The area of the Municipality of Orehovica was first mentioned in 1232 as the Vezmić estate on the Drava. The municipality is located in the southern part of Međimurje County and comprises Orehovica, Podbrest and Vularija.

Waters and recreation

At the regional level, the Municipality of Orehovica is one of the 13 municipalities in Međimurje County that are part of the Mura–Drava Regional Park. There is a recreational fishing pond in the municipality, north of Podbrest. Jezerčica is also connected with the river’s history: it is a remnant of an old branch of the Drava.

A designated recreation area is located by the Mičigen recreational waters. Parking is available along the access road to this area near Podbrest. The local fishing club Diver was founded with the aim of turning an abandoned gravel pit into a fishing area. Fishing permits for Lake Mičigen are sold on Sunday mornings; check the current arrangements for purchasing them in advance.

The recreation area at Mičigen and the recreational fishing pond north of Podbrest offer different points of interest for visitors interested in waters. One place is designated as a recreation area, while the other is described as a recreational fishing pond. This distinction can help you identify your interests for your stay without treating the two places as the same offering.

Chapels and historical traces

The Chapel of the Sacred Heart stands in Vularija. It was built in 1948 on the site of a chapel dating from the second half of the 19th century. The Chapel of the Holy Trinity in Orehovica is mentioned in 1864. The Chapel of St. John of Nepomuk in Podbrest contains the original statue of the saint from 1874. The three settlements therefore have different historical connections: an older chapel site, a dated mention and a preserved original statue of a saint.

The manor house in Vularija is also part of the area’s history: members of the Zrinski family stayed there. Vularija was also one of 17 places in Međimurje selected for information boards about the history of the Zrinski era. Check locally whether the boards are still there.

KUD “Fijolica” contributes to local cultural life. This active association has drama, folklore and tamburitza sections. Its activities and structure may change over time. Since 2014, Orehijada has been organized by KUD Fijolica Orehovica and the Municipality of Orehovica; the festival also includes an international folklore gathering. A cycling event ran from Vularija to Lake Mičigen. If you would like to plan your trip around a future edition, check the dates in advance.

Choose accommodation based on your interests

Cultural and historical connections can be found in all three settlements; for water and fishing, consider the fishing pond north of Podbrest and the recreation area at Mičigen. Before your arrival, check the current arrangements for fishing permits and any event dates.

Discover more destinations: Orehovica, Municipality of Sveti Juraj na Bregu, Municipality of Gornji Mihaljevec, Municipality of Selnica, Municipality of Vratišinec.

Go to the regional travel overview: Međimurska.