Discover Međimurje: Nature, Cycling Routes and Culture

• The Mura-Drava Regional Park covers 16,980.34 hectares within Međimurje County. This represents 19.42 percent of the park’s total area.
• The Cyclist-Welcome network offers 888 kilometres of cycling routes on and off paved roads.
• The Pušipel Trail is a 53.9-kilometre circular route through the landscape of the Međimurje Wine Road.
• There are around 30 family-run wineries along the accessible Međimurje Wine Road.

Important wetland habitats in the Mura-Drava Regional Park include riparian forests and wet meadows, as well as oxbow lakes, abandoned river channels and meanders. Gravel bars and steep banks formed by erosion are also among the park’s landscape features. These varied habitats make the natural environment more tangible than a general description of it as a river landscape: they include wooded and open areas, as well as places directly shaped by the river.

The “Vrata Pažuta” forest education trail in Donja Dubrava offers access to the protected riparian forest and the unique Veliki Pažut ornithological reserve. The trail is 1,750 metres long and intended for pedestrians and cyclists. Its length and designated users help you consider it as a short route in its own right alongside longer options. The reserve is located at the confluence of the Mura and Drava rivers.

The 888-kilometre Cyclist-Welcome network includes routes on and off paved roads. If you prefer a flat ride, the cycling routes along the Mura and Drava rivers are suitable for families and leisurely cycling trips. The Pušipel Trail is a different proposition: its 53.9 kilometres form a circular route through the landscape of the Međimurje Wine Road. These details describe different options—flat river routes for easier rides and a considerably longer circular route—without implying that they follow the same course.

Mađerka Hill is another option for a viewpoint. The observation tower there is 27 metres high; 104 steps lead to the rooftop platform at an elevation of 361 metres. You can take these specific measurements into account when planning a day trip to the tower. The platform’s elevation is its height above sea level, while the 27-metre figure refers to the tower itself.

The multimedia exhibition at the Treasury of Međimurje museum is divided into “Century of the Fortress” and “Miniatures.” “Miniatures” presents Međimurje’s intangible heritage and oral traditions. These include traditional crafts, protected language groups, customs, folklore and mythology, as well as stories about supernatural beings. Its subject matter thus ranges from inherited practices to stories passed down through oral traditions.

Another permanent exhibition at the Treasury of Međimurje, “Centuries of Fortification,” explores the development and original purpose of Čakovec Fortress. It also covers its defence system in the Middle Ages and the early modern period. Those with a particular interest in history will find a different focus here than in “Miniatures”: rather than oral traditions and intangible heritage, the exhibition centres on the fortress, its development and its defences. Donji Kraljevec is also home to the Dr. Rudolf Steiner Centre, which serves as Croatia’s reference centre for implementing the national programme for biodynamic agriculture.

The Međimurje Wine Road connects regional wine culture with a landscape also traversed by the Pušipel Trail. There are around 30 family-run wineries along the accessible wine road. This approximate number gives an impression of the range on offer without claiming an exact count. The wineries belonging to the HORTUS CROATIAE group offer wine tastings and the opportunity to buy their wines directly on site. If wine is part of your trip, you can take these options into account when choosing your activities.

To find your way around the areas covered by this page, you can visit the individual local areas: Municipality of Vratišinec, Municipality of Sveti Juraj na Bregu, Municipality of Gornji Mihaljevec, Municipality of Orehovica, Municipality of Selnica, Mursko Središće and Sveti Martin na Muri. For a separate overview of the region, you can also visit the Međimurje County page.

How long is the “Vrata Pažuta” forest education trail?

The forest education trail in Donja Dubrava, intended for pedestrians and cyclists, is 1,750 metres long.

Which cycling routes are suitable for leisurely rides?

The flat cycling routes along the Mura and Drava rivers are suitable for families and leisurely cycling trips.

How tall is the observation tower on Mađerka Hill?

The tower is 27 metres tall. Climb 104 steps to reach the rooftop platform at an elevation of 361 metres.

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