1. Dragojla’s Hiking Trail Under the Old Town of Okić
An ardent Illyrian, feminist, educator and writer Dragojla Jarnević is celebrated as the originator of mountaineering in Croatia. In 1843, she climbed Okić from the steep south side as the first female alpinist. That short but demanding trail is named after her, and since we have the proper equipment today, you don't have to climb barefoot on the rocks like Dragojla. However, suppose you are not up for an adventure in your arrangement. In that case, you can join the Croatian Mountaineering Society Željezničar from Zagreb, which organises a hike along the Dragojla’s Trail every spring.
2. Rosika - a carnivorous plant from Dubravica
Cret near Dubravica, near Zaprešić, is a protected botanical reserve. This unique area is a peatland, a wet habitat of plants that create peat by their decay. People come here to observe the main star - the round-leafed sundew. Behind the cute name is a rare and precious carnivorous plant, present only in a few locations in Croatia.
3. The Wooden churches and chapels in Turopolje
Subtle wooden beauties are scattered throughout the villages of Turopolje and are its trademark. In an area rich in forest, folk architecture has always used wood, and today we have only thirteen wooden chapels left - self-pitying on the outside, luxurious on the inside. The largest and most famous is the chapel of St. Barbara in Velika Mlaka, from 1642. In it, you will also find a rare depiction of St. Kümmernisse, a bearded saint on the cross.
4. The Medsave Ferryboat
The cities of Samobor and Zaprešić are about 15 kilometres apart. Nowadays, you can get by on that road with an unusual and old-fashioned means of transport - the river ferryboat. Although this way of crossing the river belongs to other times, it is practical, somewhat romantic, and indeed an exciting experience.
5. The Plešivica Sledge Cup
Sledging on Plešivica has a long tradition, dating back to 1907, so it is natural that the Croatian championship in sledging on natural trails and the exhibition cup was held there. However, participating is not even necessary; it is enough to cheer and enjoy because the hosts know how to turn this exciting event into a party for many visitors.
6. The Licitar heart and gingerbread makers -the world cultural heritage
The production of Licitari hearts and gingerbread decorations in the north of Croatia is recognised as an exceptional craft worthy of inclusion on the UNESCO list of World Intangible Cultural Heritage. Samobor has a strong gingerbread-making tradition, represented by the trades Oslaković and Arko, and the Zelina region is also known for its licitari. Once an ornament and a precious gift, especially for love, today, the gingerbread heart is a charming souvenir and part of the local identity.
7. St. George's bonfire in Turopolje
The feast of St. George has always been important in the regiment because it means the arrival of spring, and the tradition of his worship is mainly rooted in Turopolje. Numerous old customs related to the appearance of the green Jura live on to this day in the representations of folklore societies. The highlight is the lighting of a large bonfire, which chases away winter and calls for the awakening of nature, a ritual taken from ancient pagan times.
8. Naftalan –the unique medicinal oil from Ivanić
Deposited remains of dead microorganisms? It doesn't sound desirable, but it is Earth mineral oil, a natural healing material known since the time of Marco Polo. Unfortunately, there are only two sites in the world - one in Azerbaijan and ours in Ivanić-Grad. In its place today is a unique modern health resort named Naftalan.
9. The Foot of St. Martin on Martin Breg
Church of St. Martina on the hill above Dugo Selo today is the ruins of an impressive building from 1209 and an important archaeological site. The first Croatian "St. Foot" was placed here. Martin", which made Dugo Selo part of a network of European cities united in the circle of worshipping this famous saint and a pilgrimage route that connects more than ten European countries.
10. The Prehistoric elephant from Marija Gorica
The residents of Marija Gorica did not go crazy when they put a picture of an elephant on the municipality’s coat of arms. They did it in honour of their fellow citizen from millions of years ago. At the beginning of the 20th century, a great scientific discovery was made - the discovery of the petrified remains of the prehistoric elephant. The only such find in Croatia is a big step for palaeontology and this small municipality's history.