Municipality of Bedekovčina: Lakes, wine and music

In the Municipality of Bedekovčina, the Bedekovčina Lakes, the wine tradition and a festival featuring music in the Kajkavian dialect offer different reasons to visit. Fishing, swimming and walks are the main activities at the lakes; events also bring together winemakers and music ensembles from Zagorje. When choosing a destination, you can therefore consider whether you are more interested in bodies of water, an event date or the landscape.

The Bedekovčina Lakes: fishing and time by the water

The Bedekovčina Lakes are interconnected, enclosed water systems up to five metres deep. Underwater vegetation and a fish population consisting predominantly of species from the carp family define their character. The ŠRD “Jezera” sport fishing club runs competitive fishing at the lakes in the disciplines of float fishing, carp fishing and perch fishing. Fishing is therefore a clearly defined aspect of the area, with several disciplines rather than just a general connection to the water.

Fishing is possible from 1 January to 31 December, provided there is no ice and a valid daily or annual permit has been purchased before entering the water. Check the rules and permit conditions before your trip. The lakes are also used for swimming and walking; seasonal conditions may affect these activities. The different activities therefore have different requirements: fishing depends on ice-free conditions and a valid permit, while swimming and walks shape the experience by the water.

Wine and music from Zagorje

The Zagorje Wine Fair and Exhibition takes place at the Bedekovčina Lakes at the end of May. It continues a tradition dating back more than half a century and brings together winemakers and winegrowers from Zagorje. Alongside activities by the water, the event offers a distinct perspective on wine and viticulture in the region. If you would like to plan your trip around this occasion, check the specific event date in advance.

The “Igrajte nam mužikaši” festival has a 50-year tradition. It brings together folk and popular music ensembles and soloists from Zagorje, who perform in the Kajkavian dialect. The two event themes are easy to distinguish: the fair focuses on wines and their producers, while the festival celebrates music and dialect. This may help you choose the cultural focus that best suits your trip.

Landscape and getting oriented

The Varaždin–Zagreb railway line runs through Bedekovčina. If you plan to travel by train, check the route against the timetable for your travel date. Another notable landscape feature is Strugača, also known as Komorska gora: the 375-metre-high mountain lies on the borders of the municipalities of Bedekovčina, Mihovljan, Sveti Križ Začretje and Mače, and the city of Krapina. Its steep slopes consist of Triassic dolomite. Both names refer to the same mountain; its elevation and geology distinguish it from the lakes’ water-related activities.

The wider destination of Krapinsko-Zagorska

In the wider destination of Krapinsko-Zagorska, the Krapina Neanderthal Museum offers another cultural highlight: its permanent exhibition is divided into 18 thematic sections. The Staro Selo Kumrovec open-air museum conveys the authentic appearance of a Zagorje village from the early 20th century and comprises around 40 restored buildings in the traditional style. These museum experiences broaden the picture beyond the lakes, events and landscape features of the Municipality of Bedekovčina.

Discover more destinations: Bedekovčina, Municipality of Krapina, Municipality of Hrašćina, Municipality of Krapinske Toplice, Municipality of Gornja Stubica, Municipality of Zagorska Sela, Municipality of Zabok, Municipality of Tuhelj

Back to the wider travel overview: Krapinsko-Zagorska.