Municipality of Novi Golubovec – Mountains, Cycling Route and Cultural Heritage
Accommodation in Municipality of Novi Golubovec
Hills and mountains, a cycling route through wooded areas, and a history shaped by the Romans, Paulines and mining: the Municipality of Novi Golubovec brings together a range of travel interests. The accommodation you’re looking for depends on whether you want to focus on the landscape, the history of Veternica or a cycling tour.
Key facts about the Municipality of Novi Golubovec
The municipality lies on the northern edge of Krapina-Zagorje County, directly on the border with Varaždin County. The area is predominantly hilly and mountainous. Strahinjščica lies to the northwest, and the Ivanščica mountain range to the northeast. The municipal seat, Novi Golubovec, has a railway station.
What shapes the municipality’s landscape?
Očura forms a narrow, steep gorge between Strahinjščica and Ivanščica. To the southeast, the valleys of the Očura and Velika reka are part of the municipality. This means mountainous sections and valleys meet within the municipality. If you’re planning your trip around the landscape, these varied landforms can help you decide whether to focus your day on the mountains, the gorge or the valley.
The flora of Ivanščica is another distinctive natural feature: protected species there include mezereon, alpine primrose, Carniolan lily, snake’s head fritillary and winter aconite.
Which cycling route is worth considering when planning your trip?
The cycling route “Okolicom Lobora i zapadne Ivanščice” passes through Gora Veternička and is described as a 31 km circular route. It has an elevation gain of 390 m and a difficulty rating of 3 out of 5. The route passes through wooded areas, with occasional climbs leading to viewpoints. Its length, elevation gain and rating offer concrete points of reference if you’d like to include a cycling tour in your travel plans.
What culture and history can you include in your plans?
An ancient Roman road ran through what is now the municipality, linking the Krapina valley with Ptuj via the Očura Pass. The Golubovec basin also developed into a well-known mining district and an important energy reserve. Novi Golubovec had the first public lighting in Zagorje, supplied by the mine’s own thermal power plant. These features offer different historical themes to explore, from early transport links to mining and energy history.
In 1515, Beatrica Frankopanska gave the estate at Veternica to the Paulines. They built the Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary there in 1641. Its late Baroque altar of Our Lady of Sorrows dates from 1755. The curia in Veternica is also part of the area’s history: on 18 September 2011, it officially became the Spiritual Centre of the Diocese of Varaždin. The chapel of Ranjenog Isusa in Gora Veternička received a new roof to protect the sacred building and preserve it for future generations.
What should groups and culture enthusiasts know?
Spiritual retreats are held at the Veternica Spiritual Centre, including “Vikend posta, molitve i šutnje” (a weekend of fasting, prayer and silence). Groups can reserve the centre. If a community or group cannot travel with its own priest, spiritual guidance can be arranged through the centre’s director. This is a practical option for groups whose trip has a spiritual focus.
The “Golubovec” Cultural and Artistic Association from Novi Golubovec has been active since the 1950s, apart from short periods of inactivity. It takes part in cultural events and folklore showcases in Krapina-Zagorje County, throughout Croatia and abroad. For travellers interested in folklore and regional cultural life, the association adds a cultural perspective to the area’s historic sites.
How do you choose accommodation for your stay?
Base your search on what you plan to focus on: the circular route is a practical reference point for a cycling trip, while Veternica, with its chapel, curia and Spiritual Centre, mainly appeals to those interested in cultural and religious history. If you’re travelling with a community and would like to use the Spiritual Centre, take its reservation option and arrangements for spiritual guidance into account. For information about the locality, see Novi Golubovec. You can also compare other municipalities within the same higher-level administrative area: Municipality of Gornja Stubica, Municipality of Zabok, Municipality of Sveti Križ Začretje, Municipality of Zagorska Sela, Municipality of Hrašćina, Municipality of Hum na Sutli and Municipality of Zlatar.
FAQ
Where is the Municipality of Novi Golubovec?
The municipality lies on the northern edge of Krapina-Zagorje County, directly on the border with Varaždin County.
How long is the “Okolicom Lobora i zapadne Ivanščice” cycling route?
It is a 31 km circular route with an elevation gain of 390 m and a difficulty rating of 3 out of 5.
Can groups reserve the Veternica Spiritual Centre?
Yes. Spiritual guidance can be arranged through the centre’s director if a community or group cannot travel with its own priest.
For the higher-level travel overview: Krapina-Zagorje.
