Podevčevo lies at the foot of the slopes of Čevo and offers hiking options of varying lengths, from a 45-minute approach to a suggested route lasting several hours. The Chapel of St. Joseph and two subthermal springs add religious and natural points of interest to the area. When planning your trip, it is helpful to consider the length of the hike and the local history as separate areas of focus.

Hiking on Čevo

The approach from Podevčevo to Čevo is listed as taking 45 minutes. The climb is quite steep, and weather and trail conditions can affect its difficulty. Take both the time estimate and the nature of the trail into account when planning. Check current conditions before setting out, especially if the weather changes.

A hiking route published for March 9, 2025, ran from Podevčevo via Čevo, Veliki Lubenjak and Grebengrad to Mađarevo. It was 12 kilometres long, with an estimated duration of 4.5 to 5 hours. This involves a different level of planning from the approach to Čevo: the 45 minutes refers to the approach, while the suggested route covers several places and takes several hours. The Grebengrad–Čevo hiking trail is also among the trails listed for Čevo. Check current markings and trail conditions before using the route. If you are planning to join an organised hike, check its date in advance, as dates may change.

Springs, Chapel and Local History

Two subthermal springs lie on the right-hand side of the Voglenski stream, near the school and the Chapel of St. Joseph. This adds a local natural point of interest alongside the hiking trails: Podevčevo’s landscape can be explored not only through Čevo, but also through the stream and its springs.

The Chapel of St. Joseph was built in 1987 to a design by Emil Geci. Cardinal Franjo Kuharić consecrated it on August 9, 1987. More recently, a shrine to St. Benedict was also erected near the chapel. The chapel and the shrine are distinct religious points of interest; both the construction year and consecration date are given for the chapel.

Podevčevo was first mentioned in the 14th century; from 1598, it belonged to the Grebengrad estate. These two historical details mark different stages: the first mention of the place and its later inclusion in an estate. Together with the 1987 chapel, they provide a timeline extending from the 14th century to the late 20th century.

When choosing what to focus on, consider what matters most to your stay: for a hike, the time required, the gradient and current trail conditions are important; for local history, the chapel, shrine and historical milestones offer other points of interest. This makes it possible to understand Podevčevo not only through its hiking connection to Čevo, but also through its religious and historical associations.

Discover more destinations: Donje Makojišće, Novi Marof.

For the regional travel overview: Općina Novi Marof.