Discover Turke: cycling route, Kupa River and church traditions

Turke lies on the western bank of the Kupa. There are two different perspectives to consider when choosing this destination: the Gorski Kotar cycling traverse through the upper Kupa Valley and the town’s church traditions. If you are looking for a hotel, this distinction can help you first decide what brings you on your trip. Would you like to combine Turke with cycling and river scenery, or are you more interested in the parish church and religious celebrations? Both topics provide concrete points to help you decide.

Cycling route and orientation

Turke lies on the Gorski Kotar cycling traverse between Brod na Kupi and Tršće. For a cycling trip, the town’s position between these two destinations is also a point of reference. A state-road route also runs through Parg, Čabar, Hrvatsko, Turke, Gašparci and Brod na Kupi. It provides additional orientation through several named places. This lets you distinguish the cycling traverse from the route along the state road when planning your trip.

River scenery and activities

The cycling corridor through Turke follows the upper Kupa Valley. This is considered a biologically rich “valley of butterflies,” home to more than 100 species of diurnal butterflies. Rapids and river beaches in the upper Kupa Valley offer opportunities for swimming. There are fishing spots near the village of Turke. The locations of these waterside activities therefore differ: fishing spots are near Turke, while swimming opportunities are found across the wider valley area. You can connect a visit to the town with cycling, an interest in butterflies, or waterside activities. To understand the geography, it helps to consider the scale: the parish church is located in Turke, while butterflies and swimming opportunities are associated with the upper Kupa Valley.

Parish church and history

The parish church of the Holy Cross is located in Turke. In 2025, the 130th anniversary of the present-day parish church was commemorated. An earlier reference point is the Našašće Svetog Križa celebration in May 2020, which marked the completion of the first phase of the parish church’s restoration. Pilgrims from several other parishes took part in the celebration. The restoration phase and the anniversary mark two distinct milestones: in 2020, the focus was on the first phase of the restoration; in 2025, on the history of the present-day church. Those interested in church history can consider the two occasions separately.

Traditions as a reason to visit

Another tradition in Turke is Jakovska Sunday, which has been observed for generations. Vehicles were blessed as part of the 2025 celebration. This is one specific element of the religious occasion.

Consider what will shape your trip and whether you would like to plan it around a particular celebration.

Discover more destinations: Guče Selo, Gašparci, Delnice, Podgora Turkovska, Golik, Brod Na Kupi, Zamost Brodski, Crni Lug

For the main travel overview: Općina Delnice.