Općina Jesenje: Trails, Cultural Heritage and Wine Traditions

At the northern foot of Strahinjčica lies Općina Jesenje. Local highlights include trails through the landscape, protected cultural heritage and wine traditions. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing the routes by their described courses: Hiking and Cycling Trail I passes through Gornje Jesenje and Lužani Zagorski, while Trail II passes through Brdo Jesenjsko and several hamlets.

Strahinjčica, Trails and Views

The Strahinjčica area in the municipality of Jesenje is part of the Natura 2000 site HR2001115 and is protected under the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. The trails in Jesenje lead through a landscape described as attractive and unspoiled, with medicinal plants and forest fruits.

Hiking and Cycling Trail I is 10.2 km long and is described as challenging for cyclists. It passes through the settlements of Gornje Jesenje and Lužani Zagorski, which belong to the municipality of Jesenje. Hiking and Cycling Trail II runs along the foot of Strahinjčica through Brdo Jesenjsko and the hamlets of Flaše, Cerinske, Donji Šaški and Srednji Šaški. Check the trail conditions locally.

The Gorica viewpoint in Lužani Zagorski lies along Trail I. From there, the view extends across the entire basin, bounded by Strahinjčica, Ivančica, Ravna gora and Maceljski gorje. The Neanderthal Trail in Donji Jesenje presents five themes: the cave, fire, tools, hunting and food. The themed presentation may have changed since then.

Cultural Heritage in Gornje Jesenje

The Church of St John the Baptist in Gornje Jesenje is listed as protected cultural heritage under registration number Z-3268. Its construction began in 1847 on the site of a chapel built in the mid-17th century. The two dates distinguish the construction of the church from that of its older predecessor.

Wine, Festivals and Community Life

The winemakers of Jesenje celebrate the traditional Martinje festival every year at the cultural centre in Gornje Jesenje. The occasion symbolically marks the transformation of must into wine. At the traditional autumn Kestenijada chestnut festival, local associations roast chestnuts while the Jesenje Winegrowers’ Association serves must and wine. Visitors can sample chestnuts, young must and wine prepared by members of the winegrowers’ association; the exact venue may vary from one edition to another.

Vineyards in the municipality of Jesenje lie at elevations of 350 to 400 metres; 48 hectares of the municipality’s area are planted with high-quality vines. These figures may change over time. The activities of the “Sv. Martin” Winegrowers’ Association in Jesenje include special events for the feast days of St Vincent and St Martin. The association also organises wine evaluations, expert lectures and excursions.

Getting Your Bearings Locally

A sign with a map has been installed in the centre of the municipality. A brochure with information and maps of the routes mentioned above has also been produced. Ask locally whether the brochure is available.

In the Wider Destination of Krapinsko-Zagorska

The wider destination of Krapinsko-Zagorska includes other distinct cultural attractions. The Krapina Neanderthal Museum presents its permanent exhibition across 18 thematic sections. The Staro Selo Kumrovec open-air museum conveys the authentic appearance of a Zagorje village from the beginning of the 20th century and comprises around 40 restored buildings of traditional design.

Discover More Destinations

Gornje Jesenje, Općina Kumrovec, Općina Zagorska Sela, Općina Oroslavje, Općina Donja Stubica, Općina Desinić, Općina Gornja Stubica, Općina Bedekovčina

Back to the wider travel overview: Krapinsko-Zagorska.