Local attractions
MEĐIMURJE
Međimurje is a Croatian county situated in the northernmost part of Croatia between two rivers – the Mura and the Drava. The Mura flows along the border with Slovenia and Hungary, while Drava flows along the county’s southern border with other Croatian counties, hence the name “Međimurje” derived from Proto-Slavic which means island.
Despite being the smallest county by its size, Međimurje has a lot to offer. Great cultural and history diversity can be spotted in numerous archaeological findings dating from the Neolithic and Eneolithic up to the Bronze Age, as well as in many churches and castles from the golden ages of feudalism (Zrinski Old Town). There is also a rich tradition of folklore, music, customs and of course: food and wine.
For those who like sports, Međimurje is a perfect place. One can enjoy the experience of rafting on the Mura and Drava, recreational horseback riding, paintball in the adrenaline park, swimming in the thermal spa (Toplice Sveti Martin) or Čakovec swimming pools, riding quad bikes, tennis, jogging or cycling along the trails through nature (Mura Drava Bike). If you are not one of the sportspeople, you can always enjoy unavoidable relaxation in nature of the Town of Labyrinths or at the Mill on the Mur.
Speaking about the nature of Međimurje, it’s hard to find matching words for describing such untainted spotless beauty. Maybe it is best to refer to Međimurje’s Latin name Hortus Croatiae which means “the flower garden of Croatia”.
REGIONAL PARK MURA-DRAVA
The Mura and Drava belong among the last lowland rivers with near-natural course in central Europe and they are characterized by a high level of bio-diversity.
The total area of the Regional Park Mura-Drava is 87680,52 ha. In the Medjimurje County it covers the area of 16962,54 ha (19.4% of the total Park area) which includes 3 towns (Prelog, Mursko Središće and Čakovec) and 13 municipalities (Štrigova, Sveti Martin na Muri, Podturen, Dekanovec, Domašinec, Goričan, Kotoriba, Donja Dubrava, Donji Vidovec, Sveta Marija, Donji Kraljevec, Orehovica, Nedelišće).
Wetlands are particularly significant since they are among the most endangered habitats in Europe and accordingly protected in Croatia. They include: riparian forests, wet grassland, backwaters, abandoned riverbeds and meanders, sandbars and eroded steep riverbanks which are home to strictly protected species. Altogether 60 habitat types (according to the National Habitat Classification of Croatia) live in the Park, 37 of which are rare and endangered. Wide area along the river Drava has been identified as being important for bird species found in the EU (the so-called SPA – Special Protection Areas). More than 20 000 waterbirds (geese, ducks, Eurasian coot, etc.) winter around hydropower reservoirs and former river courses between them. In addition, a great number of species found in this area are listed in the Appendix I of the Birds Directive, i.e. are marked as endangered throughout Europe.
ČAKOVEC
The town of Čakovec, settled only 20 km form Sv. Martin na Muri, is the centre of Međimurje county. People live there since the 1st century, but the name Čakovec is for the first time mentioned in books in the 14thcentury.
Čakovec became more significant in the 15th century with cultural and economic growth, when Nikola Šubić Zrinski became the owner of the area.
The House of Zrinski left a great memory – the town castle, today’s landmark of the town. Through history, Čakovec was under great influences of Hungary and Austria what resulted with a great cultural diversity.
Apart from Zrinski Old Town, Čakovec can be proud of the new University of Međimurje, the annual event – School of Animated Film, two awards “The Green Flower” – for the tidiest continental town in Croatia, museum of Međimurje and many others.
VARAŽDIN
Varaždin is the city of baroque, young people, music, flowers and bicycles. „Little Vienna“ with rich natural legacy interwoven in parks, a must see destination, located in the North of Croatia on the southern bank of the River Drava.
With 46.946 inhabitants and the average annual temperature of 10°C, the city of Varaždin is one of the most attractive destinations to live in or to visit in Croatia. It is the tourist, cultural, economical, educational and sporting centre of North-western Croatia.
The nine-times winner of the award presented by the National Tourism board, the nomination for the Golden Flower of Europe and holder of 11 „Green Flowers“; the national award, all for the most ordered, appointed and maintained destination, speak in favour of Varaždin being the city of pleasant emotions.
The city of angels, colourful and magical events; the most famous ones Špancirfest – the Street Festival of good emotions in summer and the classical music festival -Varaždin Baroque Evenings which celebrates music, baroque architectural inheritance and authentic instruments, in autumn.
FOOD AND DRINK
Medjimurje’s cuisine is widely known for variety of traditional dishes, including delicious dessert međimurska gibanica (layer cake). Read more about Medjimurje’s cuisine and where to eat here.
