Municipality of Đurmanec

The municipality includes forested and protected landscapes, several chapels and churches, and places with their own local traditions. There is an exit from the A2 motorway in Đurmanec. The Stations of the Cross begin at Đurmanec railway station and head towards the Macelj forests, ending at the Church of the Passion of Jesus in Macelj.

Other points of interest include the wine road through Putkovec, the KUD Đurmanec cultural association and the mini-football tournament in Jezerišće. The following sections outline which features may be relevant when choosing your excursions and where to stay.

Hromec is a dispersed settlement in the hills towards the Lupinjak border crossing and the Sutla Valley. Donji Macelj lies on the edges of the Maceljčica Valley and is mostly surrounded by forests. Much of Gornji Macelj is also forested. The municipality therefore encompasses a variety of landscapes, from hills to wooded areas along a valley.

Parts of the municipal area belong to the protected natural landscape of Maceljska Gora. To the southeast are protected landscapes in the settlements of Podbrezovica, Đurmanec and Ravninsko. The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) lives permanently or temporarily in the municipal area and is one of the 16 endangered and protected species found there. These natural features are a distinct focus alongside churches, customs and events.

In Đurmanec, you will find the parish church of St. George and its rectory, as well as the votive chapel of St. Joseph. The parish church of St. George is among the municipality’s cultural monuments that have been recorded and granted preventive protection. Other chapels are spread across several settlements: Gornji Macelj has the Chapel of the Queen of the Rosary, Hromec has the Chapel of St. Leopold Mandić, and Hlevnica has the Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes.

The KUD Đurmanec cultural association was founded in 2006 to promote and preserve the musical and folkloric heritage and customs of Hrvatsko Zagorje and other parts of Croatia. The association now has around 70 members. This information offers a concrete glimpse of regional cultural traditions without requiring a specific event date.

The “Stopama pobijenih” Stations of the Cross begin at Đurmanec railway station and follow the road towards the Macelj forests for about 10 km, ending at the Church of the Passion of Jesus in Macelj. The route is stated to take about four and a half hours. Its length and duration are useful reference points if you are considering including it in your plans.

For travel by road, there is an exit from the A2 motorway in Đurmanec. Hromec is the last railway station on Croatian territory along this railway line. These two details describe different transport connections in the municipality; they do not provide timetables or specific services.

The first wine road in Hrvatsko Zagorje runs from Đurmanec through Putkovec towards Pregrada and opened in 1994. The Srevast wine-growing area is located in Donji Macelj. Together, these places point to winemaking as part of the region’s character. Jezerišće also hosts the traditional Jezerišće mini-football tournament, which held its 16th edition in 2026 and has for years attracted numerous teams and visitors from Đurmanec and nearby places.

Đurmanec has a promenade with a monument to Željko Pavić, the first fallen defender of the county. Organised hikes are also part of the local association’s history: in 2024, the mountaineering club Planinarsko društvo „Husni“ Đurmanec continued its tradition of organising hiking trips for its members. This is described as an activity for the club’s members.

For comparison with other municipal destinations, you can also find Municipality of Veliko Trgovišće, Municipality of Zlatar, Municipality of Oroslavje, Municipality of Klanjec, Municipality of Zabok, Municipality of Pregrada and Municipality of Krapina.

How long is the “Stopama pobijenih” Stations of the Cross route?

It is about 10 km long. The route takes approximately four and a half hours.

Where does the Stations of the Cross route start and end?

It starts at Đurmanec railway station and follows the road towards the Macelj forests, ending at the Church of the Passion of Jesus in Macelj.

What does KUD Đurmanec do?

Founded in 2006, the cultural association promotes and preserves musical and folkloric heritage, as well as the customs of Hrvatsko Zagorje and other parts of Croatia. It now has around 70 members.

For the broader travel overview: Krapina-Zagorje County.