Pedala: Past the wooden churches and chapels between the Kupa and Sava Rivers

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 1:55 000) 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

The route begins in 1 Pisarovina at the parking lot right next to the petrol station. Pisarovina is a good starting point due to the easy road access, several shops and hospitality facilities. We begin the ride heading south along the somewhat heavily travelled road Pisarovina – Jamnička Kiselica. Pay attention to trafficsafety. At the 1.3 km mark from Pisarovina, at the intersection with the crucifix 2 turn left for Dvoranci. Immediately after the turnoff onto the less travelled road, you will experience the first views of lovely rural landscapes which will become more common as the route continues. At the 3.9 km mark from the route starting point, you will reach the wooden Chapel of the Most Holy Trinity in Dvoranci. Take a short break, climb up to the small plateau in the chapel courtyard and enjoy the beautiful view over the fields, meadows and parish Church of St. Martin in Jamnica Pisarovinska. At the Y intersection near the chapel, continue riding to the left in the direction of Čačkovići. At the 5 km mark, ride through the dense forest that looks like a tunnel made of the tree crowns. Upon leaving the forest at the 6.1 km mark, you will come on a T intersection with a crucifix 3 where you will turn left, pass through Čačkovići, and then ride slightly downhill towards Mala Lučelnica creek. After passing over the creek, you will begin a slight climb towards Škrinjarići. In Škrinjarići, pass the Y intersection with the new chapel and continue riding on the left fork. At 9.8 km, near Vugrinići, you will come upon two Y intersections, one right after the other 4 . At the first is a concrete crucifix raised on a high pedestal in which there is a sculpture of Jesus in the niche, 1932. Here continue straight along, while at the second intersection 50 m further, turn left off the paved road onto the gravel road heading into the forest.

Continue riding along the wide gravel road towards Lučelnička šuma (forest). Upon leaving the forest, at the 12.7 km mark, there is a Y intersection with a crucifix where you will continue straight along the paved road. You will quickly come upon a T intersection with the main road from Pisarovina, so take care in joining traffic and turn right onto the road in the direction of Lučelnica. The road takes you gently downhill. At the 13.7 km mark, there is a T intersection 5 where you will turn left for Salajec and Havidić Selo. Adjust your speed while turning and on the windy downhill section on rest of the route. At the same intersection, it is possible to continue take turnoff A , which will take you about 5 km along the main road with a few downhill sections and one steep uphill climb to the wooden Chapel of the Holy Spirit in Lučelnica. When riding towards the chapel along the main road, you will pass by the "Sunčev zračak" cafe, where you can ask for the keys to the chapel. If you continue to ride along the circular bicycle route, the idyllic vistas over well preserved villages and windy roads will open up before you. There are several steep climbs and descents, while the gravel road begins at the 15.7 km mark. Continue riding through the forest to Havidić Selo where the gravel road ends and you will again be on the paved road. Pass over the bridge and you will soon arrive at a Y intersection of a paved and gravel road. Turn right here, the road to the left continues along the Havidička road. Ride along the gravel road past fields and meadows which, depending on the time of year, are filled with colourful flowers. After 300 m, you will reach a T intersection, where you will turn left uphill towards Gornji Bukovčak. After G. Bukovčak, you will arrive at yet another T intersection, where you will continue to the right, and a Y intersection where you will take the left road (the road to the right leads to the main road to return to Vukomerić and Lučelnica).

