Four kilometres along Ksaver’s Trail lead from Zaboky Selo to Picelj; one starting point is at the Chapel of Our Lady in Pavlovec Zabočki. The trail combines hiking with the literary legacy of Ksaver Šandor Gjalski, while the chapel has its own local history and religious role. Pavlovec Zabočki and Gredice are distinct points of reference.

Trail history and landscape

Ksaver’s Trail is a four-kilometre-long footpath from Zaboky Selo to Picelj. One starting point is at the Chapel of Our Lady in Pavlovec Zabočki. As an educational trail, it runs over the hills above Gredice and follows paths once used by the writer Ksaver Šandor Gjalski. The cultural connection is woven into the route itself: its literary associations accompany the trail rather than appearing only at a single destination.

The landscape around Balaškov brijeg and Picelj was historically shaped by orchards, vineyards and farmland. This brings together two different perspectives on the route: memories of Gjalski’s paths and the hills’ former agricultural use. If you enjoy combining landscape and history on a hike, you will find a clear thematic connection here.

The Chapel of Our Lady: local history and devotion

The Chapel of Our Lady stands beside the main road in Pavlovec, next to the Sitnica stream. Older residents date its construction to around 1890 and name Petar Tomek as its benefactor. The chapel was thoroughly restored in 1997; it is said to be in need of restoration again. Check its condition before visiting. During the traditional Good Friday Stations of the Cross, it is the 13th station.

A botanical perspective nearby

The nearby Poučni park Picelj showcases native tree and shrub species of Hrvatsko Zagorje. This adds a botanical focus to the stories of the trail and the local area. If you are interested in native plant life as well as Ksaver’s Trail, you can include the park as a separate point of interest in your travel plans.

Gjalski Castle and accommodation in Gredice

Gjalski Castle stands in nearby Gredice Zabočke, between Gubaševo and Pavlovec Zabočki. It is considered the home of the writer Ksaver Šandor Gjalski. The building was constructed around 1772 on the site of a 16th-century manor house and was reconstructed in the 1990s. Today it houses Hotel Dvorac Gjalski and a restaurant.

The hotel has a wine shop, seminar rooms and a large summer terrace; a children’s park is located in the castle grounds. The restaurant serves home-style cooking associated with the flavours of Hrvatsko Zagorje. The castle adds its own historical and culinary focus to the local connections of the route and chapel, along with a specifically named hotel.

Where to look for accommodation

The ŽC2195 runs through Pavlovec Zabočki along the Zabok–Gubaševo–Veliko Trgovišće corridor. You can set Pavlovec Zabočki as your destination when searching for a holiday rental; if a hotel is also an option, you can check nearby Gredice separately for Hotel Dvorac Gjalski. This keeps your choice of base aligned with the location you want to stay near: the route and chapel are associated with Pavlovec, while the named castle hotel is in Gredice. Check the current availability of a specific property directly with the provider before booking.

Discover more destinations: Zabok.

For the broader travel overview: Općina Zabok.