Gradina-Kukma and the mineral spring offer two distinct ways to explore Drenovec: one focuses on an archaeological site, the other on cooled thermal water. The route options add further planning considerations, from a historic walk to an uphill mountain biking route. This makes it possible to tailor a stay to cultural history, hydrogeological interests or a focus on activity.

Gradina-Kukma: a site spanning several periods

East of the settlement of Drenovec in Varaždin County lies the archaeological site of Gradina-Kukma. It is listed under designation P-4875 as a preventively protected immovable cultural property and individual archaeological heritage site. Gradina-Kukma is therefore a clear starting point for travellers interested in the site’s cultural and historical context.

According to preliminary archaeological findings, circular pits, possibly a tumulus, and two hillforts have been identified at Gradina-Kukma. The pits are probably prehistoric. The multi-layered site can tentatively be dated to prehistoric, ancient and medieval periods. This places several periods alongside a cautious interpretation of individual structures.

In the central part of the Kalnik Mountains, Gradina Kukma is currently considered the only known site that may have been used in antiquity. This possible ancient use adds another period to the tentative classification without replacing the prehistoric and medieval attributions.

Mineral spring and water

Cooled thermal water emerges from the Drenovec mineral spring. Together with Apatovac, Drenovec is one of the two named mineral springs. Unlike at Gradina-Kukma, the focus here is not on archaeological periods but on the characteristics of the water. This makes it possible to view the area from two clearly distinct perspectives: archaeological traces and mineral water.

Walk, excursion option and mountain biking

A municipal educational programme on 8 April 2017 combined an introduction to the history of the village of Drenovec with a walk towards the Gradina-Kukma site. An excursion option published in 2020 took a different approach: it proposed driving to Drenovec and walking from there to the archaeological site. If you use this option in planning your own trip, check the route conditions in advance. The comparison is practical: the programme links village history with a walk, while the other option combines driving and walking.

A mountain biking option leads uphill from Jalševec Svibovečki towards Drenovec and continues uphill from Škarnik. In addition, county road Ž2110 connects Jalševec Svibovečki with Drenovec and continues to Ljubelj Kalnički. For orientation when travelling, the road offers different information from the activity details: it connects the three named places, while the routes specify directions and modes of transport.

When planning an overnight stay, you can weigh these differences according to the purpose of your trip: Gradina-Kukma for archaeological interests, the mineral spring as a hydrogeological subject, or uphill mountain biking as an activity focus.

For the broader travel overview: Općina Varaždinske Toplice.