Municipality of Novi Golubovec: Veternica, Očura and Ivanščica

An ancient Roman road ran through the present-day area of the Municipality of Novi Golubovec, connecting the Krapina Valley with Ptuj via the Očura Pass. The municipality lies on the northern edge of Krapina-Zagorje County, directly on the border with Varaždin County.

Hills, gorge and valleys

The municipal area is predominantly hilly and mountainous. Strahinjščica lies in the northwest, and the Ivanščica mountain range in the northeast. The narrow, steep Očura Gorge separates the two; to the southeast, the Očura and Velika reka valleys are part of the municipal area. Ridges, a gorge and valleys thus shape distinct parts of the landscape.

The protected plants found on Ivanščica include mezereon, alpine primrose, Carniolan lily, snake’s head fritillary and winter aconite. The natural character of the area can therefore be described not only through its landforms, but also through specific named plant species.

Veternica: chapel and spiritual centre

In 1515, Beatrica Frankopanska gave the Veternica estate to the Pauline monks. In 1641, they built the Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary on their estate in Veternica. Its late Baroque altar of Our Lady of Sorrows dates from 1755. The chronology runs from the gift of the estate, through the construction of the chapel, to its later furnishings.

On 18 September 2011, the manor house in Veternica officially became the Spiritual Centre of the Diocese of Varaždin. Spiritual retreats are held at the centre, including “Vikend posta, molitve i šutnje”—a weekend of fasting, prayer and silence. Communities can reserve the centre. If a community or group cannot bring its own spiritual adviser, spiritual guidance can be arranged through the centre’s director. Check the availability of a reservation directly with the centre.

Culture and industrial history

The “Golubovec” Cultural and Artistic Association from Novi Golubovec has existed since the 1950s, with brief periods of inactivity. It takes part in numerous cultural events and folklore festivals in Krapina-Zagorje County, throughout Croatia and abroad. Its history links local beginnings with an area of activity extending far beyond the municipality.

The area’s industrial history is also part of its identity: the Golubovec Basin developed into a well-known mining district and an important energy reservoir. Novi Golubovec had the first public lighting in Zagorje, supplied by the mine’s own thermal power plant.

Cycling route and getting there

The “Okolicom Lobora i zapadne Ivanščice” cycling route passes through Gora Veternička. It is a 31 km circular route with 390 m of elevation gain and a difficulty rating of 3 out of 5. The route passes through wooded areas, with occasional climbs leading to viewpoints. The distance, elevation gain and rating provide different points of reference for planning your ride. Check the signage and route conditions before setting out.

There is a railway station in the municipal seat of Novi Golubovec. Check current train services separately before planning your trip around them.

Discover more destinations: Novi Golubovec, Municipality of Desinić, Municipality of Krapina, Municipality of Đurmanec, Municipality of Stubičke Toplice, Municipality of Bedekovčina, Municipality of Zabok, Municipality of Tuhelj.

See the wider travel overview: Krapina-Zagorje.