Discover Pavlovec Zabočki

Pavlovec Zabočki combines a cultural connection to the area with a clearly defined hiking route. The four-kilometer-long Ksaverova staza leads from Zaboky Selo to Picelj; one of its starting points is at the Chapel of Our Lady in Pavlovec. This makes both the chapel and the trail associated with writer Ksaver Šandor Gjalski central to planning your trip. Other cultural and natural sites in the area complete the picture of the region.

Hiking the Ksaverova staza

The Ksaverova staza is an educational hiking trail over the hills above Gredice. It follows paths once used by writer Ksaver Šandor Gjalski. The cultural connection is therefore not limited to the route’s name: its course also links to Gjalski. The trail runs from Zaboky Selo to Picelj and is four kilometers long in total.

The landscape around Balaškov brijeg and Picelj has historically been characterized by orchards, vineyards, and farmland. This historical context is part of the picture of the trail: it describes the landscape in the past, not necessarily its present-day state. The route thus combines its literary connection with a landscape whose former use is also part of its story.

Chapel of Our Lady in Pavlovec

The Chapel of Our Lady is located in Pavlovec, beside the Sitnica stream and on the main road. Older residents date its construction to around 1890 and name Petar Tomek as its benefactor. Both the approximate date and the attribution of the donation are presented as oral tradition. During the traditional Way of the Cross on Good Friday, the chapel is the 13th station.

The chapel was extensively restored in 1997 and is considered to need restoration again. Check its condition before visiting. Its history thus includes both its traditionally reported construction date and a much later restoration—two distinct stages in the development of this small religious building.

Gjalski Castle and other nearby sites

Gjalski Castle is located in Gredice Zabočke, between Gubaševo and Pavlovec-Zabočki. It is considered the home of writer Ksaver Šandor Gjalski. The castle was built around 1772 on the site of a manor dating back to the 16th century; it was reconstructed in the 1990s. Today it houses Hotel Dvorac Gjalski and a restaurant. Its cuisine offers home-style cooking associated with the flavors of Hrvatsko Zagorje.

The hotel also has a wine shop and seminar rooms, as well as a large summer terrace. There is also a children’s park in the castle grounds. Nearby, Poučni park Picelj showcases native tree and shrub species of Hrvatsko Zagorje. These places broaden the cultural perspective on Pavlovec Zabočki to include castle history, regional flora, and other nearby offerings.

Events and getting around

Zaboky Selo consists of three cottages with terraces surrounding a large courtyard. The courtyard is intended for weddings and themed bachelorette parties. A direct form is available for reservations and booking inquiries; you should coordinate event planning before arrival. Zaboky Selo also offers catering for events, with ingredients from family farms and dishes prepared according to traditional local recipes. This service may also require advance arrangements.

For road directions, ŽC2195 is a specific reference point: it runs through Pavlovec Zabočki along the Zabok–Gubaševo–Veliko Trgovišće corridor. Together with the hiking route, the chapel, and nearby cultural sites, this gives you a more complete picture of the destinations to consider when choosing where to stay.

Discover more destinations: Zabok

For the broader travel overview: Općina Zabok.