Pedala: Through the Kupcina Creek Valley to the Soaice plateau

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 1:40000) 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

From the parking lot in Krašić, head along the road towards Strmac Pribički, and immediately at point 1 and the petrol station, turn right towards the green hills of Pribić. After 500 m of riding, you will cross the Kupčina River for the first time across a charming old iron bridge. Take a short break and enjoy. The first light climb after the bridge ends in an intersection where you will turn left. At the next intersection with the chapel, turn right at house number 46a and head uphill. This is a slightly steeper climb. After 200 m, turn left at the intersection with the old well, and after another 100 m, turn left again at house number 53. Yet another left turn at house number 61, which also marks the end of this climb. Cardinal Franjo Kuharić was born in the village of Pribić. Pribić is also known for the finely preserved traditional rural architecture of this region. There are many wooden houses with carved balconies called ganjci, which even today are richly decorated with flowers. The view over Krašić from the left hand side of the road at Pribić is worth a short break to enjoy the beauty of this region. If you look towards the chapel on the hill in the distance, you will see that this is the Chapel of the Holy Cross and the Lović looking point (476 m) from the blue route. You will begin now to descend gently down the ridge road, all the way to the Y intersection where you will continue on the right road alongside house number 85. Turn left uphill 100 m further at the crucifix.

Following is a pleasant 1 km downhill section down the windy road with a view of Pribički Strmac and the court of the Orthodox Catholic Bishop and the neo-Byzantine Chapel of St. Mary on the islet. At the 3.6 km mark, near the fireman’s building, turn left onto the road towards the Church of St. Sixtus in Pribić Crkveni. From the church, keep on the left road all the way to point 2 and the intersection with the main road. On the right hand side of the road is a Konzum shop and bistro. About 400 m from point 2 , you will arrive at an intersection, where you will continue along the left road along the Kupčina River, until you reach the turnoff road to the right for Dol and Slavetić. In this way it is possible to connect bicycle map number 4 with map number 5 which ends at Slavetić. After a 2 km ride, you will reach an intersection where you can turn right for the Slapnica River Canyon. Continue on this circular route straight through Medven Draga alongside the Medven family manor and the Nature Park Ranger Station. Accommodation is available in the Medven family watermill on the Kupčina River only 800 m further away.

From here, continue straight along the road to the settlement of Kostanjevac, 4 km away, which is also the centre of the Žumberak municipality. At Kostanjevac, you can take a short break in the local bistro Mateo or stop by the Deško commercial fishpond and grill. At point 3 , head left on the main road for Sošice. Turnoff F is a constituent part of route 6, where it is described in detail. The route leads on along the main road through Tupčina and Oštrc, all the way to Sošice. From here, the climb up to Sošice (568 m) is constant. At Tupčina, stop for a break at the Tena Inn-Grill, or 2 km further at the Oštrc local restaurant Izletište Oštrc of the Stanišić family, open on weekends. At the 17.7 km mark of the route, turnoff G (to the left from the route) is at house number 49. This turnoff is a 4 km shortcut along a gravel road. Considering the poor condition of the gravel road, we recommend you take this turnoff only with great caution! At the 21.6 km mark of the route, at Reštovo Žumberačko, on the right hand side of the road you will pass by the birth house of Tadija Smičiklas, Croatian historian and politician. The settlement of Sošice, unlike the typical Žumberak villages spread about among the hills or nestled in the river valley, is situated in the broad valley of the Sošice plateau. This settlement is dominated by two churches one next to the other – the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Peter and Paul and the Roman Catholic Chapel of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Worthwhile visiting is the ethnographic collection of the Žumberak region, located in the Convent of the Sisters of the Order of St. Basil the Great in Sošice. In the vicinity of Sošice you can visit the Jazovka Pit and the Sopotski waterfall.

