Đurđevac: Fortress, Picokijada and Sandy Landscape

Cultural history around Stari grad, the annual Picokijada and the sandy landscape of Đurđevački pijesci offer different ways to explore the area. Museums, trails and other activities also provide practical starting points for planning your trip.

Stari grad and the museums

Stari grad is a Croatian cultural monument and one of the best-preserved Gothic-Renaissance fortresses in continental Croatia. This medieval fortress is a water castle, whose construction began in the 14th century. Today, it houses the Muzej Grada Đurđevca. Here, the history of a medieval fortress meets a contemporary museum.

The Muzej Grada Đurđevca alternates between museum and gallery exhibitions; it also hosts lectures, workshops and other activities throughout the year. The Ivan Lacković Croata donation in Đurđevac comprises more than 2,000 paintings, sculptures and posters by over 200 artists from around 20 countries. The city museum’s permanent exhibition includes 163 works from this donation. The donation’s overall size and a specific selection on display can therefore be seen side by side.

The Interpretacijski centar Picokijade presents local history, ethnographic heritage, and natural and geographical features, and also explores the legend of Picoki. Mini zoo Hrvatska Sahara is a visitor attraction next to Stari grad; it includes a group of camels and other animals. The animals may change.

Picokijada and Podravina cuisine

Held annually in Đurđevac at the end of June, Picokijada commemorates the legendary defense of the town against an Ottoman attack. Tradition, culture, customs and living history shape the event, which also includes tastings of traditional food. If Picokijada is a reason for your trip, check the current event dates in advance.

The restaurant and tavern Stari grad, inside the fortress, serve traditional Podravina dishes, local wines—including “Vina s peskov”—and beer. Stari grad thus pairs the history of the fortress with a specific culinary offering.

Đurđevački pijesci and nature

Đurđevački pijesci are described as Croatia’s largest and highest deposits of aeolian sand. The part of the sandy landscape east of Đurđevac has been a special geographic-botanical reserve since 1963. The Posjetiteljski centar Đurđevački pijesci explains the sandy landscape and the diversity of its plants and animals using augmented-reality multimedia. This interpretation is available indoors year-round.

Park šuma Borik is a century-old pine and acacia forest with a network of trails and a fitness trail. Activities available there include walking, running, cycling and sports training. Another way to explore the area is the Amazon of Europe Bike Trail S07: it connects Koprivnica and Đurđevac along a 50.7-kilometre paved route rated as easy.

More activities and cultural sites

The Đurđevački Graničari riding club offers sport, recreational, trail and therapeutic riding under the guidance of qualified instructors. Podravina Adventure offers tandem paragliding flights for panoramic views of Đurđevac. These experiences focus on different things: riding encompasses several designated forms, while the paragliding flight is all about the view from the air.

South of Đurđevac, Dvor Barnagor is located in the village of Čepelovac. It has gallery spaces and the ARS-Atelier Barnagor; creative activities take place throughout the year. In addition to the fortress, museum and Picokijada, culture lovers can visit this nearby venue, which offers a year-round creative program.

Discover more destinations: Ferdinandovac.

Return to the main travel overview: Koprivnica-Križevci County.