At the 20.3 km mark of the route, you will arrive at a Y intersection 6 with a war monument. Turn left at the intersection to continue along the bicycle route. You can also turn right here onto turnoff B which leads about 2.5 km to Dubranec and the parish Church of the Mother of God of the Snow. The forests in the vicinity are filled with elderberry trees, which blossom in May and June, and the air is filled with the characteristic pleasant fragrance. Soon afterwards, about 100m after the intersection at point 6 is a Y intersection where you continue to the right. Follow the signs for the weekend settlements of Dubranec and Lučelnica. Right near the intersection on the left hand side, in the small glade on the hill, is the lovely Chapel of St. Catherine with its characteristic appearance like a mausoleum. The plateau near the chapel has several benches and is an excellent place for a short break in the pleasant shade. The road continues along the gravel road through the weekend settlements along the ridge of the hill. On the right, you can see Dubranec and the parish church. At the 22.7 km mark, you will arrive at a Y intersection where the circular bicycle route continues straight along the left fork, while the road to the right takes you onto turnoff C which leads about 2 km to the wooden Chapel of St. Anthony of Padova in Gustelnica, which is certainly worth a visit (keep to the left on every intersection on the turnoff in the forest). If you continue along the circular route, at the 25.4 km mark, on the right hand side of the gravel road, you will see a sign for the "Izvor života" drinking water spring which is to the right in the forest, only 20m from the gravel road. Fill your water reserves at this spring, and continue riding along the gravel road to the south. The gravel road continues through the forest which offers wonderful shade on hot and sunny days. At the 26.3 km mark of the route, you will arrive at a Y intersection in the forest 7 where you will continue to the right along the slight descent on the gravel road. To the left is the road for the settlement of Čakanec.

Continue riding along the wide gravel road, and you will soon arrive at Cvetković Brdo near the wooden Chapel of St. Rocco. At Cvetković Brdo, turn right at the Y intersection with the crucifix 8 onto the paved road and continue riding down the gentle descent. Follow the paved road, cross the bridge, and 150 m from the bridge turn left onto the gravel road 9 . To the right is a paved road leading uphill to Lendarići and Jerebići. The ride along the gravel road is very pleasant and relaxing due to the wonderful landscape you are passing through. There may be some large mud puddles after rain, but the road is passable. Ride along the gravel road about 600 m, and then you will arrive at an intersection with a paved road. Here turn left and continue riding towards Lukinić Brdo. Cross the bridge across the Kravarščica stream. On the right hand side of the road is a fish pond. Here you will begin climbing towards Lukinić Brdo. The lovely wooden Chapel of St. John the Baptist and its cemetery are in Lukinić Brdo. After the chapel, a steady downhill section follows all the way to Skender Brdo, as a reward for the hilly portion of the route you have just completed. At the 36.5 km mark from the route starting point, you will reach a T intersection with the road Pokupsko-Pisarovina which is more heavily travelled 10. Here turn right towards Skender Brdo. Pass by Skender Brdo, Dabići and the bridge across the Kravarščica stream. About 300 m after the bridge, turn right off the main road 11 and head uphill towards Skenderi. Turnoff D offers an 11 km ride in one direction, allowing you to visit another two wooden beauties, the oldest wooden chapel of St. George in Lijevi Štefanki (necessary to turn right onto the gravel road before the village exit sign) and the wooden Chapel of St. Peter and Paul in Cerje Pokupsko (alongside the road).

We recommend turnoff D only for those in excellent shape, for it is necessary to ride back 11 km to rejoin the circular route, and there are many climbs and descents along the main road. Continue through Skenderi to point 3 . Soon you will return to the section of the route you covered at the beginning. The return to Pisarovina and the ride in the opposite direction is very impressive, particularly at the end of the day when riding westwards and viewing the sunset over the Plešivica and Žumberak mountains. To the right in the distance is the bell tower of the Church of St. Martin in Jamnica Pisarovina. At sunset, the sun bathes the fields and meadows, creating a special atmosphere. At the 46 km mark, you will reach the intersection with the heavily travelled road 2 and so take caution while joining traffic and turning right onto the main road. You will soon reach Pisarovina where this idyllic bicycle route, steeped in history and tradition, ends. Reward yourself with a drink and before returning home, repeat the trip in your head once more.

