Municipality of Bedekovčina: Lakes, Wine and Music

• Fishing at the Bedekovčina Lakes is possible from January 1 to December 31, provided there is no ice and you have purchased a valid daily or annual permit before entering the water.
• The lakes are interconnected, enclosed water systems with a depth of up to 5 metres.
• The Zagorje Wine Fair and Exhibition takes place at the lakes in late May and upholds a tradition dating back more than half a century.
• The Varaždin–Zagreb railway line runs through Bedekovčina.

The waters are characterised by underwater vegetation, and fish from the carp family predominate. The lakes are used for swimming and walks, although conditions may vary by season. Alongside fishing, these are two other activities that do not depend on a specific occasion or event date.

Fishing is generally possible all year round, provided there is no ice. You must purchase a valid daily or annual permit before entering the water. Check the fishing regulations and conditions before your trip. If you are looking for accommodation, you can first consider whether the lakes or one of the events will be the main focus of your stay.

The Zagorje Wine Fair and Exhibition is held at the Bedekovčina Lakes in late May. It continues a tradition dating back more than half a century and brings together winemakers and winegrowers from Zagorje. Check the exact date before planning your stay around it.

The “Igrajte nam mužikaši” festival adds a musical highlight and looks back on a 50-year tradition. Folk and popular music ensembles and soloists from Zagorje come together there and perform in the Kajkavian dialect. The wine fair and the festival offer different reasons to visit: the former focuses on wine producers, while the latter centres on music and dialect.

The Varaždin–Zagreb railway line runs through Bedekovčina. The landscape can also be understood through Strugača, also known as Komorska gora: the 375-metre-high mountain lies on the border of the municipalities of Bedekovčina, Mihovljan, Sveti Križ Začretje and Mače, as well as the city of Krapina. Its steep slopes consist of Triassic dolomite. The railway line and the mountain describe different aspects of the area—the route of a transport link and a prominent landscape feature.

For a closer look at the place of the same name, you can also visit the page for Bedekovčina.

The wider destination of Krapinsko-Zagorska offers further cultural and nature-related attractions. The Krapina Neanderthal Museum presents its permanent exhibition across 18 themed areas. The Staro Selo Kumrovec open-air museum conveys the appearance of a Zagorje village from the beginning of the 20th century and comprises around 40 restored buildings in the traditional style.

Other regional attractions include archaeology and religious heritage: the Shrine of Majke Božje Gorske in Lobor stands on a hillfort that was inhabited almost continuously from the Bronze Age to the Late Iron Age. Marija Bistrica is considered Croatia’s largest national Marian pilgrimage site and has a long tradition of religious tourism.

Nature and cycling are also among the region’s attractions. The Staza kroz krošnje Zelenjak treetop walkway features a forest walk, a trumpet sculpture, a sound fence and a birdwatching point; check local conditions before your trip. The moderately challenging “Around Lobor and the Western Ivanščica” cycling route combines nature and archaeology.

Krapinsko-Zagorska also has attractions for food enthusiasts: the annual Štruklijada, held in different locations across Hrvatsko Zagorje, combines an exhibition and a competition, where restaurateurs vie for the title of best Zagorski štrukli. Hiža vinove loze in the centre of Radoboj focuses on grapevines, viticulture and related traditions. It regularly hosts presentations and tastings featuring wines from local winemakers and products such as liqueurs.

Discover more destinations: Municipality of Pregrada, Municipality of Zagorska Sela, Municipality of Tuhelj, Municipality of Donja Stubica, Municipality of Marija Bistrica, Municipality of Krapinske Toplice, Municipality of Desinić.

Can you fish at the Bedekovčina Lakes all year round?

Fishing is possible from January 1 to December 31, provided there is no ice. You must purchase a valid daily or annual permit before entering the water.

What can you do at the Bedekovčina Lakes?

The lakes are used for swimming and walks. Fishing is also possible there under the conditions described above; seasonal conditions may vary.

When does the Zagorje Wine Fair take place?

The fair and exhibition takes place at the Bedekovčina Lakes in late May. Check the exact date before your trip.

What is distinctive about Strugača?

Strugača, also known as Komorska gora, is 375 metres high and lies on the border of several municipalities and the city of Krapina. Its steep slopes consist of Triassic dolomite.

For the wider travel overview: Krapinsko-Zagorska.