Žumberak can be explored through its architectural and cultural monuments, as well as the trails and nature park destinations in the surrounding area. The Žumberački pil is a Baroque wayside shrine about two and a half metres high. Its four niches depict the four Evangelists in frescoes. Its clear layout makes the monument a distinctive cultural landmark; its many historical functions and symbolic significance give it considerable cultural and historical value.

Churches and Historical Traces

The Church of St Nicholas in Žumberak is listed as protected cultural property under the reference number Z-1887. The protected monument area also includes a rectory. The church is a medieval building with Gothic elements and later Baroque furnishings. It was restored in the mid-17th century. The construction date, stylistic elements, furnishings and restoration offer different clues to the building’s history.

Another historical trace leads to Novi grad Žumberak. The complex was built as the residence of a Uskok captain and commander of this part of the Military Frontier. A fire destroyed it in 1793; today, earth-covered ruins remain at the historic site. Alongside the church’s history, this brings the site’s former military function into focus.

Nature Park and Nearby Trails

The Žumberak–Samoborsko gorje Nature Park visitor centre is located nearby, in Sošice. It opened in April 2022 and features an engaging multimedia interpretation exhibition. If you are planning a visit, check the current visitor regulations before you travel.

Općina Žumberak is important for understanding the area as a whole: the entire territory of the Municipality of Žumberak lies within Žumberak–Samoborsko gorje Nature Park. The Kuta primeval forest and the source area of the Slapnica stream, up to Brisalo Waterfall, are located within the municipality in a strict protection zone. Čunkova Draga is also in the municipality and is one of the six main entrances to the nature park.

The nature park connections are associated with different locations and routes. If you are planning to visit strictly protected areas, check the access regulations in force. For Čunkova Draga, it is advisable to consult the latest visitor information if you are planning to use this entrance.

The Staza Svete Gere cycling route connects Vivodina, Balići, Radatovići, Sekulići, Sveta Gera and Sošice; surfaces and conditions may vary. The Put kraljice bukve hiking trail starts or ends at the visitor centre in Sošice, and trail conditions may vary. The Žumberački arheološki put, in turn, connects six archaeological sites along the main road from Bregana to Krašić.

The trails therefore differ in the points of reference described: Staza Svete Gere focuses on the places it connects, Put kraljice bukve on the visitor centre as its starting or ending point, and the archaeological trail on the six sites along the road.

Discover more destinations: Kalje, Kostanjevac.

For an overview of the wider area: Općina Žumberak.