A narrow gorge, a historic mountain pass and a cycling route through wooded areas highlight different sides of the Municipality of Novi Golubovec. The municipality lies on the northern edge of Krapina-Zagorje County, right on the border with Varaždin County. Travellers here encounter a landscape shaped by mountain ridges, valleys and history.
Landscape between Ivanščica and Očura
The municipal area is predominantly hilly and mountainous. Strahinjščica lies to the northwest, while the Ivanščica mountain range is to the northeast. The narrow, steep Očura gorge separates the two mountain ranges. To the southeast, the valleys of the Očura and Velika reka are part of the municipal area. The ridges, gorge and valleys thus provide different landscape landmarks rather than forming one continuous mountain scene.
The flora of Ivanščica is another distinctive aspect of this landscape: protected species found there include mezereon, alpine primrose, Carniolan lily, snake's head fritillary and winter aconite. These names bring the botanical diversity to life and offer nature enthusiasts another way to appreciate the mountain range.
Cycling on the western Ivanščica
The “Okolicom Lobora i zapadne Ivanščice” cycling route passes through Gora Veternička. It is a 31-kilometre circular route with 390 metres of elevation gain and a difficulty rating of 3 out of 5. The route alternates between wooded areas and occasional climbs leading to viewpoints. The distance, elevation gain and rating provide different reference points for planning your ride.
The route therefore combines specific figures with stretches through the landscape. Before setting out, check the signage and conditions: the route, surface and viewpoints may change. The cycling route is one way to explore the area by bike; the historic Roman road through the municipal area is a separate ancient connection and should not be confused with it.
Roman route and the history of Veternica
An ancient Roman road ran through the area of the present-day municipality. It connected the Krapina Valley with Ptuj via the Očura Pass. This route speaks to the pass's historical significance, without being confused with today's cycling route.
In Veternica, the estate's recorded history goes back to 1515, when Beatrica Frankopanska gave it to the Pauline monks. In 1641, they built the Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary on their estate. The chapel contains a late Baroque altar of Our Lady of Sorrows dating from 1755. The dates mark different chapters in the history of the place—from the donation and construction of the chapel to its later furnishings.
The curia in Veternica also serves a religious purpose: on 18 September 2011, it was officially designated the Spiritual Centre of the Diocese of Varaždin. Spiritual retreats are held there, including “Vikend posta, molitve i šutnje” (a weekend of fasting, prayer and silence). Communities can reserve the centre. If a community or group cannot bring its own priest, spiritual guidance can be arranged through the centre's director. Confirm reservations and availability directly with the centre.
Culture and industrial past
The “Golubovec” cultural and artistic association from Novi Golubovec has been active since the 1950s, with brief periods of inactivity. It takes part in numerous cultural events and folklore showcases in Krapina-Zagorje County, throughout Croatia and abroad. This gives local cultural life a reach beyond the municipal boundaries, without tying it to a fixed event calendar.
Mining is another part of the area's history. The Golubovec Basin developed into a well-known mining district and a significant energy reserve. Novi Golubovec had the first public lighting in Zagorje, supplied by the mine's own thermal power plant. This history adds an industrial perspective to the religious and cultural heritage.
Travel planning tips
There is a railway station in the municipal seat of Novi Golubovec; check current train services separately. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, your interests can help guide your choice of base—for example, the circular route and its specific details, Ivanščica's protected plants, or the cultural and historical heritage of Veternica. This lets you plan your trip around the discoveries that interest you most.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Novi Golubovec, Municipality of Kumrovec, Municipality of Krapinske Toplice, Municipality of Veliko Trgovišće, Municipality of Klanjec, Municipality of Desinić, Municipality of Đurmanec, Municipality of Sveti Križ Začretje.
For the broader travel overview: Krapina-Zagorje.
