The hills of Bjelovar-Bilogora rise like gentle waves. This is the Bilogora highlands drive. The roads are quiet and go through thick oak and beech forests. You can find hidden fruit orchards that grow sweet plums and apples. These fruits are used to make famous local brandies that are very strong. You might see wild deer or foxes crossing the road in the early morning light. It is a peaceful place for a slow drive where you can enjoy the greenery. Many of the roads follow the tops of the ridges giving you great views of the farms below.
Deep in the woods you can find the ruins of Garić grad. This old fortress is hidden by tall trees and layers of history. You can still see parts of the old Roman roads that crossed this land long ago. These roads once connected big cities across the empire. Near the village of Maglenča you can find ancient wells and stone markers. Many people come here for horse riding. There are many trails made just for long treks through the green hills. The horses here are well-trained and perfect for a day of exploring the forest paths.
Visit the Kamenitovac mountain hut for a bowl of forest mushroom soup and a view that spans three counties. For a cultural stop head to Daruvar to soak in the Roman-era thermal baths and visit the oldest Ginkgo Biloba tree in Croatia. Try the "Daruvar beer" brewed with soft spring water or visit the Janković Castle cellars. If you are traveling with family the Veliki Grđevac village features the "Mato Lovrak" center where you can see the original steam train from the famous children's novel. The roads are best enjoyed at a slow pace between Bjelovar and Daruvar.
Bjelovar Bilogora highlights
- Bilogora Ridge Road Drive along the top of the hills for a view of the farms on both sides. The road passes through small orchards and thick woods that feel very quiet and fresh. You can stop at small stands to buy fresh apples and honey from the farmers.
- Daruvar Roman Forest Visit the park where ancient stone ruins sit among giant trees and hot springs. It is a place where you can feel the history of the Roman empire. The warm water flows through the park and keeps the air humid and soft.
- Janković Castle in Daruvar See the grand palace of the noble family who built the town and its gardens. The cellar holds old wine barrels and the courtyard has a very rare ginkgo tree. It is a beautiful example of baroque style in the middle of the town.
- Garić Grad Ruins Find this hidden fortress deep in the Moslavačka Gora forest near the town of Bereg. The stone towers are covered in green vines and look like a fairy tale. You have to walk a short forest path to reach the giant stone gates.
- Veliki Grđevac Train Visit the original steam train from a famous book about a group of brave children. The site has a small museum and a wooden bridge over a quiet stream. It is a nostalgic stop for anyone who grew up reading the local stories.
- Kamenitovac Mountain Hut Drive to this hilltop lodge for a plate of local food and a great view. On a clear day you can see the mountains of Hungary across the flat plains. The forest around the lodge has many easy trails for a short afternoon walk.
- Bjelovar Central Square Walk through the large park in the heart of the city to see the music pavilion. The streets around the square are wide and filled with old trees and shops. It is a great place to stop for a coffee and watch the city move.
- Maglenča Horse Trails Visit the local stables for a ride through the green hills on a strong horse. The trails go deep into the forest where you can see wild animals and birds. It is a very relaxing way to explore the nature of the Bilogora region.
- Čazma Bio Park Stop at the first natural pool in the country that uses plants to keep the water clean. It is a beautiful spot for a swim without any chemicals in the water. The park has wooden decks and a small cafe for a summer afternoon.
- Petrova Gora Monastery Explore the ruins of an old abbey hidden in the quiet woods near the hills. It is a very peaceful place where you can only hear the wind and birds. The stone walls tell the story of the monks who lived here long ago.
The local Four
History of Bjelovar Bilogora
Bjelovar was a planned city ordered by Empress Maria Theresa to serve as a military headquarters. The streets are wide enough for entire armies to march through, and the central park was designed to keep soldiers cool in the shade. The city’s grid system was a revolutionary departure from the chaotic, winding streets typical of medieval European towns. It is a rare example of a city built with a ruler and a compass in the middle of a wild forest.
The Bilogora hills are the youngest mountains in Croatia, formed by the slow folding of the earth’s crust. This soft landscape is filled with hidden gullies and deep woods that once sheltered the Hajduks (local Robin Hood figures) who fought against the empires. These outlaws became folk heroes, celebrated in songs for their ability to disappear into the dense foliage after a raid. The ridges provide panoramic views of the plains, stretching all the way to Hungary.
Local history is also found on the tracks. The Lovrak train in Veliki Grđevac is a real-life monument to a famous children’s story about a group of students who saved their village. This interactive site allows visitors to explore the steam-era cars and learn about the rural education systems of the early 20th century. It is a county of gentle roads, massive horse farms and a history of people who turned a military border into a peaceful breadbasket.