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Plešivica, Žumberak

Žumberak–Samobor Hills Nature Park

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So close to Zagreb, and so far from the crowds and the stress

About thirty kilometres south-west of Zagreb, the southern slopes of Žumberak Mountain and Samobor Hills create a magical landscape. Forests, grasslands, valleys, rivers, settlements and vineyards come together here in perfect harmony. As one of the most valuable natural and cultural areas in continental Croatia, Žumberak–Samobor Hills has had the status of a nature park since 1999. It covers 342 square kilometres of unique natural harmony and the areas of the towns of Jastrebarsko, Samobor and Ozalj.

Natural wonders on Žumberak

The numerous attractions of Žumberak and Samobor Hills are waiting to be discovered.

There are three types of landscapes converging here. The karst landscape, with its sinkholes, pits and caves, is the prevalent one, and there is also the alpine landscape with steep and sharp mountain ridges and the Pannonian landscape with its typical mild and rolling hills. At 1178 metres above sea level, Sveta Gera on Žumberak Mountain is the highest peak not only in Žumberak–Samobor Hills Nature Park, but also in the whole of north-western Croatia, while at 879 metres, Japetić is the highest peak of Samobor Hills.

The area of the park is extremely rich in water. As many as 847 springs, 260 watercourses and several waterfalls have been discovered, and especially beautiful are those in the valley of Slapnica, where a stream bearing the same name flows.

More than 60 percent of its surface is covered by oak, common hornbeam and beech forests, so it’s hard to decide whether it is more beautiful in spring, when all turns green, or in autumn, wearing shades of yellow, brown, orange and red. Forest paths lead to the tops of the hills, and on some of them are the remains of medieval forts, such as the Žumberak hillfort. This is an area of remarkable biodiversity. A fifth of all plant species in Croatia are able to grow here, including 38 species of orchids. It is home to the brown bear, wolf, lynx, wild cat, various rodents, animals belonging to the order Eulipotyphla, bats, amphibians, reptiles and numerous endemic cave lifeforms, with 32 species of fish and 110 species of birds recorded.

Slapnica, Žumberak
Stari grad, Žumberak
Žumberak
Slapnica, Žumberak
Stari grad, Žumberak
Žumberak

Activities and sports on Žumberak

 

The diverse nature invites one to relax and have an active holiday. Here you can enjoy a leisurely walk through beautiful landscapes or slightly more demanding sports that require certain skills and an adventurous spirit. Žumberak–Samobor Hills Nature Park is an ideal choice for recreationists and athletes.

Hiking

There is a long tradition of hiking on Žumberak and Samobor Hills. With about 350 kilometres of marked hiking trails, more experienced hikers as well as hikers of all ages and fitness levels will find a challenge suitable for them. From longer to shorter hiking trips, from Sveta Gera, the highest peak of Žumberak Mountain, to the peaks of Samobor Hills — Oštrc, Okić, Plešivica and Japetić, discover the most beautiful parts of the nature park and enjoy the view. On Japetić, you will be greeted by a large 12-metres-high iron pyramid offering a view extending all the way to the Alps. After hiking on Japetić, it is customary to stop for a tasty strudel in the Žitnica mountain lodge, and if you decide to go hiking on Okić, choose the circular hiking trail with the remains of the medieval town of Okić.

Walking trails

Relax by walking on many walking trails such as Put Kraljice Bukve (the Beech Queen Trail). The 35-kilometres-long trail begins in the village of Slani Dol and ends in the village of Sošice. There you will get to explore the most beautiful parts of Žumberak and Samobor Hills — the valley of the river Slapnica, which is also a protected landscape, Vranjak Waterfall and Brisalo Waterfall, the Zidana Pećina cave and Dragan’s Mill. You are sure to be won over by this fairy-tale green landscape where the silence is disturbed only by the murmur of water and the sound of waterfalls scattering into a thousand droplets. The valley of Slapnica is the perfect photo point for a selfie.

Cycling

 

Sit on your bicycle and, depending on your level of fitness and your group, choose, among 11 routes, the one that suits you best. It is certainly one of the most beautiful ways to get to know Žumberak and Samobor Hills.

 

Sport climbing

 

For sport climbers, there is no pleasure like climbing outdoors on natural rock. Such a climbing site can be found at the foot of the old town of Okić in Samobor Hills and offers five routes — from easy to challenging. It is close to the capital, so when free climbers from Zagreb have only the afternoon to spare, their favourite location, Okić, is there for them.

