The Municipality of Jesenje lies at the northern foot of Strahinjčica. Trails through settlements and hamlets, a protected area, cultural heritage and wine customs give the municipality several reasons to visit. The municipal trail descriptions date from 2014; the venue for Kestenijada may vary from one edition to the next.
Landscape, protected area and views
The Strahinjčica area in the Municipality of Jesenje is part of the Natura 2000 site HR2001115 and is protected under the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. The trails also pass through a landscape described as scenic and unspoilt, with medicinal plants and forest fruits. Alongside its protected status, the area’s distinctive landscape features are a key attraction.
Trail I passes the Gorica viewpoint in Lužani Zagorski. From there, the view extends across the entire basin, bordered by Strahinjčica, Ivančica, Ravna gora and Maceljski gorje. Visitors wishing to explore the area through its landscape will find a clear guide to the surrounding mountains here.
The “Bajkovita šuma – Gušernjak” educational trail is also located within the municipality. The Neanderthal trail in Donji Jesenje presents five themes: the cave, fire, tools, hunting and food. This presentation of the themes may have been updated since it was described in 2014.
Two trails, different routes
Foot and cycle trail I passes through the settlements belonging to the Municipality of Jesenje: Gornje Jesenje and Lužani Zagorski. It is 10.2 kilometres long and is described as challenging for cyclists. Since the trail information comes from a municipal description dating from 2014, check the trail’s condition locally before planning your trip.
Foot and cycle trail II runs at the foot of Strahinjčica through Brdo Jesenjsko and the surrounding hamlets of Flaše, Cerinske, Donji Šaški and Srednji Šaški. The routes described differ mainly in their course: trail I passes through two settlements and by the Gorica viewpoint, while trail II runs through Brdo Jesenjsko and several hamlets. To choose between them, first consider the places named along each route.
A map board has been installed in the centre of the municipality, and a brochure containing information and maps of the trails has also been produced. If you plan to use the brochure for navigation, check whether it is available locally.
Cultural heritage in Gornje Jesenje
The Church of St John the Baptist in Gornje Jesenje is listed as protected cultural heritage under registration number Z-3268. Construction began in 1847 on the site of a chapel built in the mid-17th century. This means two periods of construction can be distinguished at the site: the earlier chapel and the later church.
Wine customs and autumn events
At the traditional autumn Kestenijada in Jesenje, local associations roast chestnuts. The winegrowers’ association serves young wine and wine; visitors can sample chestnuts, young wine and wine prepared by association members. The exact venue may vary from one edition to the next. So check the date and location of the event before making plans.
Martinje is also part of the annual customs observed by Jesenje’s winegrowers. It is celebrated at the cultural centre in Gornje Jesenje, with the symbolic transformation of young wine into wine at its heart. Both celebrations give the wine tradition a tangible setting, but have different focuses: Martinje centres on the symbolic transformation of young wine, while Kestenijada brings together chestnuts and tastings.
Discover more destinations: Municipality of Mihovljan, Municipality of Krapinske Toplice, Municipality of Đurmanec, Municipality of Klanjec, Municipality of Zabok, Municipality of Oroslavje, Municipality of Hum na Sutli.
For the broader travel overview: Krapinsko-Zagorska.
