Municipality of Gornja Stubica: Trails, Culture and History

Gornja Stubica lies on the northern slopes of Medvednica Nature Park. For a trip to the Municipality of Gornja Stubica, hiking trail 34, the Slani potok educational trail and the historical sights in Gornja Stubica provide specific points of reference. The trails differ in how they are described: one emphasizes length and difficulty, while the other gives an approximate duration and a destination.

Hiking and trails around Gornja Stubica

Hiking trail 34 runs from Gornja Stubica through Slani Potok to the Ročićeva sjenokoša trail junction. It is 7.6 kilometres long and rated moderate, with a difficulty level of 3 out of 5. Check the current trail markers and conditions before setting out, as they may change.

The Slani potok educational trail starts in Gornja Stubica, by the Gupčeva Linden Tree. The walk leads to a medieval salt mine and takes about two hours; information boards are placed along the route. This lets you plan either around the stated distance and difficulty of hiking trail 34 or around the educational trail’s approximate walking time.

A walking and cycling route through Gupčev kraj runs in the Gornja Stubica area from Samci via Orehova Gorica and Pasanska Gorica to Banščica. For a different kind of point of reference, it is also worth taking a look at the Gupčeva Linden Tree itself: it is more than 400 years old, 9 metres tall and has a trunk circumference of 4.70 metres. It has been protected as a natural monument since 1957.

Oršić Castle, the museum and monuments

The Museum of Peasant Revolts is housed in the Baroque castle of the Oršić family, dating from the 18th century. Its permanent exhibition includes a section on the development of feudalism in Hrvatsko Zagorje. This connects the museum’s location with a subject that reaches beyond the history of the castle.

Beside the castle stands a 6.5-metre-high statue of Matija Gubec. Two symmetrical wings are each 20 metres long and 7.5 metres high; they are filled with bronze reliefs depicting more than 300 figures. St George’s Parish Church is also a protected cultural asset. Its features include three Baroque altars and a pulpit.

Another place of remembrance is the Rudolf Perešin Memorial Park in Gornja Stubica. It contains a statue of the pilot and a preserved MiG-21. The castle, statue, church and memorial park offer different ways to explore history and culture: from museum exhibits and sacred furnishings to a monument and a park connected with aviation.

Events and local themes

Jurjevo is a traditional, multi-day celebration held annually around 23 April in Gornja Stubica. The programme includes exhibitions, folklore performances, children’s folklore, concerts, church services and the lighting of a bonfire. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the dates for your intended visit.

The aviation event “Susreti za Rudija” is also held annually in honour of Rudolf Perešin. The Viteški turnir takes place once a year in the complex of Oršić Castle; check the dates and details before your trip.

Gupčeva Kestenijada is an autumn event held by the Gupčeva Linden Tree. At the 2025 edition, offerings included roasted chestnuts, mushroom goulash, chestnut desserts and a tasting of young wine. This selection describes the programme for that edition. There is also a fitness park at the NK Matija Gubec sports centre in Gornja Stubica.

Getting there and planning

The single-track L-202 local railway line connects Gornja Stubica with Zabok; local passenger services continue to Zagreb, Krapina and Varaždin. Service frequency is limited for tourist travel, so it is advisable to check the timetable in advance. Along with the different trail details and event dates, the railway connection is another practical aspect to consider when planning your stay.

Discover more destinations: Gornja Stubica, Municipality of Oroslavje, Municipality of Kumrovec, Municipality of Sveti Križ Začretje, Municipality of Hum na Sutli, Municipality of Novi Golubovec, Municipality of Tuhelj, Municipality of Krapinske Toplice.

Back to the main travel overview: Krapinsko-Zagorska.