Lush green fields and two big rivers define Međimurje. This is the Northern Croatia green route. The Mura and Drava rivers wrap around the land and keep it fresh. Visit the Miller's Path to see a floating wooden mill that turns with the river current. You can also see how people once found gold in the river sand. They still show how it was done long ago. It is a land of rolling vineyard hills and quiet bike paths that go through the woods. The whole region looks like a well-kept garden.
The roads go past many modern wineries built right on the slopes of the hills. You can try Pušipel wine on sunny terraces with great views of the distant Alps. The region has a thermal spa with warm healing waters that come from deep underground. You can also visit deer farms where the animals roam free in the meadows. The pace of life is very slow and the people are very friendly. They love to show travelers their gardens and their wine. It is a small region but it has a very big heart.
Visit Mađerkin breg for the best 360-degree view of the region from a unique wooden tower that plays music as the wind blows. For a historical stop head to Čakovec and explore the Zrinski Castle museum to learn about the noble family that once ruled this land. If you visit in spring the Urbanovo wine festival is the best way to taste the local vintages. Eat the Međimurska gibanica which is a rich four-layer cake with poppy seeds, cheese, walnuts and apples. The Sveti Martin na Muri spa is the best place to park the car and spend a night in the middle of the green hills.
Međimurje highlights
- Mađerkin Breg Tower Climb the wooden tower on the highest hill for a view of five different countries. The tower plays music when the wind blows through the wooden beams. The hills around the tower are covered in perfect rows of green vines.
- Mura Floating Mill See the traditional wooden mill that floats on the river and turns with the current. You can walk the forest path and see how the gold hunters worked. It is a peaceful place where you can hear the river water rushing past.
- Čakovec Zrinski Castle Explore the brick fortress in the heart of the town and visit the museum. The park around the castle is filled with old statues and big trees. You can see where noble lords lived and how they protected the region.
- Sveti Martin Spa Relax in the warm thermal water at the northernmost point of the country. The pools are surrounded by green hills and offer a very quiet rest. It is a perfect spot for families and people who love to stay in nature.
- Međimurje Wine Road Drive through the rolling hills of Upper Međimurje to visit modern and old cellars. The white wine here is very fresh and famous for its bright taste. You can stop at many small family houses to try their best bottles.
- Donji Vidovec Gold Visit the village to see how people find real gold in the sand of the Drava river. They still use the old wooden tools to wash the river dirt. You can try to find a small piece of gold yourself with a local guide.
- Drava River Park Follow the trails by the river to see the wild birds and the tall green grass. It is a great place for cycling or a quiet walk near the water. The river is wide and slow and very beautiful in the early morning fog.
- Štrigova Church Art See the beautiful frescoes inside the church on the hill near the wine road. The village is surrounded by vineyards and is very peaceful and quiet. Many people visit to see the art that was painted hundreds of years ago.
- Prelog Lake Shore Walk the long path by the water to watch the sunset over the giant reservoir. The area is great for fishing and watching the many local birds. The water is so big it looks like a sea in the middle of the land.
- Deer Farm in Robadje Drive to the hills to see a farm where hundreds of deer roam in the open fields. You can watch them from the road and enjoy the green view. It is a very sweet and quiet stop for anyone traveling through the hills.
The local Four
History of Međimurje
Međimurje is the Island between Rivers, a lush green triangle that was once part of Hungary. The Zrinski family ruled from Čakovec, creating a center of European literature and military strategy. They were the Protectors of Europe, fighting off armies and building a brick fortress that still dominates the town center. Their legacy is seen in the region's strong work ethic and its reputation as the most industrially advanced part of the country.
The Mura river is the wild heart of the county, home to the last floating water mills. In the village of Donji Vidovec, the Golden Hunters still know the secret of washing river sand to find pure gold flakes. This gold is said to be the purest in Europe, washed down from the Alps over millions of years by the river’s current. It is a tradition that has survived since the middle ages, making the Drava river the El Dorado of the north.
The northern hills around Štrigova are the highest in the region, offering a view of five different countries. The wine made here is known as Pušipel, a fresh white grape that only grows in this specific soil. The vineyards are interspersed with apple orchards, as the region is also the largest producer of fruit in the country. For a road trip, it is the most bike-friendly and eco-conscious county, with perfect roads and endless apple orchards.