Pedala: Kroz zapadno Zagorje do doline rijeke Sutle

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 (scale 1:35000) 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.

Through western Zagorje to the Sutla River Valley

The municipality of Luka, situated at the northernmost foothill section of the Zaprešić region, is only 24 km from Zagreb. This municipality is increasingly taking advantage of its natural beauty and agriculture to attract visitors oriented towards an outing in nature, one day excursions and sport and recreation. The centre of the municipality is dominated by the impressive neo-Gothic Church of St. Roch (Sv. Rok), one of the largest churches in the Zaprešić region. 1 After the centre of Žejinci at the 2.5 km mark from the route starting point, turn left at point 2 . Here you enter into the quiet, green valley of the Luka River. The windy road will lead you to point 3 . Riding through the Luka River valley is a special experience due to the large number of willow trees, with their specially shaped canopies, which make the landscape of flowery flooded meadows more beautiful. 4 The gravel road continues to wind through the lush valley criss-crossed with the rivers and streams. At the 6 km mark of the route, turn left at the intersection of two gravel roads. Before you is a 1 km 1st degree climb to the village of Domahovo – Vinkovići. You have climbed up out of the valley onto the ridge, where the route will provide you with the first lovely vistas over the entire region. 5 The gravel ridge road takes you past the sunny, steep slopes full of vineyards and vineyard huts. To the left, the view stretches all the way to the Samobor Mountains, while to the right and behind you is the view of Medvednica. At the 8.1 km mark of the route, you will enter into the village Domahovo – Treski. While riding straight through the village, pay attention to the traditional wooden village homes called hiža, painted blue. 600 m after the village, you will enter onto a paved road, here turn right towards the Church of the Mother of God of Strmec in Strmec. 6 Only 500 m further along the road, you will see a lovely chapel which dates back to 1898 on the right hand side of the road.

At the 10 km mark of the route, turn left at the intersection with the crucifix towards Požarkovec, while the road to the right heads downhill for Vižovljski Grad in Vižovlje. After a steep downhill section, you will arrive at point 7 at the 11 km mark of the route. On the next 1 km to Pisani Most (bridge), after riding on the ridge with the lovely views, you will again enjoy the greenness of the Brezina River Valley and the settlements of Donji and Gornji Požarkovec. 400 m from Pisani Most (bridge painted red and white), the gravel road begins again and you will begin a 500 m climb. At the end of the climb, you will arrive at an intersection of two roads. Continue straight at the crucifix. After 100 m, the paved road begins again and turn left at the intersection of two roads. Continue riding towards Lučelnica. Caution! Before entering onto the main road Luka – Klanjec and Tuheljske Toplice, you will encounter a steep downhill section which takes you to point 8 . Ride into the centre of Lučelnici and point 9 . After turning, the Chapel of St. Joseph is visible on the left side of the road. After 1.5 km we pass through Dol Klanječki, the place which marks the beginning of a 10% grade, 900 m long serpentine climb to the centre of Klanjec. Klanjec (263 m) is a picturesque Zagorje town situated at the saddle of the ridge which separates the Sutla and Krapina River basins. The town is 55 km from Zagreb and 6 km from Kumrovec. It was first mentioned in 1463 in the documents of King Matija Korvin, and was first mentioned as a town (oppidum) in 1598. Be sure to take time for a break on the charming main square of Klanjec and take a look around Klanjec and the surrounding areas. 10 Surrounded by vineyards on the slopes, Klanjec and surrounding areas offers unforgettable views over the Sutla River Valley. To the right in neighbouring Slovenia, in the well known Bizelj wine-growing region, the city walls of Bizelj Grad (398 m) near Orešja (first mentioned in 1441) dominate, as does Rošce Mountain, which is also known as Sveta Gora (Holy Mountain) due to its five churches. 11 We recommend you take a look at the Calvary behind the chapel of St. Florian. At the first intersection about 50 m after the chapel, take the left turn uphill, and after 700 m, you will arrive at a Y intersection where you will turn left again. Immediately after this, at the crucifix, continue riding straight along the ridge. 12 At the intersection with the paved road which approaches from the right and leads steeply downhill to Donje Gredice, it is possible to visit the Stara Vodenica rural tourism facility on the main road Kraljevec na Sutli – Klanjec.

