Pedala: Along the steep hills of the Zelina wine road and the shady trails of the Zelina Mountains

This route is a part of Zagreb County Cycling Network project run by Tourist Board of Zagreb County. We are recommending that together with this description you are using published/paper map number 10 (scale 1:40 000) which can be obtain from office of Tourist Board of Zagreb County, Preradovićeva 42, Zagreb, Croatia, www.tzzz.hr. Please contact office for map delivery.

Route description

This bicycle route is intended to acquaint riders with the steepest hills of the Zelina wine-growing region. The challenge of the many steep climbs and descents is well worth it due to the magnificent viewing points and fine wines. This route is also very interesting as it leads you from the main square in the centre of Sveti Ivan Zelina, popularly called Plac (meaning Marketsquare), to the heart of the Zelina Mountains (or Zelinska gora, about 7 km one way) and one of the loveliest viewing points on Mt. Ivaniščica in Hrvatsko Zagorje, with the grassy slopes near the mountain hut on Kladeščica. The route begins on the main square 1 in Sv. Ivan Zelina in front of the parish Church of St. John the Baptist. This is an ideal start point for the route as you can stock up on refreshments in the nearby shop and have a coffee in one of the cafes on the square while planning your route. The route heads uphill from the square along Bocakova Street alongside the fire hall to the left and the health clinic to the right. After 600 m, you will reach the intersection 2 . At the blue house called Vila Silva, turn left onto Mačkovićeva Street. From this intersection, following the hiking signs, riding downhill into the village, through the narrow street; take caution, the street has poor visibility so adjust your speed. At the end of the downhill section, you will reach a Y intersection 3 . Take caution while turning right onto the busy Zelingradska Street and continue along to the Y intersection 4 , 2 km from the route starting point. Here, the route continues to the left uphill. To the right is a gravel road which is turnoff D which heads towards the Zelina Mountains (Zelinska gora), the archaeological site of the medieval Zelingrad and the mountain hut on Kladeščica, and its fantastic viewing point mentioned earlier. From this turnoff, the route takes you about 5 km on a light but constant climb up a gravel road to the mountain hut. If you decide to continue along the blue route, you'll head uphill along the road with several sharp serpentine turns. At the top of the climb in Jušilanki, your efforts will be rewarded with a magnificent view of the Zelina wine-growing hills and the neighbouring town Vrbovec off to the left in the distance. After a short break and enjoyment of the scenery, continue riding along the ridge of the hill past family homes and weekend homes.

Pass through the village of Gornje Psarjevo. At the intersection with the crucifix, the road to the right leads to well known wine-maker Stjepan Puhelek-Purek. We recommend you try his Kraljevina or the well known Sauvignon of Croatia's first wine queen, his daughter Nataša Puhelek. After the chapel with the crucifix, you will begin a steep descent. Take great caution while descending to the T intersection at the 4.4 km mark of the route. Adjust your riding speed to the road conditions and your riding abilities. At one of the serpentine turns on the descent, a right turn leads you to the Kukovačec Winery. After the downhill section, you will come to an intersection of two roads. Take a look to the right at how the Chapel of St. George in Psarjevo Gornje dominates the hill. The church is situated in a deep cut between two slopes of the hill and from this angle you have to look hard to see it. At this intersection, turn left and ride over the bridge, continue along the route to the Y intersection 5 where there is a shop and a social hall. Turn right at the intersection and head over the bridge and continue climbing in the direction of Nespeš. These truly are fantastic sections! The idyllic landscape delights again and again as the road passes through the vineyards and past wine huts, and the views are unforgettable. After 6.5 km, you will enter into Nespeš. You will see the Chapel of St. Joseph on the left hand side of the road; continue straight to the Nespeš Manor on the left hand side of the road, next to the elementary school. Today this is owned by the Badel company. The wine cellar in the Nespeš Manor is well known as many premium archive wines are kept here for foreign diplomats in nearby Zagreb. Take a rest next to the manor before continuing on the ride. 6 After a short rest and refreshment from the local shop, the route continues straight along the road through the valley. To the left of the road is the Kos–Jurišić Winery, and a little further down is the Kos family winery. Both families are very kind and open to guests, with lovely wine tasting rooms and excellent wines and sparkling wines. Visits are best by appointment, as the families work in the vineyards when they are not at home. Right after the Kos family winery, get ready to take a sharp left turn off the main road uphill 7 onto Radnička Street.

