Krapina-Zagorje: Thermal Spas, Culture and Hotels

• The Krapina Neanderthal Museum presents its permanent exhibition across 18 thematic sections.
• The Staro Selo Kumrovec Open-Air Museum comprises around 40 restored buildings of traditional design.
• Marija Bistrica is Croatia’s largest national Marian pilgrimage site.
• The outdoor pools at Terme Tuhelj include, among other features, a wave pool and a 250-metre lazy river.

In Krapina, the Krapina Neanderthal Museum divides its permanent exhibition into 18 thematic sections. This structure provides a specific point of reference when planning a museum visit as part of your cultural itinerary. The Staro Selo Kumrovec Open-Air Museum offers a different perspective on history: around 40 restored buildings of traditional design show the authentic appearance of a Zagorje village from the early 20th century. The focus here is on a historic village setting, while the museum in Krapina organizes its permanent exhibition by theme.

The religious and archaeological connections also differ. Marija Bistrica has a long tradition of religious tourism and is Croatia’s largest national Marian pilgrimage site. In Lobor, the shrine of Majke Božje Gorske is located on a hillfort that was inhabited almost continuously from the Bronze Age through the Late Iron Age. The site therefore brings together a shrine and a long history of settlement. If you want to compare religious heritage and archaeology, these two places offer different points of focus.

Terme Tuhelj combines two different types of facilities. The wellness centre features Finnish saunas, steam rooms, a laconium, a whirlpool, a cold-water pool, an ice cave and a Kneipp path. The outdoor pools include a wave pool, a 250-metre lazy river and a children’s pool with slides. When planning, you can therefore distinguish between the wellness facilities and the pool options described. Check the latest operating details before your trip.

The Staza kroz krošnje Zelenjak treetop walkway features a forest walk, a trumpet sculpture, a sound fence and a birdwatching point. These elements give the route different highlights: as well as the walk, there is a sculpture, a sound fence and a place to watch birds. Check local conditions before visiting.

The “Around Lobor and the Western Ivanščica” route is classified as a moderate cycling tour and combines nature with archaeology. Another route runs from Tuheljske Toplice via Črešnjevec; it starts at the car park at Mihanović Castle. It passes numerous vineyards and wine taverns. The routes therefore offer different themes: the Lobor route combines nature and archaeology, while the route starting at Mihanović Castle is described in terms of vineyards and wine taverns. Check the signage and local conditions before setting off.

Hiža vinove loze in the centre of Radoboj is an interpretation centre about grapevines, viticulture and related traditions. Presentations and tastings for visitors are held there regularly. The centre showcases wines from local winemakers and wine products such as liqueurs. It offers a specific point of reference if you are interested in viticulture and its associated traditions.

Štruklijada is a regional event with exhibition and competition elements, held annually at different locations in Hrvatsko Zagorje. Restaurateurs compete for the title of best Zagorski štrukli. On 7 March 2022, the name Zagorski štrukli was registered for EU-wide protection. As the date and location of Štruklijada change, check the details for your intended visit.

Discover more destinations: Municipality of Donja Stubica, Municipality of Veliko Trgovišće, Municipality of Kumrovec, Municipality of Krapinske Toplice, Municipality of Klanjec, Municipality of Zagorska Sela, Municipality of Gornja Stubica, Municipality of Hrašćina, Municipality of Krapina, Municipality of Marija Bistrica, Municipality of Novi Golubovec, Municipality of Oroslavje, Municipality of Stubičke Toplice, Municipality of Sveti Križ Začretje, Municipality of Tuhelj, Municipality of Zabok, Municipality of Desinić, Municipality of Hum na Sutli, Municipality of Zlatar, Municipality of Bedekovčina, Municipality of Jesenje, Municipality of Pregrada, Municipality of Đurmanec and Municipality of Mihovljan.

What does the Krapina Neanderthal Museum show?

The museum’s permanent exhibition in Krapina is divided into 18 thematic sections.

What facilities are available at Terme Tuhelj?

The wellness centre includes saunas, steam rooms, a whirlpool and a Kneipp path, among other facilities. The outdoor pools include a wave pool, a 250-metre lazy river and a children’s pool with slides. Check the latest operating details before your trip.

How does the route near Lobor differ from the route starting at Mihanović Castle?

The moderate cycling tour “Around Lobor and the Western Ivanščica” combines nature and archaeology. The route starting at the car park at Mihanović Castle runs via Črešnjevec and passes vineyards and wine taverns.

For the main travel overview: Croatia.