Municipality of Mihovljan – Thermal Water, Landscape and Cultural Heritage

At the southern foothills of Ivanščica, the Municipality of Mihovljan reveals itself through its landscape, cultural heritage and regional traditions. Valleys and a protected landscape area shape its natural features, while Sutinske Toplice adds a thermal water destination. Historical remains of the Stari grad Mihovljan estate, a chapel in Kuzminec and local cultural offerings complete the picture. You will find a range of points of interest for your trip, from landscapes and architectural history to folklore and events.

Landscape and Thermal Water

The Municipality of Mihovljan stretches across the southern foothills of Ivanščica. The area is shaped by valleys running north to south. The waterways include Sutinčica, also known as Sutinska, Graberje and Šikad. Their names give the landscape a tangible character, while the valleys’ shared orientation provides a broader framework.

The “Sutinske toplice” landscape protection area is protected as an important landscape. It covers 117.42 ha, was placed under protection in 1980, and lies within the Municipalities of Mihovljan and Mače. The designated protected area therefore extends beyond the target municipality.

Sutinske Toplice is located in the settlement of the same name, which today belongs to the Municipality of Mihovljan. The water temperature is stated to be between 31.3 and 34.4 °C. Two distinct natural features thus come together in the municipality’s landscape: the valley waterways and the warm waters of Sutinske Toplice.

Estate and Sacred Architecture

Today, only a curia and an outbuilding remain on the hill from the former Stari grad Mihovljan estate. The outbuilding is in a dilapidated condition. These surviving structures give the former estate a tangible architectural presence; the outbuilding’s dilapidated condition is an explicit part of how it looks today.

The Chapel of St. Mary Magdalene stands in Kuzminec. Built of stone, it features Gothic details and a painted interior. It is considered to have significant architectural and cultural-historical value. Its features range from the stone construction and Gothic details to the interior design. For travelers interested in sacred architecture, the chapel is a specific point of interest within the Municipality of Mihovljan.

Folklore and Local Events

KUD Mihovljan preserves Croatia’s rich folkloric cultural heritage, particularly the traditions of its home region. The “Stara mihovljanska hiža” Ethno Collection is considered one of the recognized attractions of the Municipality of Mihovljan. In this way, folklore preservation and the collection represent two distinct aspects of local cultural life.

The Municipality of Mihovljan’s infrastructure includes a promenade along the Sutinsko stream. As part of Miholjski dani, an International Bagpipe Festival is held, with bagpipe players from various European countries. Thus, both a place along the stream and a musical event with international participation are among the municipality’s featured attractions.

The 2024 Miholjski dani program also included a Kotlovina cooking competition, followed by a tasting of the prepared dishes. The event combines the competition with a chance to sample the dishes together, offering a specific glimpse into that year’s festival program.

Discover more destinations: Municipality of Jesenje, Municipality of Stubičke Toplice, Municipality of Zabok, Municipality of Marija Bistrica, Municipality of Kumrovec, Municipality of Veliko Trgovišće, Municipality of Gornja Stubica

View the broader travel guide: Krapinsko-Zagorska.