Technical description of the route

Route starting point at the parking lot in the centre of the Pisarovina municipality next to the petrol station.
At the T intersection with the crucifix with the main road for Jamnička Kiselica, turn left in the direction of Dvoranci.
At the T intersection with the crucifix, turn left in the direction of Čačkovići and Škrinjarići.
Near Vugrinići are two Y intersections one right after another. At the first there is a crucifix on the right hand side by which you continue riding straight along, while at the second intersection 50 m further down, turn left on the gravel road into the forest.
At the T intersection with the main road, turn left for the villages of Mikša and Salajec, and Bukovčak. Adjust your speed to the steep downhill and windy road you have turned onto. Recommended for the lovely landscapes!
At the Y intersection with the war monument, turn left. Soon afterwards (about 100 m) from the Y intersection is another intersection where you continue to the right. Follow the signs for the weekend settlements of Dubranec and Lučelnica. Pass by the interesting Chapel of St. Catherine on the hill in the forest (there are benches to rest here).
At the Y intersection in the forest, continue to the right along the gravel road, which heads slightly downhill towards Cvetković Brdo. To the left is the road for Čakanec.
At the Y intersection with the crucifix, immediately after the wooden Chapel of St. Rocco, turn right onto the paved road and continue downhill along the road.
At the Y intersection, turn left onto the gravel road. To the right, the paved road continues uphill on to Lendarići and Jerebići.
Turn right at the T intersection. Take caution when turning onto the more heavily travelled road Pokupsko – Pisarovina.
At the T intersection, 300 m after crossing the bridge over Kravarščica creek, turn right and ride gently uphill towards Skenderi and Dvoranci.

Cultural-historical, ethnology and natural points of interest:

Wooden Chapel of the Most Holy Trinity, Dvoranci – built in the 18th century. Original inventory preserved: main altar of the Most Holy Trinity and two side altars, St. Rocco on the left and St. Florian on the right. Chapel bell-ringers and key of the Chapel by announcement: Mrs. Barica and Mr. Tomo Kušević, Dvoranci 68, tel: +385 1 6291 299.
Wooden Chapel of the Holy Spirit, Lučelnica – first mentioned in 1668, it was demolished and a new chapel built in 1704. In the 19th century, a new chapel was built at the same location of the old one. Today's chapel dates back to 1935. The small altar in the Baroque peasant style, from 1749, has been preserved with its two statues and painting of the crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The stations of the cross, the work of local artist Mate Mihinica from Obrezina, hang on the walls of the chapel. Key of the Chapel: cafe "Sunčev zračak", Lučelnica 39, tel: +385 1 6277 541.
Church of the Mother of God of the Snow, Dubranec – the former chapel of the same name was erected in 1650 and mass was served here in the winter months when access to the former parish Church of St. Catherine on the hill outside the settlement was inaccessible. As of 1714, the Chapel of the Mother of God of the Snow became the new parish church. In 1881, it was renovated under the guidance of Dr. Hermann Bollé and Dr. Izidor Kršnjavi. The church interior is exceptional. The altars were designed by Dr. Bollé and built by I. Wagmeister, the stained glass windows were ordered in Vienna, the paintings in the church are the work of the master Clausen from Austria, and the facade with the statue of the crucified Saviour surrounded by Mary and John was sculpted by Professor Morak. The church has an attractive wooden nativity scene from 1989, created by Mate Mihinica with about thirty figures 40 cm in height. Key of the Church: Parish office Dubranec, Dubranec 3, parish priest Ivan Lovrić, tel: +385 1 6267 407, by appointment only.
Chapel of St. Catherine, Dubranec – the Dubranec parish was first mentioned in 1334 with the parish Church of St. Catherine. In 1714, it was no longer the parish church. It was demolished in 1820 and in the visitation of 1824, this church was no longer mentioned. The new chapel on the hill in the forest has a characteristic appearance. Key of the Chapel: Parish office Dubranec, Dubranec 3, tel: +385 1 6267 407, by appointment only.
Wooden Chapel of St. Anthony of Padova, Gustelnica – the current chapel was built in 1888 and consecrated one year later at the same location of the earlier church from the second half of the 17th century. With its appearance and specific method of construction, it differed from the local traditional construction method. It was built by the timber-workers who applied planks using neither the German nor Croatian angle, but a technique called "na žale". The inside walls are lined with colourful planks painted with geometrical and stylized plant motifs which are reminiscent of the motifs from the traditional national costumes. The chapel was designed by Dr. Hermann Bollé, and it was built by a group of various masters from Styria, Hungary, Germany and Croatia. Key of the Chapel: Parish office Dubranec, Dubranec 3, tel: +385 1 6267 407, by appointment only.
Wooden Chapel of St. Rocco, Cvetković Brdo – the current chapel, situated in the same spot as the original chapel from the second half of the 17th century, was built in 1867 and consecrated in 1888. It is magnificently panelled with small boards. The thick boards were burnt in the German corner method, while the windows are closed in the old-fashioned way from the outside with wooden shutters. The main altar was consecrated to the patron saint, St. Rocco, and the far right altar was consecrated to St. Vitus, crafted from wood by Josip Markuz, a self-trained sculptor from Roženica, who continues the tradition of the Turopolje wood carving masters. Key of the Chapel: Parish office Dubranec, Dubranec 3, tel: +385 1 6267 407 by appointment only.
Wooden Chapel of St. John the Baptist, Lukinić Brdo – the first wooden chapel, according to the inscription on the bell, was likely built in the second half of the 17th century, while today’s chapel dates back to 1908 and was consecrated in 1909. The chapel was built by the carpenter’s association Marko and Jure Janković from Čička Poljana, and the main altar is the work of master Pospišil from Buševec. Key of the Chapel: Parish office Dubranec, Dubranec 3, tel: +385 1 6267 407 by appointment only.
Wooden Chapel of St. George, Lijevi Štefanki – one of the oldest and most valuable wooden chapels. It was constructed in 1677 at the location of an earlier chapel, and in 1704 it was moved to its current location. In terms of construction and elections, it is inclined towards the rustic type of wooden chapels. Of special note is the cast iron rooster on the peak of the conical tower. The inventory has a Baroque colour scheme, and the ornaments and richly carved altar from 1725 dominate. There is also a painting of St. George and the image of the Mother of God in medallion form. Key of the Chapel by announcement: Mrs. Dragica Karas, Lijevi Štefanki 92, tel. +385 1 6264 518
Wooden Chapel of St. Peter and Paul, Cerje Pokupsko – most similar to the chapel at Lukinić Brdo, although it is much smaller. It was erected in 1932 by the master carpenters Orečići from Lijevi Štefanki. The ornamentation is similar to that of the wooden chapel and the family homes they also built in the Pokupsko region. The chapel includes a modest altar from the 17th century, which indicates the older origin of this chapel. Key of the Chapel by announcement: Mr. Zdravko or Mrs. Ana Sučec, Cerje Pokupsko 29, tel. +385 1 6266 150
Chapel at Selsko Brdo – in the village of Skenderi, built in the 19th century. Inventory includes a newer statue of Suffering Jesus.
Local museum at Donja Kupčina, Pisarovina, information Ethnographic Museum Zagreb, Miss. Željka Petrović, tel. +385 1 4826 220, www.etnografski-muzej.hr.

