Municipality of Berek: Discover Nature and History

In the Municipality of Berek, protected nature, notable memorial sites and medieval history come together. Moslavačka gora shapes the municipality’s natural character; in Podgarić, a large lakeside setting, an impressive monument and opportunities for hiking take centre stage. Garić grad adds a fortified settlement with a history dating back to 1256 to this picture.

Nature in the Municipality of Berek

Moslavačka gora Regional Park is a protected natural area that extends across the Municipality of Berek. Another natural highlight is the Šimljanka Special Reserve, a forest vegetation reserve. Both protected areas reveal different aspects of the landscape: Moslavačka gora as a vast natural area, and the forest as the defining feature of the reserve.

In Podgarić, a large lake lies near the Vila Garić dining establishment. Together with the hiking trails in the immediate area, it offers a practical starting point for visitors who want to include nature and activity in their trip. Guided hikes in Moslavačka gora are also offered by Vila Garić. As no current times or guide availability are provided, it is advisable to check availability before arriving.

Garić grad and the Monument in Podgarić

Garić grad is one of the oldest medieval fortified settlements in northern Croatia. Its origins are dated to 1256, when Ban Stjepan Šubić ordered its construction. Visitors can walk along its double fortification walls. A steep paved road leads to Garić grad; as road conditions may change, it is a good idea to check them before setting off.

The Monument to the Revolution of the Peoples of Moslavina, a work by sculptor Dušan Džamonja, is located in Podgarić. The monument is 10 metres high and 20 metres wide. Nearby is an ossuary containing the remains of around 1,000 fallen Partisans. These two sites give a visit a clear historical and commemorative focus.

The ruins of Garić grad are considered a popular excursion destination for people interested in history, nature and hiking. Those wishing to combine sightseeing with activity can find different options in the double walls and the hiking trails around Podgarić. Podgarić also offers the opportunity for hunting tourism.

More experiences and practical information

The Podgarić Sports and Recreation Centre has sports grounds, including a football pitch. Use of the sports grounds is limited; you should check current opening times in advance. This makes it possible to consider the centre as a separate part of your trip, without conflating it with the natural and cultural attractions.

When choosing a holiday apartment, you can first consider which excursions you want to shape your stay: a visit to Garić grad, the memorial sites in Podgarić or hiking in Moslavačka gora. If Garić grad is on your itinerary, take the steep paved access road into account. For a guided hike, you can check availability with Vila Garić in advance. This way, your accommodation search is guided by the experiences you have planned, rather than by assumptions about individual properties.

A closer look at Bjelovar-Bilogora

The wider travel destination of Bjelovar-Bilogora also has other distinctive attractions. The town of Čazma built Croatia’s first biological swimming pool as part of the Čazma Natura project. For cycling visitors, the county has more than 500 kilometres of cycle tourism routes. The international Lonjsko polje–Balaton cycling route runs for 69 kilometres through Bjelovar-Bilogora County. This information relates to the region and does not describe local offerings in the Municipality of Berek.

Along the marked cycling routes in Bjelovar-Bilogora County, there are excursion destinations, restaurants serving traditional home-style cooking, covered rest areas, bicycle service stations and smart benches. Licensed cycling guides offer tours of the county. This regional perspective can help when choosing between different travel interests; for the Municipality of Berek itself, Moslavačka gora, Podgarić and Garić grad remain the specific points of reference.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Podgarić, Municipality of Veliko Trojstvo, Municipality of Čazma, Municipality of Bjelovar, Municipality of Kapela, Municipality of Grubišno Polje, Municipality of Veliki Grđevac, Municipality of Garešnica.

Go to the regional travel overview: Bjelovar-Bilogora.