When planning a stay in Žarovnica, three specific highlights are worth considering: the hike to Ravna Gora, the Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows, and regional cuisine at JAK or Nec. The trail leads to the Balkon viewpoint; the walking time, elevation gain and a section that can be slippery when wet help you assess the hike realistically. This will help you decide whether to devote your time mainly to the hiking trail, the chapel’s history or a meal featuring regional specialities.
Hiking to Ravna Gora and Balkon
The marked, easy Žarovnica–Ravna Gora (Babice) hiking trail takes 1 hour 30 minutes to walk and has an elevation gain of 454 m. It passes through forest to the rocky Babice section, which is slippery when wet. Before setting out, check local trail conditions and take this section into account when planning your hike. A side trail leads from the hiking path to the Glažareva pećina viewpoint.
From the Balkon viewpoint, you can see the Bednja Valley, Trakošćan and the Zagorje Mountains. From Balkon, the Krešimir Filić mountain lodge (Filićev dom) is a one-minute walk along the route from Žarovnica. Ravna Gora is accessible via forest roads, paths and marked hiking trails. The area also has two paragliding launch sites, where national and world championships are often held.
Chapel history and regional cuisine
In Žarovnica, the Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows stands on Jelenec Hill above Kamenica. After the former chapel was demolished in 1742, construction of the present building began. In 1751, the sacristy was painted by Ivan Krstitelj Ranger. The chapel also contains a sacristy altar from 1751, created by a Pauline master from Lepoglava. The building’s history, wall paintings and altar offer several specific points of interest for exploring the area’s cultural history.
JAK and Nec serve traditional regional food and drinks in Žarovnica. Dishes include zagorski štruklji and meso iz banjice; homemade brandy and wine round out the selection. The third edition of the Voodoostock Festival took place in June 2025 at Voodoo Lake in Žarovnica. A description from September 2025 mentions a children’s playground at Voodoo Lake Grill & Music House in Žarovnica. If you plan to use it, check before your visit whether it is still available.
Staying overnight on Ravna Gora
On Ravna Gora, Filićev dom mountain lodge offers 70 sleeping places in 16 rooms. The lodge has a restaurant with a lounge, kitchen and toilet, as well as an outdoor terrace with 200 seats. There are also playgrounds for children, football and basketball. The lodge serves food and drinks to hikers and other day visitors. Sleeping places and terrace seats represent different capacities: overnight accommodation at the lodge and outdoor seating. Facilities may change when the operator changes, so check the latest information before booking.
Discover more destinations: Lepoglava, Donja Višnjica.
Return to the regional travel overview: Općina Lepoglava.