Take a break and find refreshment at the Radić Ilas and Žumberak inns. From here, the marked hiking trails and road for Sveta Gera begin. Accommodation is possible by appointment in the Vodice mountain hut and in the abovementioned inns. From point 4 , the route heads left about 3 km uphill to the village of Kordići Žumberački. To the left is a lovely view of Sošice. At the 27 km mark of the route, at point 5 take the sharp left turn for Visoče, watch out for the road sign. At point 6 at the T intersection, continue to the right downhill. At the 28.6 km mark of the route, there is spring water tap suitable for drinking on the right hand side of the road, and the connection to the road for shortcut G . At the Y intersection which follows, turn left into Balići. There is a steep downhill section all the way from Balići to the turnoff for Budim Vivodinski, and it is necessary to take caution and check your brakes. We also recommend you stop every now and then to take in the magnificent view stretching all the way to Klek in Gorski Kotar, for this section of the route’s viewing points is truly special. The flat areas near the chapels along the way are suitable places to stop. At the Y intersection at the 30.2 km mark of the route, turn right and at the intersection with the turnoff for Dojutrovica, continue straight along the road. You will soon arrive at the village of Radina Vas. At the Y intersection following Radina Vas, at the 31.6 km mark, turn left. At the next turnoff to the right for Brezje, again continue straight along until you reach point 7 , where there is a sharp left turn for Budim Vivodinski. It is necessary to take caution and look out for the turn due to the downhill section and fast riding.

This section of the route is cross-country (off-road) through forests and fields, it is more difficult in terms of orientation and has more climbs. It is possible to walk and push your bicycle along the old local, somewhat grown over, but visible road (path). Its total length is 4.5 km. The road is lovely as it heads along the ridge, but is difficult due to the mountainous terrain. An alternative route is the downhill section through Belošići to the main road Vivodina – Krašić and continuing along the final section of the blue route all the way to Krašić, about 12 km away. If you decide to be adventurous and continue along the off-road section through Budim Vivodinski, there is 2.3 km of paved road from the intersection to Budim Vivodinski. At the intersection at house number 16, turn right on the dirt road through the vineyards and forests towards the village of Galin. At the Y intersection at the end of the vineyard, continue to the left, and turn left again at the following T intersection. At the 36.8 km mark, ride or push your bicycle down the gentle descent through the woods. You will then enter into the village of Galin. You will exit at the intersection near the crucifix. Here turn right and continue riding downhill along the paved road. At the Y intersection following the short downhill section, turn left for Oštrc and Prvinci following the sign. Here you will begin to climb. 8 At the end of the ascent, turn right at the Y intersection and continue along house number 51 towards Krajačići and Prvinci. You will arrive at a crucifix, where you will continue riding straight, again along the dirt road that begins here. At the T intersection, turn left for Prvinci.

At the 38.8 km mark, you are at the village of Prvinci, turn left at the T intersection near house numbers 11 and 6 with its crucifix. Ride along the short paved section of the road and you are again on the dirt road heading towards Konjarić Vrh. At the 39.3 km mark from the route starting point, you will arrive at the Y intersection with the crucifix at Konjarić Vrh, here turn right and head downhill. Take caution as this is a steep downhill section. From here you are back on the paved road, which continues all the way to Krašić. 9 At the intersection with the crucifix, turn right and head downhill for Jezerine. After the steep downhill section, you will enter into the village of Barovka, where you will immediately come upon point 10, the intersection with the main road for Krašić in Jezerine where you will turn left. Take a rest and find refreshment in the local bistro and shop at Jezerine 13. Continue riding along the main road, follow the description under the blue route for the section from Jezerine to Krašić.