 

Paragliding

 

Do you dare to soar? If this has always been your dream, two places in Žumberak–Samobor Hills Nature Park are perfect for paragliding. Many top pilots flew there for the first time, and they are among their favourite locations for a flying adventure even today.

 

The highest peak of Samobor Hills — Japetić — is a favourite site, as is Plešivica, located at an altitude a hundred metres lower. Their green, spacious meadows are excellent launch locations, so during favourable weather, lovers of this sport from all over Croatia and the region gather there.

 

Ecotourism

 

Picturesque villages are ideal for a trip to Žumberak, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, yet so close to Zagreb and Samobor. You are sure to enjoy the authentic experience of the rural environment, you will discover the beauty of the traditional way of life and small ecological oases where healthy food is produced and people live in harmony with nature. If you are a supporter of ecotourism, Žumberak–Samobor Hills Nature Park, with its several ecovillages, ecological excursion sites and family farms with organic production, is a great choice.

Žumberak
Žumberak
Žumberak
Žumberak

Historical and cultural sights of Žumberak

The well-kept secrets of this picturesque region

From archaeological sites and remains of medieval towns to atmospheric villages with traditional wine cottages and sacral heritage, Žumberak–Samobor Hills Nature Park will impress you with its cultural sights, interesting stories and legends.

 

People have lived there since prehistoric times, during the Palaeolithic, so if you like to combine cultural tourism and spending time in nature, a trip to this area is a good choice.

Budinjak: one of the most important sites of the Late Iron Age

 

Since prehistoric times, life has existed in continuity in the area of Žumberak–Samobor Hills Nature Park. This is affirmed by many finds such as those from the Early Iron Age, from the area of the picturesque village of Budinjak, where only a dozen people live today. This site is combined with the prehistoric site in nearby Bratelji to form the Archaeological Park, through which passes the four-kilometre-long Counts’ Trail. It is best to start your tour at the Budinjak Visitors’ Centre.

Žumberak

Following archaeological finds on Žumberak

Discover the archaeological side of Žumberak and Samobor Hills.

Within fifty kilometres of Budinjak, there are numerous sights such as the cemetery of the Celtic tribe Latobici in Bratelji, the Tuščak hillfort and the Žumberak hillfort. In the nature park area are two more mysterious medieval forts, Lipovec and Okić.

Okić, Žumberak

Traditional architectural heritage

Mills and churches

Among the rich traditional architectural heritage, mills and Greek Catholic churches stand out in particular. Of almost 200 Žumberak mills, only a dozen remain today. They are part of the valuable architectural heritage, and three watermills operated in the valley of Slapnica alone. Nowhere else in Croatia are there as many Greek Catholic churches as in the Žumberak–Samobor Hills Nature Park area.

 

The oldest is the Church of St Elijah on Sveta Gera, built in the 16th century, and among the most beautiful are the churches of the Annunciation of Mary in Pribić and the Church of St Peter and Paul in Sošice. Greek Catholicism arrived to this area with the Uskoks in the 16th century, who defended the empire from the Ottomans, so if you are interested in this story, visit the Žumberak Uskok Museum in Stojdraga.

Dragan’s Mill, Žumberak
Sošice, Žumberak
Dragan’s Mill, Žumberak
Sošice, Žumberak

What do you need to know before visiting Žumberak–Samobor Hills Nature Park?

Of the 77 entrances to the nature park, six are main entrances — Gabrovica, Plešivica, Čunkova Draga, Vivodina, Novo Selo Žumberačko and Sveta Gera.

There are two visitors’ centres in the nature park — in Sošice and Budinjak. There, it is also possible to rent electric bicycles for which your level of fitness does not need to be very high. This is a fast and effective way to explore the nature park.

 

Entry tickets to visit the nature park are free of charge, but tickets to the visitors’ centres and the educational programmes are charged. More information on activities and prices of services can be found on the official website of Žumberak–Samobor Hills Nature Park.

Accommodation and hospitality at Žumberak–Samobor Hills Nature Park

 

In addition to nine mountain lodges and homes, look for accommodation in apartments, rented rooms, holiday homes, rural homesteads and family farms, and if you like an uninhibited holiday in harmony with nature, there is also a Robinson Crusoe type of campsite. Restaurants and excursion sites offer local specialties, of which we must highlight trout from the Žumberak and Samobor streams, and in the mountain lodge on Oštrc, you can try the miners' greblica, a local savoury dish with cheese. This is also a famous wine region, especially Plešivica with its award-winning wineries.

Žumberak

When you are in need of a change and a break from everyday life, come recharge your batteries on the slopes of Žumberak and Samobor Hills!

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