Discover Međimurska: River Landscapes, Culture and Wine

Međimurska can be explored through a range of themes: museum exhibitions in Čakovec, wetlands along the Mura and Drava rivers, and cycling and wine routes. This lets you shape your trip around your own interests—whether you are drawn to cultural history, nature or outdoor activities.

Cultural History and Oral Traditions

At the Treasury of Međimurje in Čakovec, the multimedia exhibition is divided into the sections “Century of the Fortress” and “Miniatures.” The “Miniatures” exhibition presents the intangible heritage and oral traditions of Međimurje. These include traditional crafts, protected language groups, customs, folklore, mythology and tales of supernatural beings. Together, these themes offer insight into different forms of regional tradition.

The permanent exhibition “Centuries of Fortification” focuses on the fortress of Čakovec: it explores its development and original purpose, as well as its defensive system in the Middle Ages and early modern period. This means two distinct perspectives sit side by side in the same museum—the history of fortification and intangible heritage with its stories and customs.

Agriculture is also represented by an institution in Međimurska: the Dr. Rudolf Steiner Centre in Donji Kraljevec is Croatia’s reference centre for implementing the national programme for biodynamic agriculture.

Wetlands along the Mura and Drava

The Mura-Drava Regional Park covers 16,980.34 hectares within Međimurje County, equivalent to 19.42 percent of its total area. Particularly important wetland habitats include riparian forests and wet meadows, as well as oxbow lakes, abandoned riverbeds and meanders. Gravel bars and steep, erosion-formed banks are also part of the landscape. The area is therefore characterised not only by forests and meadows, but also by the varied landforms along the rivers.

In Donja Dubrava, the 1,750-metre-long “Vrata Pažuta” forest educational trail is intended for pedestrians and cyclists. It is one of the access routes to the protected riparian forest and the special ornithological reserve “Veliki Pažut” at the confluence of the Mura and Drava rivers. The trail’s length and the named natural areas give the outing a clear framework.

Cycling Routes and a Viewpoint

The Cyclist-Welcome network in Međimurje includes 888 kilometres of cycling routes on and off paved roads. As routes may change, it is worth checking the latest route information before setting out. The flat cycling paths along the Mura and Drava are suitable for families and leisurely rides. The Pušipel Trail offers a different option: a 53.9-kilometre circular route through the landscape of the Međimurje Wine Road.

The observation tower on Mađerka Hill can also be described in specific figures: it is 27 metres high. Climb 104 steps to reach the roof platform at an elevation of 361 metres. Alongside the cycling routes, this gives you a viewpoint and a measured climb as distinct features to consider when planning your trip.

Wine and Regional Agriculture

There are around 30 family-run wineries along the accessible Međimurje Wine Road; this number may change. The wineries in the HORTUS CROATIAE group offer wine tastings and the option to buy their wines directly on site. As visiting arrangements may change, check the latest visitor information in advance.

When planning your trip, you can choose different areas of focus: the museum exhibitions lead from the history of the fortress to oral traditions, while the river landscapes, cycling routes and wineries offer further themes for your stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Mursko Središće, Sveti Martin Na Muri, Municipality of Selnica, Municipality of Orehovica, Municipality of Sveti Juraj Na Bregu, Municipality of Gornji Mihaljevec, Municipality of Vratišinec, Karlovac County.

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