Technical description of the route

At the intersection with the main road Krašić – Strmac Pribički, turn right in the direction of Pribić before the petrol station near the Krašić Agro Centre.
At the T intersection with the main road in Strmac Pribički, turn right and continue riding towards Kostanjevac.
Intersection of roads for Stojdraga, Bregana and Samobor to the right and Sošice to the left. Continue riding along the road to the left across the bridge in the direction of Tupčina, Oštrc and Sošice.
Y intersection with crucifix at Sošice, continue driving along the left fork uphill towards Kordići Žumberački and Radatovići. The road to the right leads to the centre of Sošice, and then on towards Sveta Gera, Blaževo brdo, Jazovka Pit and the Sopotski waterfall.
Caution at the intersection. It is necessary to take a sharp left turn from the main road in the direction of the signs for Visoče and Petruš Vrh.
At the T intersection, continue riding to the right. To the left, alongside the Chapel of St. John the Baptist, there is a turnoff for the village of Visoče.
Reduce your speed on the continuous downhill section at about the 33 km mark of the route, and watch out for the sharp left turn onto the narrow paved road for Budim Vivodinski (the turn sign is visible only from the opposite direction going uphill).
Y intersection, turn right and continue along house number 51 in the direction of Krajačići and Prvinci.
At the T intersection with the crucifix at Konjarić Vrh, turn right and head downhill for Barovka and Jezerine. Caution on the descent!
Intersection with the main road Vivodina – Krašić at Jezerine, turn left and continue towards Krašić.

Cultural-historical values along the route

Kupčina River Valley, meandering and widest near Krašić, is the most significant and most beautiful water course of the Žumberak mountain region. From its source under Pliješ peak and the karst plateau Blaževo brdo, it runs about 20 km to Krašić. The well known Sopotski waterfall, near the settlement of Sošice and the village of Sopote, falls twenty metres through forest and brush to the old mill and is one of the most westerly source arms of the Kupčina River. The tributaries to the Kupčina are small, clear, fast running streaks which pass primarily through forested regions, as well as through the Žumberak karst and the rocky landscape. One of the largest tributaries to the Kupčina is the Slapnica River, with its 10 km canyon of the same name, includes two waterfalls and several caves, thus creating a special natural and protected area. This canyon can be visited as part of bicycle map number 6.
Church of St. Sixtus, Pribić Crkveni, according to some erected already back in 925 at an Old Christian site. Certain the oldest church in this area that was under the authority of the Zagreb Kaptol. It was mentioned as the parish church on the parish lists in 1334 and 1501. The church exterior is in the medieval architectural style. A special feature of the church is the polygonal bell tower erected in 1653. Similar bell towers can be seen in Slovenia, while in this region they are present only in Sošice, Volavje and Petrovina. The robust bell town covers the church façade. The entrance into the church, recessed between the massive walls of the bell tower, leaves a particularly vivid impression. The bell tower was erected while the church was under the patronage of the Zrinksis, shortly before their estate was confiscated and handed over to the Greek Orthodox bishops, who received property in Strmac Pribićki.
Complex of the Greek Orthodox bishop’s court and Chapel of St. Mary, Strmac Pribićki – Strmac Pribićki was first mentioned as an estate in 1444. Thanks to the Zagreb Bishop Martin Borkovića, in 1678 the old hunting manor of Petar Zrinski was handed over the Greek Orthodox Bishop Pavao Zoričić, who also erected the Greek Orthodox seminary in Zagreb at Gradec. In return for maintaining that seminary, Emperor Leopold gave him the confiscated estate of the Zrinski family at Strmac Pribićki. Later, the Marči Bishops, Zoričić’s successors, hid here when they were forced to flee. In 1751, Gabrijel Palković transferred the church seat here after the monastery in Marči, near Ivanić Grad (1739) was burned to the ground. This was the seat of the Greek Orthodox Church until the diocese was moved to Križevci. Their stay here was a great influence for the building of Greek Orthodox churches in this region. The neo-Byzantine Church of the Annunciation of Mary, built upon a picturesque islet in the fishpond, was constructed in 1911 at the request of Bishop Julije Drohobecki, according to the plans of architect Stjepan Podhorski.
Chapel of the Mother of God of Dol, Dol – on the turnoff after Strmac Pribićki which heads through Dol towards Slavetić, this chapel, visible as you approach from the Kupčina River Valley, is situated in an impression location on a hillside at the top of a staircase. This is a great sanctuary to the Mother of God and the faithful make their pilgrimage here on the Feast of the Assumption (15 August). The beauty and value of the church makes a visit worthwhile. The octagonal bell tower was erected upon the model of the one at Volavje, and is visible throughout the entire region. It was erected between 1740 and 1753 in the location of an old parish chapel. The wife of Petar Zrinski collected money from the nobles of the area the construction and completion of the chapel. This is best seen in the preserved and richly made Baroque inventory. The altar, organ and lovely Rococo pulpit (1767) are among the most valuable sacral inventory of the 18th century. The chapel is decorated with wall paintings, which today are one of our significant painting series (1776-1780). The influence of the strong Paulist seat in nearby Svetice near Ozalj is felt in the broad landscapes, the lively characters and the pastel Rococo colours.
Medven family manor with watermill, Medvenova and Čunkova Draga. Engraved above the front door of the house is the year 1868. The home was constructed in the tradition fashion, with the ground floor in stone and the upper floor in wood.
Church of St. Peter and Paul, Sošice – erected from 1750-1775. Situated right next to the church is the Roman Catholic Chapel of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary from the 17th century, which was renovated in the 19th century.
Ethno collection of the Žumberak region, Convent of the Sisters of the Order of St. Basil the Great, Sošice, tel: 01 6297 559 – Greek Orthodox convent built in 1939. The sisters in particular nurture the traditions of the Žumberak region and maintain this valuable ethnographic collection.
Jazovka Pit (site of the WW II mass grave), road from Sošice to Sopote village, prayer gathering 22 June every year.
Chapel of St. John the Baptist, Visoče – built in 1905 in the traditional form of sacral architecture at the turn of the 20th century. There are two other interesting chapels in Visoče, St. Nicholas the Seaman from 1935 and a second in the historical style with a small altar displaying the Lamentation over the death of Christ.

