Bukovec: Landscape along the Međimurje Wine Road

Bukovec is one of the small settlements at the eastern end of the Međimurje Wine Road. The hilly landscape is characterized by groves, gardens, orchards, and vineyards. The wider travel area includes the Municipality of Selnica; its cultural history, events, and natural attractions add to the picture of Bukovec.

Bukovec’s Landscape and History

The school in Bukovec opened in 1941, initially in the family home of Ivan and Juraj Dvanajšćak. This links the history of the settlement to a specific historical date and its first location.

In the wider Međimurje travel area, fruit brandy is part of the region’s identity. The tradition is associated with orchards, family businesses, and skills passed down through generations. Family businesses in Međimurje also produce honey, pumpkin seed oil, fruit brandies, and aromatic white and red wines. This culinary background complements the landscape of gardens, orchards, and vineyards.

Culture in the Municipality of Selnica

The history of the Municipality of Selnica spans a range of topics and periods. Oil production in Selnica continued until 1952; the Selničko oil field is considered one of the oldest oil fields in the world. The parish church of St. Mark in Selnica is mentioned in a parish register of the Diocese of Zagreb, drawn up on August 9, 1334.

In Selnica, the Šardi Vintage Car Museum displays more than 100 exhibits in its permanent exhibition. These include historic cars, tractors, motorcycles, and other means of transport. Museum visits must be arranged in advance, so do not plan to drop in without an appointment.

The Selnički pikač is the only traditional mask from Međimurje included in Croatia’s Register of Cultural Goods. At Pikač Day in Selnica, visitors can weave a rope from straw; the event takes place on the third Saturday in July. Check the specific date for your travel year. The FICKO Festival in Selnica is also dedicated to Međimurje brandies: it features educational activities, workshops, and international evaluations. Check the festival dates when planning your trip.

Nature and Cycling in the Wider Travel Area

Ribnjak kod Selnice is a public excursion area accessible by car, offering nature experiences, relaxation, picnics, and social gatherings. The Ribnjak Selnica fishing area is characterized by clean water, willows, alders, poplars, maples, reeds, and green meadows. This highlights both its use as an excursion area and the landscape around the fishing area in the Municipality of Selnica.

For a cycling trip in the Municipality of Selnica, the L17 Rudarska MTB loop offers useful details for planning: it is 17.70 kilometers long and rated moderate. The route passes through Selnica and by the Selnica retention basin. Asphalt makes up 54 percent of the route and gravel 46 percent, so asphalt predominates slightly.

The Municipality of Selnica is also a point of reference for longer-distance travel: it lies on the important European transport corridor E65 and near the EuroVelo Iron Curtain Trail (Route 13) and Baltic–Adriatic Route (Route 9). Before setting out, check the current route alignment and cycle-path signage, as well as road conditions.

Discover more destinations: Praporčan, Donji Koncovčak.

Back to the main travel overview: Municipality of Selnica.