Service information

Pisarovina Municipality Office and Tourist Association, tel. +385 1 6291 616, 6291 197.
Pisarovina Health Clinic, Karlovačka cesta bb, tel.+385 1 6291 028,
E.R. Jastrebarsko: tel. +385 1 6281 504.
INA Petrol Station, V. Nazora bb, +385 1 6291 836.
Matas Komerc Petrol Station, Donja Kupčina 277, tel. +385 1 6292 220 (open on weekends).
Kreditna bank ATM machine, Trg S. Radića 13, Pisarovina.
Zagrebačka bank ATM machine, Trg S. Radića 4, Pisarovina.
Busak tyre repair, Zagrebačka 12 a, tel. +385 1 6291 002.
Konzum Supermarket, Trg S. Radića 23, tel. +385 1 6291 166.
Café & pizzeria Jamnici, Trg S. Radića 12, tel. +385 1 6291 014.
Restaurant JO-LAME, on the road to Jamnička Kiselica, open non-stop, tel. +385 1 6291 676.
Café Sunčev zračak, Lučelnica 39, tel. +385 1 6277 541.
Café Pavlin, Donja Kupčina 200, tel. +385 1 6287 606.
Rural Tourism & Rooms Šimanović (out of the map, direction Klinča Sela), Ulica K. Vodopića 7, Donja Zdenčina, tel. +385 1 6289 096, mob. +385 91 513 1748

Authors: Lidija Mišćin and Robert Rigo
Published: October 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