At the Treasury of Međimurje in Čakovec, two distinct approaches to regional history sit side by side: the multimedia permanent exhibition is divided into the sections “Century of the Fortress” and “Miniatures.” “Miniatures” focuses on the intangible heritage and oral traditions of Međimurje. These include traditional crafts, protected language groups, customs, folklore, mythology and stories about supernatural beings. “Centuries of Fortification” explores the development and original purpose of Čakovec Fortress, as well as its defensive system in the Middle Ages and early modern period. In this way, inherited stories and customs sit alongside the concrete history of the fortress and its defences.
River Landscapes and Wetland Habitats
The Mura-Drava Regional Park covers 16,980.34 hectares in Međimurje County, an area that accounts for 19.42 percent of the park’s total area. Particularly significant wetland habitats include floodplain forests and wet meadows, as well as oxbow lakes, abandoned river channels and meanders. Gravel bars and steep banks formed by erosion are also part of the landscape. Meanders are bends in a river; together with oxbow lakes and abandoned river channels, they show different forms of a river’s course.
The 1,750-metre-long “Vrata Pažuta” forest educational trail is in Donja Dubrava and is intended for pedestrians and cyclists. It is one of the access routes to the protected floodplain forest and the special ornithological reserve “Veliki Pažut” at the confluence of the Mura and Drava rivers.
Cycling Routes at Different Scales
The Cyclist-Welcome network in Međimurje comprises a total of 888 kilometres of cycling routes on and off paved roads. The published network length may change when routes are adjusted, so check the current route before planning. Flat cycling routes along the Mura and Drava rivers are suitable for families and easy rides. The Pušipel Trail is a 53.9-kilometre circular route through the landscape of the Međimurje Wine Road. As its length and signage may change, check the latest information about the Pušipel Trail before setting out.
The routes offer different ways to choose where to ride: the river routes stand out for their flat terrain and suitability for families and easy rides. The Pušipel Trail stands out for its circular route and length of 53.9 kilometres. This lets you decide first whether you would prefer to include flat routes along the rivers or a longer circular route in your plans.
A Viewing Tower on Mađerka Hill
The viewing tower on Mađerka Hill is 27 metres high, and 104 steps lead to the rooftop platform at an elevation of 361 metres. The 27 metres refers to the tower’s height, while 361 metres is the elevation of the platform. The steps lead up a staircase to the platform.
Wine and Agriculture
There are around 30 family-run wineries along the accessible Međimurje Wine Road. Their number may change. The wineries in the HORTUS CROATIAE group offer wine tastings and the option to buy their wines directly on site. As visiting arrangements may change, check the current options before your visit.
Another connection to agriculture is biodynamic farming. The Dr. Rudolf Steiner Centre in Donji Kraljevec is Croatia’s reference centre for implementing the national programme for biodynamic farming. This role adds an institutional perspective on agriculture to the themes of culture, river landscapes and wine.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Mursko Središće, Sveti Martin Na Muri, Općina Gornji Mihaljevec, Općina Selnica, Općina Orehovica, Općina Sveti Juraj Na Bregu, Općina Vratišinec, Korcula
For the overview of the wider destination: Croatia.
