November 22, 2020 – Looking to escape Zagreb for a day? Meet the lakes of Sveta Nedelja, a natural fishing and cycling paradise.
One of the biggest tourism surprises for me this year has been Sveta Nedelja, Croatia’s youngest town close to Samobor, and home to the world-famous Rimac Automobili headquarters.
In my mind, I had always associated the town with progressive local government and a healthy environment for business (Sveta Nedelja has been voted the best medium-sized town for the economy for each of the last three years). About its tourism offer, I knew nothing.
That all changed a few weeks ago when the then deputy mayor Davor Nadi invited me over for a family weekend to have a look around both at the business environment and the town’s tourism. offer.
And that is how – as previously written – I found myself on a bicycle for only the third time in 25 years.
Sveta Nedelja has a very well-developed cycling offer, and MTB specialists can explore the hills and forests around the town on MTB trails like the one in the video above.
But the magic of Sveta Nedelja’s tourism offer revolves around its fabulous nature, in particular its numerous lakes.
As I detailed last time, the information and maps to help cyclists are well-presented, and there are many wonderful lakeside routes where you can explore.
And for an extra thrill, check out Pumptrack Sveta Nedleja, which is attracting cyclists and skateboarders alike from Zagreb and beyond.
Take a tour through the eyes of a cyclist negotiating Pumptrack Sveta Nedelja in the video above.
While cycling is popular, the lakes of Sveta Nedelja are a magnet for another, much more tranquil, sport – fishing.
Here is a little more detail on the main lakes.
Lake Oresje
This lake and the surrounding 39 hectares is managed by the Sloga Oresje sport fishing society, and it poses plenty of freshwater fish challenges for the keen fisherman. the most common varieties to be found are carp, grass carp, pike, pike-perch and catfish. All fish over 5kg must be returned to the lake.
The largest specimens ever caught here were: catfish 104 kg, carp 22 kg, pike 15 kg, pike-perch 11 kg, grass carp 18 kg.
Annual and daily permits are available from the fishing lodge at the lake. Annual permits cost 200 kuna, with daily permits at 60 kuna. Foreign citizens may also purchase permits upon showing proof of a passed fishing exam. More details on the SRD Oresje website.
And if you can persuade them to open the kitchen, I can highly recommend the local carp – delicious!
Rakitje Lakes
If you are looking to land a really big catch, however, perhaps you should try your luck at the Rakitje Lakes. For it was here on Finzula Lake back in 2012 that the largest carp ever caught in Croatia was reeled in, weighing an impressive 31.50 kg. The proud fisherman was a member of the local Rak fishing association. Other notable record catches include grass carp 29.5 kg, pike 12.6 kg, pike-perch 9.0 kg, and catfish 74.0 kg. Several international carp competitions are held on the Rakitje lakes each year.
Annual permits cost 400 kuna and daily permits are 60 kuna.
Tthe release of carp, pike and pike-perch over 5 kg and grass carp over 7 kg is mandatory. The exception is Lake Jus which has a ‘catch and release’ policy for all fish, regardless of size.
Looking for a place to stay nearby? Camp Zagreb is right there on the water.
Lake Strmec
The Strmec fishing zone is situated in the water protection area of the Strmec water supply district, and includes 22 larger and smaller lakes, the Zgorela Precka backwater, the Rakovica stream covering a length of 4.9 km, and the right bank of the Sava River, which extends from the Medsava raft to the Podsused bridge, for a length of 4.6 km. The water levels in the lakes are dependent on the water levels in the river. The Stuka Strmec sports and recreational fishing society manages the Strmec lakes. The lakes are dominated by the freshwater fish species: carp, grass carp and catfish, while the Sava River is dominated by nase, barbel and catfish.
Day and annual permits are avaialble. You can learn more trom the Stuka Strmec website.
Kerestinec Lake
Kerestinec Lake is situated in the vicinity of the Erdody castle, and is a great spot for recreational and sports fishing. The Som Kerestinec sports fishing society manages Kerestinec Lake. The lake is inhabited by many species of freshwater cyprinids, primarily carp, grass carp, pike, pike-perch and catfish. The fishing guard service supervises the lake.
Annual and day permits are sold in the fishing hut. Several competitions are held on the lake throughout the year. Information about fishing permits can be obtained at tel: +385 (98) 773 709.
The castle is also definitely worth a visit after the fishing is over. It has quite a history, but we will deal with that next time. Until now, enjoy the tour below.
Of course, fishing and cycling are not for everyone, and there is certainly nothing wrong with some good old fashioned chilling by the water, yet one more relaxing experience that Sveta Nedelja offers in abundance.
For more information about the lakes of Sveta Nedelja and other attractions and activities, check out the local tourist board website.
For the latest TCN coverage of Sveta Nedelja, follow the dedicated TCN section.
(The author was a guest of the Sveta Nedelja local authorities)