Accommodation and hospitality facilities

Vodice Mountain Hut, near Sošice, accommodation, HPD Dubovac, Karlovac, tel: + 385 1 3362 725
Family Medven water mill and manor on the Kupčina River, Čunkova Draga 8, Kostanjevac, accommodation, tel.+ 385 1 6270 665, 6270 347
Bistro Mateo, Kostanjevac 5, Žumberak, tel: + 385 1 6271 282, 6297 081
Deško Commercial Fishpond–Grill, Kostanjevac 32a, Žumberak, tel: + 385 1 6272 060
Tena Tavern-Grill, Tupčina 2, tel: + 385 1 1 6297 038, + 385 98 41 55 49
Oštrc Tavern-Grill of the Stanišić family, Tupčina bb (Oštrc), tel: + 385 1 6297 099, + 385 91 6297 099
Radić Ilas Inn, Sošice 15, Sošice, accommodation, tel: + 385 1 6297 518
Žumberak Inn, Sošice 17, Sošice, accommodation, tel: + 385 1 6297 537
Cafe and shop In, Jezerine 13, Jezerine, tel: + 385 1 6270 221

Service information

Krašić Tourist Office, Krašić 101, Krašić, tel. + 385 1 6270 910, 4846 690 e-mail: krasic@tzzz.hr; zumberak@tzzz.hr
Ozalj Tourist Office, Kurilovac , Ozalj, tel: + 385 47 731 196, www.tzkz.hr
Jastrebarsko Police Station, Ivane Brlić Mažuranić 1, Jastrebarsko, tel. + 385 1 6281 033
Ozalj Police Station, Kurilovac, Ozalj, tel: + 385 47 731 024
Jastrebarsko Health Clinic, Ulica kralja Tomislava 29, tel. + 385 1 6281 282, 6281 153
Ozalj Health Clinic, Kolodvorska St., Ozalj, tel. + 385 47 731 002
Petrol petrol station, Kurilovac, Ozalj, tel: 047 732 444
OMV Istrabenz petrol station, Karlovačka cesta, tel: 047 731 744
Bađek bicycle repair shop, Kolodvorska 18, Jastrebarsko, tel: 01 6293 043
Penić tire repair shop, Karlovačka cesta, Ozalj, tel: 047 731 333
Bank ATM machines – Zagrebačka Bank, Braće Kazić 4 and 7, Jastrebarsko
Bank ATM machines – Karlovačka Bank, Braće Radić Square, Ozalj
Bank ATM machines – Privredna Bank, Braće Radić Square, Ozalj

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