A steep though short uphill climb will lead you to the village of Kršaki. Continue along the right road when you see the crucifix on the left hand side. To the right in the distance, one can spot the Chapel of St. Anthony from the turn of the 19th century on the hill above Blaškovec. A ride through Hasanov breg will lead you to the Y intersection 8 in the village of Skujići. This is the 10.5 km mark of the route, though you will feel as though you have passed much more after all the steep, but beautiful climbs. Turn left at the intersection. You will begin a gentle climb on the road towards Hrnjanec and the votive Chapel of St. Vitus 9 . At the intersection with the votive chapel on the right hand side, continue riding straight along the road. If you continue on, you will come to a steep downhill section; take caution as the road is very narrow. After this, you will leave the picturesque, hilly landscape of Hrnjanec. At the T intersection, 13 km from the route starting point 10, turn right and continue along the road leading through the valley towards Donja Zelina. Take caution at the intersection, for this is a busy road. You will enter Donja Zelina after 16.2 km of riding. 11 Take extra caution when crossing the busy old Varaždin road! At the intersection, turn right and continue along the sidewalk to the next intersection, where you will turn left onto Sv. Nikola Street named after the parish Church of St. Nicholas in Donja Zelina. After the church, you will come to a steep uphill climb through the woods, so push on! At the end of the steep climb, turn left at the T intersection and ride along the wonderfully panoramic road through Goričanec towards Sveta Helena. This section of the route is a reward for all the effort to this point, as the views of the hills, fields and meadows surrounding you for the next few kilometres are certainly relaxing. Upon entering the village of Sveta Helena, turn left at the T intersection 12 at the 20 km mark from the route starting point and continue straight to the next T intersection with the chapel. Here turn left onto the gravel road towards the nearby Mikšić Manor, which is unfortunately in poor condition today, and the Chapel of St. Helena with the lovely altar of St. Helena. The meadows surrounding the manor and the chapel offer a bench as an excellent place for a short break. Stop and breathe in the smells and absorb the sounds of the nearby fields. After a rest, head downhill towards the intersection near the Sveta Helena highway interchange 13. Here turn left, but very careful while crossing this busy intersection. After the intersection, ride carefully along the short section of this busy road. You will soon come to a T intersection. Here turn right and continue over the overpass in the direction of Mlaka and Rakovec. After crossing this highway, the route heads down a road through the fields and woods towards Rakovec.

Rakovec is the centre of the municipality of the same name, and the parish Church of St. George dominates the municipality. Turn left at the Y intersection at the 27 km mark of the route 14 towards Krečaves. Here you will ride on the same stretch of road as on the brown route, which heads from Komin to Rakovec via Salnik. Before point 15 you will see a gravel turnoff at the left bend in the road for "Jokobanja" (which could literally be called: "shower in the field"), a thermal water spring which is said to have medicinal properties and which the locals have been visiting for years. But take care, the water can sometimes be very hot and someone is always showering! In Krečaves, turn right at the intersection with the Chapel of the Heart of Jesus on the right side of the road. This is an area of beautiful villages with preserved architecture. In Novo Mjesto, be sure to stop at the late Romanesque Chapel of St. Peter dating back to the 13th century. Novo Mjesto is at the 32.5 km mark of the route. Turn right off the main road at the Y intersection 16 onto a smaller road. Soon after the Y intersection, the road turns into gravel. Here you can choose to take a right turn onto turnoff C towards the Mokrice fish-pond. The large and well maintained lake is a great spot to take a breather, but please respect the peace and quiet of the local fisherman's society. The gravel section of the route offers a lovely view left over Zelina or north towards the church in Komin. The gravel section ends at the village of Nizeki where a gentle downhill section about 200 m long brings you to a T intersection with a chapel at the 34.5 km of the route. Caution, you will again be turning onto a busy road! Turn right. After 500 m, turn left at the Y intersection in Donje Polonje 17 and head over the overpass towards Hrastje and Zelina. In Hrastje, take care while crossing the road 18 and continue straight past the fire hall. At the intersection at the 37.5 km mark in the village Črečan, turn left. After a short uphill section to the gravel road, you will come across a Y intersection; turn right here and head uphill. At this intersection, the blue route crosses the red route coming from Zelina and continuing onto Donje and Gornje Orešje. A little further on is turnoff A which leads to the viewing point next to the Chapel of the Holy Spirit in Vrtače. The blue route continues along Mate Žigrović Street and Toplička Street to the intersection with Vladimira Nazora Street. After the intersection, continue to the right, riding cautiously uphill to the intersection 19 where you will turn right onto Ivana Žigrovića Street in order to avoid the main street through Zelina. Žigrovićeva Street is very steep, meaning that you will have to push hard to get to Bocakova Street. Here turn left and enjoy the gentle descent to the centre of Sveti Ivan Zelina where this picturesque route along the Zelina wine-growing hills and the Zelina Mountains ends. To reward yourself before heading home, find refreshment in one of the lovely bistros on the main Zelina square, popularly called Plac, and plan your next route in the Zelina area.

