Municipality of Berek: Nature, History and Podgarić

• The Moslavačka gora Regional Park is a protected natural area that extends across the Municipality of Berek.
• Garić grad dates back to 1256, when Ban Stjepan Šubić ordered its construction.
• The Monument to the Revolution of the Peoples of Moslavina is located in Podgarić. The work by Dušan Džamonja is 10 metres high and 20 metres wide.

The Moslavačka gora Regional Park is a clear reference point for the protected nature in the municipality. The Šimljanka Special Reserve, a forest vegetation reserve, is another natural area. The two designations represent different aspects of the landscape: a regional park and a forest vegetation reserve.

There is also a large lake in Podgarić, near the Vila Garić restaurant. This brings together a scenic spot and a place to eat in Podgarić. The lake is a useful landmark for anyone exploring the municipality.

Garić grad is one of the oldest medieval fortified settlements in northern Croatia. It dates back to 1256, when Ban Stjepan Šubić ordered its construction. The ruins are a popular destination for people interested in history, nature and hiking. Visible features include double defensive walls that visitors can walk along.

A steep, paved road leads to Garić grad. Road conditions can change, so check the latest information before setting out. This helps you plan your journey to the historic site with the road conditions in mind, including the steep approach.

Another historic landmark is in Podgarić: the Monument to the Revolution of the Peoples of Moslavina, created by sculptor Dušan Džamonja. It measures 10 metres high and 20 metres wide. Nearby is an ossuary containing the remains of about 1,000 fallen Partisans. Together, the monument and ossuary give the site its own commemorative character.

There are numerous hiking trails in the immediate vicinity of Podgarić. Vila Garić offers guided hikes in Moslavačka gora. If you plan to join a guided hike, confirm its availability before travelling.

The Podgarić Sports and Recreation Centre includes sports grounds, including a football pitch. If you would like to include these facilities in your plans, check in advance whether they are currently available for use. Podgarić also offers opportunities for hunting tourism. Hiking, sports facilities and hunting tourism are distinct activity options to consider based on your interests.

The wider Bjelovar-Bilogora destination offers additional experiences. As part of the Čazma Natura project, the town of Čazma built Croatia’s first biological swimming pool. Since operating details may vary seasonally, check whether it will be open during your visit before making plans.

For cycling tourism, Bjelovar-Bilogora County has more than 500 kilometres of cycling routes. These include a 69-kilometre section of the international Lonjsko polje–Balaton route. Along the marked cycling routes, you’ll find attractions, restaurants serving traditional home-style cooking, covered rest areas, bicycle service stations and smart benches. Licensed cycling guides also offer tours of the county.

The wider destination also offers equestrian tourism: the Bilogorska konjička turistička staza is Croatia’s first internationally certified equestrian tourism trail. It is 90 kilometres long and has around 20 “horses welcome” points. These regional offerings broaden the range of activities in Bjelovar-Bilogora to include cycling and horse riding.

Discover more destinations: Municipality of Kapela, Municipality of Veliko Trojstvo, Municipality of Bjelovar, Municipality of Garešnica, Municipality of Čazma, Municipality of Grubišno Polje, Municipality of Veliki Grđevac.

Where is the Monument to the Revolution of the Peoples of Moslavina?

The monument is located in Podgarić. An ossuary containing the remains of about 1,000 fallen Partisans is nearby.

What is the road to Garić grad like?

A steep, paved road leads to Garić grad. Check the latest road conditions before setting out.

What hiking opportunities are available near Podgarić?

There are numerous hiking trails in the immediate vicinity of Podgarić. Vila Garić offers guided hikes in Moslavačka gora; confirm the availability of a guided hike before travelling.

For the wider travel overview: Bjelovar-Bilogora.