Municipality of Legrad – Lake, Nature and Culture

• Around one-third of the area lies within the protected Mura-Drava Regional Park.
• The artificial lake Šoderica is characterised by aquatic and wetland vegetation and provides a habitat for numerous animals.
• The north shore of Šoderica is the main summer swimming area for people from the wider region.
• The lakeside promenade is 1.5 kilometres long and has lighting, benches and waste bins.
• Several cycling routes end or connect in Legrad, including the Tour de Mur, the Drava Route and the Iron Curtain Trail (EuroVelo 13).
• Cultural attractions include churches, the school museum and memorial rooms dedicated to Marija Bango.

Lake Šoderica is an artificial body of water where abundant aquatic and wetland vegetation has developed. Birds use the area for breeding and overwintering, and many other wetland and aquatic animals also find a habitat here. Nature enthusiasts will find a different focus from that of the north shore, which is the main summer swimming area for people from the wider region.

The 1.5-kilometre-long lakeside promenade has benches, lighting and waste bins. The project also included the construction of two viewing points. Two children’s playgrounds were built alongside the promenade.

Legrad is first mentioned in written records in 1384 and received market-town status in the 15th century. The Church of the Holy Trinity was built between 1769 and 1784. Locally, it is known as the “Podravska Cathedral” because of its size and late Baroque appearance. The Evangelical Church has been under provisional heritage protection since 2007; Legrad’s Evangelical congregation is also among the oldest Lutheran congregations in Croatia.

The Legrad School Museum, housed in the old school building, displays historic teaching materials, books and old records. The memorial rooms dedicated to Marija Bango present the life and work of the writer and educator from Legrad; they opened as an exhibition space on 26 January 2018. The memorial collection of the Volunteer Fire Brigade offers another glimpse into local history. It documents the history of the fire brigade association, founded in 1884, and includes a flag from 1899, considered one of the oldest surviving fire brigade flags in Croatia.

The former Novi Zrin fortress is also part of the area’s history: it stood in Veliki Pažut from 1661 to 1664. A memorial obelisk marks its site. Basket weaving with willow rods is also being further developed in the Municipality of Legrad.

The Tour de Mur ends in Legrad, where it connects with the Drava Route and the Iron Curtain Trail (EuroVelo 13). Opened in 2002, the Drava Route was the region’s first signposted cycling route and is part of the international EuroVelo 13 cycling corridor, also known as the Iron Curtain Trail. When planning your rides, it helps to distinguish between these routes: the Tour de Mur ends in Legrad, while the Drava Route and the international corridor connect here.

The “Aquaterra adventure” excursion destination, also known as “AquaTerra lake resort”, is located at the Šoderica bathing beach. Its attractions include an adventure park, paintball for adults and children, a zip line, archery and children’s playgrounds. The range combines active pursuits with fun activities.

The Halasz Csarda excursion area lies at the former confluence of the Mura and Drava rivers and includes Sip Beach. In summer, people from Legrad use it for relaxation and swimming. Another longstanding tradition at Halasz Csarda is the ferry crossing to Hungary: people from Legrad traditionally cross the river twice a year, on the feast day of Saint Anne in July and the feast day of Saint Michael in September.

“Ljeto na Šoderici” has been held regularly at the lake during the summer months since 2009. The programme includes theatre performances, music events, sport-fishing competitions, and other cultural, entertainment and sports and recreation activities. The first festival event of the 16th International Folklore Festival “Iz bakine škrinje” was also held in Legrad.

If you would like to compare other municipalities as travel destinations, you can also find Municipality of Križevci, Municipality of Kalnik, Municipality of Kloštar Podravski, Municipality of Sokolovac, Municipality of Gola, Municipality of Sveti Petar Orehovec and Municipality of Koprivnica.

How long is the promenade at Lake Šoderica?

The promenade is 1.5 kilometres long. It has lighting, benches and waste bins.

Which cycling routes connect in Legrad?

The Tour de Mur ends in Legrad, where it connects with the Drava Route and the Iron Curtain Trail (EuroVelo 13).

What can you see at the Legrad School Museum?

The old school building displays historic teaching materials, books and old records.

For the broader travel overview: Koprivnica-Križevci County.