ČRNOMEREC–RAKITJE – NOVAKI – SV. NEDJELJA – SAMOBOR

260 ZAGREB (SAVSKI MOST) – JASTREBARSKO – LULIĆ

264 ZAGREB (BUS TERMINAL) – KLINČA SELO – JASTREBARSKO

The following bus lines are available to visitors departing from Samobor:

142 SAMOBOR – KLAKE – TERIHAJI

143 SAMOBOR – RUDE – BRASLOVJE

144 SAMOBOR – SMEROVIŠĆE – LIPOVEC

145 SAMOBOR – SLANI DOL

150 SAMOBOR – GRDANJCI – KRŠLIN – GORNJA VAS

150A SAMOBOR – GRDANJCI – NORŠIĆ SELO

The following bus lines are available to visitors departing from Jastrebarsko:

260A JASTREBARSKO – KRAŠIĆ – PRIBIĆ

KALJE – KOSTANJEVAC – KALJE

SOŠICE – JASTREBARSKO – SOŠICE

By train

The Park can be reached by trains operating on routes Zagreb – Jastrebarsko and Karlovac – Kamanje.

By car

Visitors can reach the Park by car along the following routes:

Zagreb – Samobor – Bregana – Grdanjci

Zagreb – Samobor – Rude

Zagreb – Samobor – Slani Dol

Zagreb – Samobor – Klake

Jastrebarsko – Plešivica

Krašić – Medven Draga

Karlovac – Kamanje

Park entrances

Visitors can enter the Park at 77 locations in total, but the six most popular entrances are:

Gabrovica

Plešivica

Čunkova Draga

Viviodina – Krmačina (border crossing point between Croatia and Slovenia)

Novo Selo Žumberačko (border crossing point between Croatia and Slovenia)

Sveta Gera (border crossing point between Croatia and Slovenia)

Where to buy tickets

Entrance to the Park is free of charge. Special programs are charged by the Public Institution managing the Žumberak – Samoborsko Gorje Nature Park.

Price list

Download

Visit the official Park website at http://www.pp-zumberak-samoborsko-gorje.hr

Nature Park Žumberak-Samobor highlands

Story of the Park

Park ID Card - information about the Park

Natural heritage

Plant world

Animal world

Grasslands

Ponds

Cultural and historical heritage

How Stojdraga got its name

Tumuli

Uskoks of Žumberak

Activities

Paragliding and flying

Japetić

Plešivica

Educational trails

Žumberak Archaeological Trail

Trail of Princes in the Archaeological Park in Budinjak

Gdje voće zri (Where Fruit Ripens)

Izvori života (Sources of Life)

Schools in nature

Young Ranger

Meet the Forest

Meet the Creeks and Ponds

Treasure hunt

Young Meteorologists

Eco playroom (for kindergarten age group or the first grade of elementary school)

Accommodation and catering

Mountain lodge - Dr. Maks Plotnikov at Okić

Mountain lodge - Ivica Sudnik at Veliki Dol

Mountain lodge - Željezničar at Oštrc

Mountain lodge - Žitnica at Japetić

Mountain lodge - Boris Farkaš in Sekulići

Mountain hut - Vodice

Mountain hut - Scout

Hospice - Sv. Bernard

Excursion site - Šumski dvor

Excursion site - Medvenov mlin

Family farm and excursion site - Podžumberak

Excursion site - Gogo

Rural tourism facility - Lijepo brdo Žumberak

Guest house - Lagotto's Peak

Hostel - Flores

Bicycling

Trail of Fairies Grdanjci – Medven Draga (Trail 1a)

Trail of Fairies Grdanjci – Medven Draga (Trail 1b)

Waterfall Trail Medven Draga – Grdanjci (Trail 2)

Bat Trail Samobor – Samobor (Trail 3a)

Bat Trail Samobor – Samobor (Trail 3b)

Staza Svete Gere (St. Gertrude Trail) Ozalj – Sošice (Trail 4)

Hiking/walking

SAMOBOR – OKIĆ

GALGOVO – OKIĆ

SV. MARTIN – OKIĆ

RUDE – PLEŠIVICA

GORNJE RUDE – POLJANICE

BUKOVJE – POLJANICE

NOVO SELO – OKIĆ

POPOV DOL – PLEŠIVICA

STRMA STAZA (STEEP TRAIL) POPOVDOLSKA PEĆINA

PLEŠIVIČKI BREZNIK – POLJANICE

TRAIL TO OKIĆ GRAD

OKIĆ – PLEŠIVICA

ŽOHAROV KLINČANI PUT

CONNECTION OF TRAILS 13 AND 17

POLJANICE – PLEŠIVICA

POLJANICE – GAJEV KAMEN (BYPASS TRAIL)

POLJANICE – GAJEV KAMEN (ALONG THE RIDGE)

TRAIL DRAGOJLINA STAZA

SAMOBOR – VELIKI DOL

RUDE – VELIKI ČRNEC – POZORIN

SMEROVIŠĆE – VELIKI DOL

CONNECTION WITH TRAIL 26 – MOUNTAIN PASS BELOW VELIKI ČRNEC

ŠOIĆEVA KUĆA – HOFMANOV PUT

RUDE – VELIKI DOL

VELIKI DOL – OŠTRC

RUDE – OŠTRC

VELIKI DOL – OŠTRC (TRAIL HOFMANOV PUT)

ŠOIĆEVA KUĆA – OŠTRC