Along the Sveta Nedelja hills and plains
Zagreb County

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 1:25000) 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.

Introduction

Sveta Nedelja is a picturesque municipality situated along the Zagreb-Samobor-Bregana-Slovenia highway, 6 kilometres from Samobor and 17 kilometres from Zagreb. It was first mentioned back in 1501 as one of the parishes of the Zagreb Archdiocese. From 1760 to 1787, the parish priest was the creator of the first Croatian arithmetic Mihalj Šilobad Bolšić. The parish Church of the Most Holy Trinity, situated on a hill in the heart of the main settlement of the Sveta Nedelja municipality, gives the municipality a recognizable landmark. The municipality is the most populated in Zagreb County, and is also the most developed with a strong economic base. Though the municipal economy is developing rapidly, the need to preserve the natural diversity and cultural wealth of the area have not been forgotten, and these elements, their maintenance and improvement have also been included in the tourism offer of the municipality. Attractive are the fertile cultivated fields lying in the Sava River Valley and lakes – Orešje and Rakitje are both excursion sites and fishing areas. The hilly region of the municipality, dominated by the Sveta Nedelja hills, are criss-crossed with orchards, vineyards, numerous family homes with lovely yards, small forests and many glades offering a unique view of the cities of Zagreb and Samobor, as well as the city of Zaprešić on the eastern shore of the Sava River.

Route description

The ride along the Sveta Nedelja hills. the first bicycle route in the region of the municipality of Sveta Nedelja is a short and exciting ride, full of dynamics and impressions to be left upon you by the natural beauty and sights along the lovely although demanding route. The ride begins in the centre of Sveta Nedelja  1  right next to the parish church. There is a parking lot in the centre where it is suitable to leave your vehicle. The route continues along the paved road towards Brezje. This section of the road is quite travelled, so beware of traffic.  2  In the village of Brezje, turn right at the intersection with the crucifix, 0.7 km from the route starting point, towards Jagnjić Dol. Soon after turning, about 200m from point  2 , you will come upon a Y intersection where you will turn left. At the intersection, you will see the restaurant Colonada. The route continues along the road, with fields on the left hand side and vineyards on the right. 2 km from the route starting point, you will enter into the village of Jagnjić Dol and ride along Sveta Nedelja road. At the Y intersection in Jagnjić Dol (2.6 km from the starting point), turn left and continue on towards Mala Gorica. In Mala Gorica, ride along Ljudevita Gaja Street past the T intersection with the chapel and bus stop.  3  At the Y intersection of Ljudevita Gaja Street and Sv. Marije Magdalene Street, 100 m from the T intersection, turn right.

At Topolina, turn left at the Y intersection  4  and continue along Sv. M. Magdalene Street. Soon after the intersection, the gravel road begins. The very first metres of the gravel road reveal much of the beauty and wonder of the Sveta Nedelja hills. 4.6 km from the starting point, you will begin a short but steep uphill climb, which will bring you to the ridge of the hills just under the Chapel of St. Mary Magdalene and the viewing point over the surrounding area. Take a look at the view towards Okić, the ridge of the Samobor and Žumberak mountains. The Chapel of St Mary Magdalene  5  is an excellent place for a well deserved rest. The route continues along the road towards Lackovići Gornji. In rainy conditions, the dirt road can be muddy, so be prepared for an extra adventure. ln the interests of safety, we recommend that recreational riders pass this section by pushing their bicycles. At the 5.5 km mark from the starting point, you will arrive at a T intersection. Continue along straight to the short but steep climb. You will soon arrive in the village of Lackovići Gornji. Turn right at the intersection with the paved road.  6  From here, the route continues along the breathtaking ridge, upon which you will feel as though you are in a plane. Spreading out steeply beneath you, are the settlements of the Sveta Nedelja municipality. To the far left you can see Samobor, up ahead is Zaprešić, while Zagreb under Medvednica Mountain is to your right.

The road leads into a short uphill climb before beginning a constant downhill descent towards the village of Svetonedeljski Breg. In Svetonedeljski Breg, turn left at the intersection, and follow the road downhill. You will soon arrive at the Y intersection with the chape. 7.5 kilometers from the route starting point, where you will continue to the left into the steep downhill section. To the right of the intersection is a gravel road. As you continue down the descent  7 , you must adjust your speed to the road conditions, as there is a serpentine turn with poor visibility at one point. The road is two-way and therefore use caution as you descend. After the downhill section and the serpentine turn, you will arrive at a Y intersection with Sopot Street. At the intersection, turn left and continue on towards Sveta Nedelja. The route continues to take you downhill. You will soon arrive at a T intersection  8  of the main road and Vladimira Nazora Street, which leads you downhill to the intersection. At the intersection, turn right and after 150 m,you will enter into the centre of the Sveta Nedelja municipality where this "short but sweet" ride ends. Take a rest on one of the bistro terraces on the main Sveta Nedelja square and again experience your just completed ride, this time white sitting comfortably in a shade.

Technical description of the route

Cultural-historical values along the route

Accommodation and hospitality facilities

Service information

Authors: Lidija Mišćin, Robert Rigo
Published: May 2005.

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