Šćulci offers travelers several distinct ways to shape a stay: landscape, truffles and culture. The Butoniga Valley section of Motovunska šuma stretches from the confluence of the Mirna River to the hamlet of Šćulci below Breg Hill. Other highlights include views of the Butoniga Reservoir from the slopes of Vrhuvšćina, a truffle experience nearby, and crafts and food culture associated with Šćulci. Depending on their interests, visitors can focus their stay on nature, a specific experience or regional cultural history.

Woodland Landscape and Views

The Butoniga Valley section of Motovunska šuma stretches from the confluence of the Mirna River to the hamlet of Šćulci below Breg Hill. This route gives the place a distinct setting within the landscape. Motovunska šuma is a habitat for truffles, including the white truffle Tuber magnatum, and has aesthetic and recreational value for the surrounding area. The woodland habitat and the experience of the landscape are therefore distinct themes associated with Šćulci.

Another viewpoint is found at Vrhuvšćina: from its slopes, there are views of the Butoniga Reservoir. This adds a particular vantage point to the description of the forest. Those looking to explore the area’s natural features can distinguish between the valley section of Motovunska šuma, its truffle habitat and the views of the reservoir.

The Truffle Experience

Near Šćulci, the Karlić family’s truffle experience includes a guided tour of the truffle museum, a search led by a licensed truffle hunter with trained dogs, and local wine and homemade food. The experience combines several aspects of truffles: a museum visit, a search with an expert guide and culinary elements. This sets it apart from the natural setting of Motovunska šuma, whose truffle connection is primarily as a habitat.

Cultural History Around Vrh

The parish church, built in 1231, is located near Vrh. It bears Glagolitic inscriptions dated 1463 and 1552. This brings together several historical periods: the year the church was built and the later dates of the inscriptions.

South of Vrh are the ruins of the Church of St. Cyriacus. Remains of the walls and an apse are visible there. The two church-related sites have distinct features: the parish church is notable for its construction date and inscriptions, while the ruins are notable for their visible architectural remains. Together, they offer a glimpse into different aspects of the area’s ecclesiastical history.

Crafts, Music and Food Culture

Šćulci is associated with basket weaving from willow rods, an almost-forgotten traditional craft that is now practiced by only a few people in Istria. A musical connection was on display at the twelfth edition of the Vrhuvšćina, mili kraj festival: in June 2026, traditional instrumental musicians from Šćulci performed in Vrh. Basket weaving and this festival performance offer different perspectives on local culture: one rooted in craft tradition, the other in music.

Culinary customs are also part of the local heritage. During Carnival, plenke were a tradition in Šćulci: fried bread dough pastries dusted with coarse sugar. Another food tradition is associated with Vrh: in 2024, a woman originally from Šćulci had been making kroštule there for 54 years. Plenke are linked to a seasonal occasion; making kroštule reflects one woman’s long-standing practice.

Discover more destinations: Perci, Brnobići, Buzet, Roc, Pračana, Čiritež, Prodani, Forčići.

For the broader travel overview: Općina Buzet.