Koprivnica-Križevci county can be found in the northwest of Croatia. The center of the county is the town of Koprivnica. With a surface of 1,746 km2 it is the 17th county by size and almost a third of its area is covered with oak and beech forests. The county is the birthplace of numerous writers, painters, sculptors, scientists, and other authors and artists. It is also home to a number of museums and galleries, as well as other cultural and research institutions.
The county has three notable towns: Koprivnica, Križevci, and Đurđevac. All three are teeming with historical, cultural, and economic potential and values while surrounded by pristine forests, grasslands, and fields. The county is well-known for its natural and cultural monuments such as Obreške klijeti (vineyards), forts of Veliki Kalnik and Old Town of Đurđevac, the Gallery of Naive Art in Hlebine, numerous churches, and chapels, wine trails, as well as protected nature reservations, forests, parks, and landscapes.
Get to know the towns
Koprivnica – town with a big heart, center of the Koprivnica-Križevci county. The town was first mentioned in the 13th century and was given the status of a free and royal town in 1356. Situated 50 kilometers southeast of Varaždin and 85 kilometers northeast of Zagreb. A stunning town whose main square is well-known as the most beautiful midsize square in Central Europe. The square is just one of the reasons why you should visit Koprivnica and here are several others such as:
● Renaissance fair is the most famous event in Koprivnica and has been recognized as the Tourist Event of the Year by the Croatian Tourist Board, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Croatian Chamber of Commerce.
● Koprivnica is the only town in Croatia with a monument honoring cycling, located right in the center of the town, and it has an open-air cycling museum.
● Among older monuments especially interesting are those from the Baroque times such as the Church of St. Anthony of Padua, with an accompanying Franciscan monastery and a chapel dedicated to St. Salvator.
● The city park of Koprivnica is among the most beautiful in Northern Croatia. Dating back to 1856, the park was mostly designed by the gardener Dragutin Ruhl. The wood pavilion from 1896 is the work of Antun Rogina, and you can also see the famous sculpture ‘’Awakening’’ by Josip Fluksi.
● Soderica lake – Pannonian sea – Get to know its beauty. A true haven for summer holidays, but winters as well. You will be delighted by relaxing walks during which you can feed the swans. Koprivnica is a town you simply have to visit due to everything it has to offer… and we have only listed some of its charms.
Come and discover all of its beauty. We are waiting for you!
Križevci – the oldest town in the Koprivnica-Križevci county. The town of Križevci can be found at the crossroads of routes between Zagreb and regional centers of Bjelovar, Koprivnica, and Varaždin. According to certain sources, this is how the town got its name (križanje=crossroads). Churches and chapels of Križevci are spread around the town’s entrances and with their eight bell towers form the shape of a cross.
Did you know?
Križevci is the birthplace of ‘’Križevački štatuti’’ (Constitution of Križevci), written rules of dining etiquette dating back to the 18th century.
First wine exhibition – In 1862 the first wine exhibition was held in Križevci with nine winemakers presenting a total of 33 varieties. By 1866 winemakers from Križevci, merchant Gjurašević and baron Ožegović received awards in Vienna for their winemaking skills. Križevci has been well-known for its wine since the Middle Ages. The hills and valleys of the Kalnik mountain are particularly well-suited to growing traditional wine types. Here you will find beautiful grasslands, pastures, vistas, forests, fishponds, and lakes. Come and explore this beautiful town where you will be greeted by kind-hearted people and an unforgettable gastro experience. Good times are guaranteed by the Constitution of Križevci.
Đurđevac – the Legend of Picoki
The Legend of Picoki speaks of the defense of Đurđevac from an Ottoman invasion by launching a rooster from a cannon. Every year during the last weekend of June Picokijada is held as a celebration of the legend.
In Old Town, a fort from the Middle Ages, you can also see a play showing the events of the legendary defense. Rich cultural and historical heritage has been recognized by the European Commission which awarded Đurđevac the title of a European Destination of Excellence, as a result of the preservation of immaterial cultural heritage.
Old Town of ĐurđevacThe most well-known monument of this region is certainly the Old Town of Đurđevac, which is also the only registered cultural heritage monument of Đurđevac. The Old town is presumed to have been built during the 15th century. It is one of the oldest and most well-preserved flatlands forts in the region between the rivers Sava and Drava. The attraction of particular interest – Đurđevački pijesci (Sands of Đurđevac), also known as the Croatian Sahara. A protected botanic area with a large number of endemic species, unique flora and fauna, and sand dunes, remains of the Croatian Sahara.
Get to know this beautiful small town and all its charms, situated just a hundred kilometers away from Zagreb.
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By: Jasna Šikić
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