After 600 m of riding along the ridge, continue straight through the intersection. At the next intersection with the crucifix, at the 21.2 km mark of the route, turn right onto the gravel ridge road. 13 After the chapel there is a 200 m downhill section along the gravel road which enters onto a paved road. This road heads 300 m downhill to the intersection of two roads. Turn right, and after 300 m turn left at the next intersection and head up the steep climb towards point 14. The road to the right leads downhill into Novi Dvori Klanječki. 14 After 500 m the gravel road begins. 15 The road straight leads for Lukavec Klanječki and descends into the Sutla River Valley. Our route continues to the left along the ridge and the panoramic local roads in order to extend the fantastic views over the Sutla River Valley a few kilometres. After 1 km of riding, continue to the right at the intersection and head uphill along the gravel road. Soon afterwards, you will come to another intersection, where you will continue straight on until you reach the crucifix at the intersection of three roads, where the pavement begins. Turn right at the crucifix towards the chapel you can see from the crucifix. 16 At the looking point at the 24.6 km mark, take a short break and enjoy the view of Kraljevec na Sutli and the Sutla River Valley. An old Roman road once passed through the Sutla River Valley, and today two roads wind alongside the railway tracks. The Sutla River is 92.4 km in length and the difference in altitude from its spring in the southern slopes of the Macelj Mountains above Prevoj is 369 m. From the confluence of the Sutla and Sava, Sutla runs through the valley in a virtually straight line for 30 km until it bends to the southwest in the Klanjec section towards Kumrovec, creating a beautiful gorge called Zelenjak. From the Chapel of St. Joseph, continue downhill for another 1.5 km. After a short climb, you will arrive at the intersection of three roads at the 26.2 km mark of the route. Continue to the right alongside the graveyard at Kraljevec na Sutli. 17 You have now entered into the border municipality, 10 km south of Klanjec, in the gentle landscape of the plains of this special land along the Sutla River. 18 Feel free to stop at one of the several inns and shops. At the next intersection, turn right. On the left is a sign for the Vukelić shop.

At the 27.6 km mark of the route, at the intersection of small roads in the middle of the field, turn right again. 19 The area around the Sutla Valley, at the settlements of Gornja and Donja Čemehovec, is criss-crossed by many small streams, and the route head straight down the road along one of the windy creeks. Take caution at the 29.4 km mark of the route, as you will pass over the railroad tracks! 20 Take caution again while crossing the railroad tracks. Continue riding about 2 km to point 21. Take caution, you are now entering onto the more heavily travelled road Dubravica – Klanjec. After 1.5 km of riding, you will arrive at point 22. After leaving Strmec Sutlanski, there is a long downhill section to point 23 In the Lučelnica River Valley, immediately following the welcome sign for Zagreb County, take a rest at the restaurant and family picnic area Dva potoka in Pluska. In addition to offering local specialties and a special atmosphere next to two burbling creeks, the picnic area also has a small zoo with deer, domestic fowl, moufflons, goats and other farm animals. A 4 km ride straight down the road to point 24 will slowly take us back to the starting point of the blue route in the centre of the municipality of Luka.

Technical description of the route

The route starting point is the parking-lot in the centre of Luka, on St. Roch's Square (Trg Sv. Roka). On this square are two shops, a school, the municipal government building and hospitality facilities. Continue straight alongside the church on the main road towards Žejinci and Veliko Trgovišće.
Turn left off the main road, Zagorska Street, onto Nikole Tesle Street.
At the Y intersection, continue to the right through the valley. To the left is a turnoff for the remains of the manor – old town of Vadina in the village of Petka.
At the intersection of two roads, turn left over the bridge onto the gravel road.
After the village Domahovo – Vinkovići, turn right at the intersection of three roads. Continue to ride on the gravel road along the ridge. Where the gravel ends, turn right onto the paved road towards the church.
Church of the Mother of God of Strmec in Strmec and its graveyard. The plateau next to the church is a looking point (276 m).
After the steep 2nd degree downhill section, turn right near the chapel at the intersection of three paved roads and head through the valley towards Pisani most. Cross the bridge and ride on to point 8 .
Caution! Intersection with the main road Luka – Klanjec and Tuheljske Toplice, turn right in Lučelnica.
Caution while turning! In Lučelnica, turn left at the turn circle for Klanjec next to the MTF Filko petrol station and Erdödy shop-café.
Centre of Klanjec, a suitable spot for rest and refreshment. In Klanjec, continue along Florijanova Street alongside the city library and the Stari hotel café. This road heads towards the southwest, constantly along the ridge.
Chapel of St. Florian (287 m) on the left side of the road. Gravel road begins.
Paved road begins. Continue left on the gravel road along the ridge.
Chapel of St. Phillip and Jacob (302 m) on the right side of the gravel road in the forest. Continue downhill alongside the chapel to the paved road.
At the intersection near the chapel, turn right onto the paved road, head downhill towards Bratovski Vrh. Pay attention to your speed as you descend as you are entering into a village.
After a gentle climb, turn left at the intersection of two gravel roads near the chapel.
Chapel of St. Joseph (256 m) on the right side of the road – a looking point.
Caution! Near the Chapel of St. Peter and the Matek shop and bistro, you will be entering onto the main and heavily travelled road Dubravica -Kraljevec na Sutli – Klanjec. Turn right towards the church.
Near the Church of the Holy Trinity in Kraljevec na Sutli, turn left for Donji and Gornji Čemehovec.
At the intersection of paved roads in the field near Sutla, turn left for Donji Čemehovec.
At the intersection, turn left towards Movrač. To the right is the local border crossing Čemehovec, better known as Figaro’s bridge. This is also the crossing point with the brown route.
At the intersection with the main road, at the crucifix and building with telephone booth, turn right in the direction of Strmec Sutlanski.
At the intersection with the road Kraljevec na Sutli – Dubravica, turn left for Strmec Sutlanski and Pluska.
At the intersection of two roads, continue riding straight along for Pušave and Pluska. To the left is the turnoff for Lučelnica, Klanjec and Tuheljske Toplice.
Intersection with the main road Zaprešić – Kupljenovo – Luka. Continue riding straight for Luka back to the route starting point.