Technical description of the route

The route begins from the centre of Sveti Ivan Zelina in front of the parish Church of St. John the Baptist. Parking lot.
Intersection of Bocakova and Mačkovićeva streets. Turn left at the intersection. Following the hiking signs.
Caution! You are heading onto a busy road. Turn right at the intersection with Zelingradska Street.
Y intersection, continue towards the left uphill. To the right is a good gravel road, which is turnoff D for the Zelina Mountains (Zelinska gora), the medieval Zelingrad and the Kladeščica mountain hut (about 5 km along the gravel road).
Y intersection, continue right over the bridge and follow the traffic signs for the Zelina Wine Road.
T intersection, continue riding straight along the road.
Y intersection, take a sharp left turn uphill onto Radnička Street. Continue riding up the steep hill.
After the downhill section, take a left turn at the Y intersection and continue riding uphill in the direction of Hrnjanec.
At the intersection, continue riding straight along the Chapel of St. Vitus on the right hand side of the road heading towards Suhodol Zelinski.
Caution! You are heading out onto a busy road. At the T intersection, turn right in the direction of Donja Zelina.
Caution! Intersection with the very busy old Varaždin road. Turn right at the intersection and then left onto Sv. Nikola Street, and towards the church in Donja Zelina.
T intersection, turn left and continue towards the centre of Sveta Helena.
Caution! Very busy intersection with the main road towards the highway. Turn left at the intersection.
Turn left at the Y intersection in the centre of the Rakovec municipality.
Turn right off the main road at the Chapel of the Heart of Jesus at the T intersection.
Turn right off the main road at the Y intersection and continue towards turnoff C for the Mokrice fish ponds.
Turn left at the Y intersection and continue in the direction of the highway and the highway overpass.
Caution! Continue straight across the road at the intersection with the busy old Varaždin road.
Turn right uphill off the main road at the T intersection onto Ivana Žigrovića Street. The steep incline takes you to Bocakova Street, and a left turn will take you back to the church in the centre of Sveti Ivan Zelina where you started.

Cultural-historical, ethnology and natural points of interest:

Church of St. John the Baptist, Sveti Ivan Zelina, Parish office Sv. Ivan Zelina, Bocakova 7, tel. + 385 1 2060 878. This medieval church with the bell-tower with medieval Gothic profiles was added on to and given a Baroque feel in about 1720. Selected artefacts from the Baroque period in Croatia include: the pulpit ornamented with Baroque decorations and numerous sculptures by Klaudius Kautz in 1726; the christening font from 1761 with rococo ornaments and angel statues; the main altar by Zoratti: St. John the Baptist christens Christ; motives from the main altar, beginning of the 20th century; stone statue of Mourning Mary by an unknown artist from the 17th century. The blessed Alojzije Stepinac was the parish priests here for 3 months in 1933. The parish court is also home to a valuable old library, including several of the fundamental books of Croatian publishing, including authors: Belostenec, Mulih, Katarina Zrinska.
Zelina Museum, Sveti Ivan Zelina, Trg Ante Starčevića 13, Sveti Ivan Zelina, tel. + 385 1 2061 544, 2013 686, muzej@zelina.hr, www.zelingrad.hr
Zelina Wine Hall, Sveti Ivan Zelina, large selection of wines from the Zelina wine road and travel agency offering tours through the Prigorje region. Travel Agency Vita Tours, tel. + 385 1 2013 686, 091 5680 313, www.vita-tours.hr
Zelingrad, Zelinska gora — the medieval keeper of the roads, on the ridge to the left of the forest road towards Kladeščica. It was first mentioned in 1295 in the network of fortresses of the Moravče parish. It is an interesting fact that the clergy of the Čazma Diocese saved the exceptionally valuable archives and precious artefacts when fleeing before the Turks, which remained here from 1540 to 1601 before being transferred to Zagreb. It changed many hands through the course of history: Bičkele, Zapolja, Petar Palffy and Pavao Kerečeni. It is first mentioned as a ruin in 1635. In recent years, it has been under ownership and management of the Zelina Museum. In cooperation with experts, this is the site of archaeological research, restoration of the medieval city and various cultural and artistic events relating to the Middle Ages. For more information, please see www.zelingrad.hr.
Chapel of St. George, Gornje Psarjevo — it is not known exactly when the chapel was built, though it likely dates back to the Middle Ages. The chapel contains elements of the transition period between the Romanesque and Gothic, while the Baroque is most present. The main altar of St. George is particularly interesting, created by a talented sculptor sometime between 1660 and 1670. Managed by Parish office Sveti Ivan Zelina.
Nespeš Manor, Nespeš — the manor is surrounded by vineyards. The Nespeš estate has been known since 1295, though it was abandoned in the 16th century. The village was restored in the 18th century. The manor, which has lovely Classicist ceiling paintings, was called “Švarcovina” by its last owner and today it has been restored by its new owner, the company Badel 1862 Zagreb.
Church of St. Nicholas, Donja Zelina — built in the 17th century and consecrated in 1678, the church underwent restorations in 1930 and 1989. The church inventory and a pulpit dates back to the 19th century and certain items ordered in the early 20th century from Zoratti in Maribor. The organ has a rococo motif and dates back to the 18th century. The sanctuary is home to the tombstone of Joannes Domjanić from 1667. Next to the parish courtyard, the Chapel of St. Anne stands out, constructed in 1858, with an oil painting of St. Anne by an unknown artist. Parish office Donja Zelina, tel. + 385 1 2065 143, bell ringer: Ankica Marković, tel. + 385 1 2066 346.
Mikšić Manor, Sveta Helena — a castle was erected in the first half of the 19th century in the place where an older manor once stood. It belonged to the families Adamović – Čepinski, Hellenbach, and at the end of the century to the Mikšić family who restored the manor. Today the northern section is inhabited while the southern part is unfortunately going to ruin.
Chapel of St. Helena, Sveta Helena — has a lovely position on the hill, therefore making it known as a defensive hideout to the local populations even back in the time of the Turkish wars. The chapel is from the Gothic period and was restored in 1866 when the stained-glass windows with the crests of the chapel patrons were added, and the crests were also added to the patrons' pew. The main altar of St. Helena by Albert Seekstein, dating back to the turn of the 20th century, stands out amongst the sacral artwork. Parish office Donja Zelina.
Church of St. George, Rakovec — parish office: Rakovec 58, tel. + 385 1 2798 013, parish priest Franjo Mrvčić. Rakovec has been known as a feudal possession since the 13th century. It has changed hands among numerous greats: Ivaniš Korvin, Zrinski, Erdödy, the Zagreb Archdiocese and others. In 1435, Rakovec received trading privileges and at the end of 1495, construction of the fortress began. In the 15th century, this became a fortified town and a trading town in the 16th century. During the Turkish raids, this was the only fortress that did not fall. The old fortress was allegedly destroyed in the peasant's revolt of 1755. The Church is of the Gothic style and was given a Baroque look in adaptations in 1750. It was restored in 1973-75. The original Baroque inventory has been preserved: altars of St. George, St. Anthony, St. Barbara, St. Maria Magdalene and St. Bartholomew. The well known writer Tituš Brezovački was the chaplain here for a time.
Chapel of St. Peter, Novo Mjesto — the church has a bell-tower on its facade, reinforcements on the corners, a Gothic cross-shaped arch in the sanctuary and Romanesque shaped windows. According to the stylized engravings, the church is predominantly Romanesque with certain Gothic stylistic elements. Next to the Chapel of St. Michael (Sveti Mihalj) in Samobor, this is the oldest sacral structure in the Zagreb County. It was once the court church of the landholders and nobles, seen by the gallery above the entrance where the great men would observe the mass. The church also offers preserved medieval frescos from the 14th and 15th centuries, with apostles on the sanctuary walls, while the very rare motives of the stump of Jesse. This was a parish church in the 16th century and from 1574, was listed as being “empty”, without a parish priest. The Chapel has undergone two renovations, in 1667 and 1678 and in 1898 and 1913. Managed by Parish office Sveti Ivan Zelina.

