November 4, 2024 – Tourism has been developing in continental Croatia. Guests no longer prioritize staying in the sun all day, but are delighted to discover the beauty of continental Croatia with so many treasures that it would be a shame not to do so. A few days in the Bjelovar-Bilogora County – if you are wondering about the hidden gems of this region – will feel like a reward for your lifestyle.
The beauty of the area, its outstanding gastronomic offer and attractive locations with facilities for those who like outdoor activities and more are sure to leave you breathless. Veliki Grđevac and the Mate Lovrak Cultural Center of are located in beautiful Bilogora. Vlak u snijegu (Train in the Snow) is Mate Lovrak’s famous novel, based on which one of the best Yugoslav children’s films was filmed. If you haven’t read it yet, don’t worry, you can always do that, and in English too. Next to the big train that “starred” in the movie, there is a very nicely arranged educational path through the forest, popular with the little ones as they can roam free and enjoy the fresh air. The mill from another Lovrak’s book, Družba Pere Kvržice, stands proudly nearby, as well as a traditional house where you can see various tools, dishes, and a decorated room and kitchen that reveal how people used to live there.
There is a bistro serving local dishes that you will surely enjoy, because what would a museum be in the 21st century without a nibble to be found in the vicinity. The locals are also really proud of their events, so it’s worth looking at the calendar and visiting them during the Seedling and Flower Fair or the Creativity Fair. If tradition is what you’re looking for, learn all about corn threshing at the Velikogrđevacka Komušana, or test your skills at the Santa Claus Bike Ride.
Forest air and People there
This area is all green and the clean forest air is a real blessing. If that’s your priority, but you’re not ready to take the paths of the chamois, you’ll love the easy hiking trails near the Kamenitovac Mountain Lodge, located at 242m above sea level. This is also the lowest mountain lodge in continental Croatia where you can sleep (very reasonable prices) and have something to eat. Five landscaped trails will be quite enough to breathe some fresh air, and even the youngest ones will enjoy discovering various trees and plants.
Foodies in search of traditional dishes will be attracted by the aromas from OPG Mihoci’s Izletište Vrata Bilogore near the abovementioned lodge – delicious homemade soups, roasts, trganci with sour cream and other treats are waiting for their visitors.
The Roma house is another special place, arranged by the Roma in order to introduce visitors to their ways of life and traditions. Reservations are mandatory, and the host Slađana will be there to welcome you and tell all the stories. People are prone to prejudice when it comes to this numerous people, who fight against all adversity with song and dance, believe in good no matter how hard this is. They do not have a singular homeland, which is why they speak many dialects. Their favourite colour is red, and what they do when it’s cloudy outside – you’ll find out when you stop by. Have a taste their exquisite lavender tea and bite into a slightly spicy bread. In the house itself, you can learn a lot about history and customs, buy lavender from their field or even have a nice shot of rakija.
Strange Creatures, Hills, Musical Legends
At first glance, the picnic area on the small hill looks just like the other picnic areas, but only at first, as it is guarded by the strange creatures of Bilogora. The hosts arranged an educational trail and created a picture book and a show at the barn in which unusual creatures are the main characters – they teach children and adults about the importance of preserving nature in a truly original way. The picnic area looks like something from a fairy tale, with small bridges, observation decks in the treetops, and a view of nature to remember. In Začudni Dućan (the Curious Shop) you can meet all the creatures, or sing along at the show with Mladen Medak Gaga at the show who designed the whole story. The owner of the estate, Vladimir Vlajinić is a big fan of horses, and there are beautiful horses on the property that you can ride. To complete the experience, it is worth trying the local specialties. Reservations need to be made, as they are only open on weekends.
Garešnica is a small town, with a beautifully decorated Natura 2000 Visitor Center dominated by a flora and fauna laboratory. Check out the nearby Kaniška Iva – a beautiful little hill surrounded by forest and huge, endless ponds. Poilovlje, the area near the river Ilova, is an area where about 70 different species of birds live. Feel free to climb the observation deck to watch their flight through the binoculars. This is the area with the most ponds in Croatia. In the laboratory of the Center, the hosts will be happy to show you how to study the flora and fauna. Ivo Robić, the legendary Croatian singer, was apparently born there, and the hosts have collected his records, instruments and various other memorabilia to take you through a Robić’s time machine. The graffiti artists made sure that he is remembered forever and painted a huge mural on the facade of the building.
Finally, let us say that the area is equally beautiful in all seasons. It is worth visiting any time to feel and enjoy the secrets of nature, food and, of course, the best company!