Cultural-historical points of interest

Church of St. Roch, Luka, neo-Gothic church completed in 1864, one of the largest sacral structures of the Zaprešić region.
Old Town of Vadina - first mentioned in the 16th century, was the home of the noble families Depoczi, Bušić, Ožegović, Fodroczy, Modić and Bedeković. Today, only the ruins of the manor, in poor condition, are visible.
Church of the Mother of God of Strmec in Strmec, a late Baroque structure erected in 1772.
Vižovljski grad - Classical manor dating back to 1839, once owned by the families Galjuf, Eisner, the Agricultural Bank, and the Kralj family from 1922 to 1978. Today it is a private residence.
Old Town of Cesargrad (462 m) above Klanjec – first mentioned in 1399 when King Sigismund gave it to Earl Herman Celjski. It was inhabited back in the 17th century until the Erdödy family abandoned the town and built the Novi Dvori Klanječki in the Sutla River Valley. The Cesargrad hills at Klanjec is sharply cut off from the Kunšper hills in neighbouring Slovenia by the deeply cut course of the Sutla River, the well known Zelenjak and Mihanovićev valleys. You can reach the Cesargrad hills and the mountain hut at its highest peak Japice (509 m) by taking the marked hiking trails from the road Zagreb – Kumrovec (not directly on the route).
Sculpture Gallery with works by Antun Augustinčić, Trg A. Mihanovića 13, tel: 049 550 343, www.mdc.hr/augustincic, working hours: 01 April to 30 September from 9 – 17; 01 October to 31 March from 9 –15.
Monument to Antun Mihanović, erected in 1910. The work of Robert Frangeš Mihanović.
Parish Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Klanjec, built from 1630 to 1686, consecrated in 1655. The parish was established in 1789, the church inventory is from the period of the 17th to 19th centuries, home of the Erdödy family grave. Klanjec parish office, tel: 049 550 032.
Klanjec Franciscan monastery, Trg A. Mihanovića 11, tel: 049 550 032 (visitation by appointment).
Old or monumental graveyard – resting place for the greats of Croatian cultural tradition from Klanjec.
Chapel of St. Florian, Klanjec, first mentioned in 1690, current chapel built in 1742.
Point of interest – Calvary near St. Florian, erected in 1933 as a monument to 1990th anniversary of the death of Christ.
Museum of the Old Village of Kumrovec, tel: 049 553 107, www.mdc.hr/kumrovec (not directly on the route)
Chapel of St. Phillip and Jacob, Letovčan Novodvorski, first mentioned in 1690, constructed around 1802 in the Baroque style, inventory from the period 17th-19th century.
Chapel of St. Joseph at Kapelski Vrh above Kraljevac na Sutli.
Church of the Most Holy Trinity, Kraljevec na Sutli, parish established in 1789, and the church was built in 1836.

Accomodation and hospitality facilities

Zelenjak Inn and restaurant, Risvica1, Kumrovec, tel: 049 550 747, www.zelenjak.com (not directly on route)
Terme Tuhelj (Thermal Springs), Tuheljske Toplice, tel: 049 556 224, www.terme-tuhelj.hr (not directly on route)
Stara vodenica rural tourism facility, Gredice 32 near Klanjec, tel: 049 550 577 (not directly on route)
Dva potoka rural tourism facility and picnic area, B. Masnjaka 122 – Pluska, Luka, tel: 3393 484, www.restoran-dvapotoka.hr
Sever Winery, Kumrovečka 3, Klanjec, tel: 049 550 180
Bistro Broz (culinary offer), Lijepe naše 24, Klanjec, tel: 049 550 669
Bistro Turist (culinary offer), Trg mira, Klanjec, tel: 049 550 036

Service information

Zaprešić Tourist Board, Trg žrtava fašizma 9, tel: 3310 309, www.zapresic.hr
Klanjec Tourist Board/City Library, Trg A. Mihanovića 2, tel: 049 550 235, 500 817, www.klanjec.hr, www.tz-zagorje.hr
Zaprešić Health Clinic, Pavla Lončara 1, tel: 3310 061
Klanjec Health Clinic, Trg mira 9, tel: 049 550 281
Klanjec Pharmacy, Trg mira 6, tel: 049 550 171
Klanjec Border Police, tel: 049 201 610
Zagrebačka Bank, branch office and ATM machine, Lijepe naše 37, tel: 049 550 310
Klanjec Post Office, Lijepe naše 22, tel: 049 550 019
Keko Tire Repair Shop, Lijepe naše 32, Klanjec, tel: 049 550 048
MTF Filko Petrol Station – Zaprešić, Lučelnica 39, Lučelnica, tel: 049 550 014
Cesargrad Mountain Hut, open Sundays and holidays, Damir Vrabec, mobile: 098 929 83 05

Authors: Lidija Mišćin, Robert Rigo
Published: November 2004.

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