Accommodation, hospitality facilities and sport and recreation:

Inn - restaurant Milenij, Filipovići 1F, Komin, tel. + 385 1 2067 713, 2067 712
Inn - restaurant Šumski dvor, Hrastje 1B, tel. / fax: + 385 1 2067 302
Kladeščica Mountain Hut (460 m), Zelina Mountains (Zelinska gora), Mountaineering club
Zelina, excursion resort and accommodation, tel. + 385 1 2061 544, open by announcement, e-mail: muzej@zelina.hr
Restaurant – excursion resort Ljubekov gaj, Smrndići 10, Blaževdol, tel. + 385 1 2065 755, 2065 754
Restaurant Tonček, Komin 13C, tel. 01 2067 606, 2067 181
Jarec – Kure Winery, Munđakova 6, Biškupec, tel. + 385 1 2060 363, www.vina-jarec.com.hr
Stjepan & Nataša Puhelek Winery, Gornje Psarjevo 152, tel. + 385 1 2069 051
Kukovačec Winery, Gornje Psarjevo 123, tel. + 385 1 2069 050
Kos – Jurišić Winery, Nespeš 8, tel. + 385 1 2043 491
Kos Winery, Hrnjanec 110, tel. + 385 1 2069 251, www.vina-kos.com
Zdravko Puhelek Winery, Fučkani 22, tel. + 385 1 2065 494
Nikola and Dražen Smrndić Winery, Blaževdolska 99, tel. + 385 1 2065 756
Branko and Nada Čegec Winery, Marinovec Zelinski 24, tel. + 385 1 2060 927
Kušić Family Farm, Psarjevo Donje, Psarjevo Donje 11, tel. + 385 1 2069 375, www.gospodarstvo-kusic.com
Tavern – grill Zdenec, Drenova Gornja 1D, tel. + 385 1 2069 788
Pizzeria 4M, Šulinec 4A, tel. + 385 1 2062 339
Cafe Plac, Trg Ante Starčevića 9, tel. + 385 1 2058 464
Buffet, Renome Klub, Turkovčina 3, Bedenica, tel. + 385 1 2064 100
Bistro Marija, Rakovec 29C, tel. + 385 1 2798 034
Snack bar Mali raj, Rakovec 29, tel. + 385 1 2798 018

Service information

Sveti Ivan Zelina Tourist Board and the Zelina Museum, tel. + 385 1 2061 544, www.zelina.hr
Zelina Bicyclists Club SIC, Gajeva 11, mob. 091 515 5859 (Mario Dukarić), www.klub-sic.hr
Town offices of Sveti Ivan Zelina, Trg Ante Starčevića 12, tel. + 385 1 2060 022, 2060 024
Sv. Ivan Zelina police station, Zagrebačka 30, tel. + 385 1 2060 106
Sv. Ivan Zelina Health clinic and ambulance, Bocakova 5, tel. + 385 1 2060 314
Sv. Ivan Zelina post office, Zagrebačka 3, tel. + 385 1 2060 406
Sv. Ivan Zelina shop and grocery, Trg Ante Starčevića 5, tel. + 385 1 2065 010
Antolković Tire repair, Hrastje 70, GSM: + 385 (0)98 616 927
ATM bank machines ZABA and PBZ, Trg A. Starčevića 2, HVB-Splitska i RBA, Trg A.Starčevića 14 I 5
INA Petrol station, Zagrebačka bb, tel. + 385 1 2060 260
Municipality of Bedenica, Bedenica 112, tel. + 385 1 2043 550
Bedenica post office, tel.+ 385 1 2064 490
Shop Bedenica-Promet, Bedenica 138, tel. + 385 1 2064 330
Municipality of Rakovec, Rakovec 54, tel. + 385 1 2798 005
Health clinic Rakovec, Rakovec 52, tel. + 385 1 2798 105
Rakovec post office (ATM bank machine), Rakovec 54, tel. + 385 1 2798 419
Mobaco shop, Rakovec 144, tel. + 385 1 2798 105

Authors: Lidija Mišćin and Robert Rigo
Published: September 2006.

If you notice any changes on route, which are not introduce in route description, please inform us about changes on email: rigo@pedala.hr