Nedelišće: Printing History, Ceker Craft and Nature

Nedelišće combines a distinctive printing history with a living Ceker craft tradition and a protected natural monument. For those considering the town as a travel destination, it offers a range of points of interest: literary and church history, a thriving craft tradition, nature and cycling.

Printing History and Church Art

In 1574, Ivan Pergošić’s “Decretum,” the first printed book in the Kajkavian language, was published in Nedelišće. The printer Rudolf Hoffhalter printed the work in Nedelišće after being invited to do so by Juraj IV Zrinski. This history gives the town a tangible connection to the region’s early history of printing and language.

The church also features striking art-historical details. It contains a six-metre-high Gothic custodia, created by an unknown late Gothic stonemason. It also houses a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes, considered the oldest of its kind in Croatia. The printing history and sacred artworks offer contrasting points of interest: an early printed book on the one hand, and stonework and sculpture in the church on the other.

Ceker Tradition, Nature and Regional Cuisine

The Ceker tradition is kept alive in Nedelišće, where women artisans make and decorate Cekers. The Cekara Festival on 28 March 2026 included an exhibition of handmade Cekers and workshops led by experienced women artisans. This programme looks back at the 2026 edition; no date for a future edition can be inferred from it.

Among the town’s natural features is Platana u Nedelišću. It is considered the oldest protected natural monument in Međimurje and one of the largest plane trees in Croatia. Forests, streams and canals, along with rich flora and fauna, characterize descriptions of the Nedelišće landscape. Thus, craft and nature stand alongside printing and church history as distinct themes in the town.

Restaurant Martin is associated with Međimurje specialities, including Turoš, meat preserved in a wooden barrel and međimurska gibanica. Menus and operating status may change; check before visiting.

Cycling and Sports Facilities

The Hrastov hlad cycling route is 31.59 kilometres long, rated easy, and runs on asphalt and gravel roads. The start and finish are at Maršala Tita 60 in Nedelišće. The route length and rating provide concrete guidance for planning your ride; check local trail conditions before setting off.

Sport Hub Nedelišće includes a fitness centre and a wellness centre with a sauna, Jacuzzi and solarium. Information published in December 2024 also mentions a specialised gymnastics hall and a multi-purpose sports hall. The multi-purpose sports hall is suitable for gymnastics, handball, basketball, volleyball, badminton, five-a-side football, as well as cultural or business events. Confirm the current facilities and public access before your visit; you should also check in advance which programmes are currently running.

The Wider Destination of Općina Nedelišće

For the wider regional context, the larger destination of Općina Nedelišće is significant: it has more than 100 kilometres of cycling and walking trails, as well as more than 20 natural, cultural, historical and sporting attractions. These figures refer to Općina Nedelišće, not just the town of Nedelišće.

The other places mentioned also have their own attractions. In Dunjkovec, within the wider destination of Općina Nedelišće, the historical collection “Štrekari” is located in the railway station. Texts, photographs and objects tell the story of railway workers and their lives since 1860, as well as the period when Croatia’s first railway began operating in this area. In Gornji Hrašćan, visitors can forge coins at Horvatova kovačnica. At Medeni vrt in Črečan, visitors can see bee habitats and learn about how honey and natural bee products are made. For walks, the wider destination of Općina Nedelišće is also known for Šetnica Slakovec, also called Majuško španceranje; check local conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Slakovec.

Go to the wider travel overview: Općina Nedelišće.