Municipality of Jesenje: Nature, Trails and Wine Tradition

Landscape at the Foot of Strahinjčica

The Strahinjčica area in the municipality is part of the Natura 2000 site HR2001115 and is protected under the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. The trails in Jesenje pass through a landscape described as appealing and unspoilt, with medicinal plants and forest fruits. The Gorica viewpoint in Lužani Zagorski, along Trail I, offers a sweeping view: from here, it extends across the entire basin, bounded by Strahinjčica, Ivančica, Ravna gora and Maceljski gorje. The viewpoint and the trails each offer a different way to experience the landscape—one as a panorama, the other as surroundings revealed along the way.

Exploring on Foot and by Bike

Foot and cycle route I passes through the settlements of Gornje Jesenje and Lužani Zagorski, which belong to Jesenje. Foot and cycle route I is 10.2 kilometres long and is considered challenging. This rating applies to cycling. Foot and cycle route II runs at the foot of Strahinjčica through Brdo Jesenjsko and the surrounding hamlets of Flaše, Cerinske, Donji Šaški and Srednji Šaški. The two route descriptions highlight different points of interest: Route I focuses on the settlements and the Gorica viewpoint, while Route II passes through several hamlets at the foot of the mountain.

There is also an educational trail to explore: “Bajkovita šuma – Gušernjak” is located within the municipality. Anyone planning a route can find a board with a map in the municipal centre. A brochure with information and maps for the routes mentioned has also been produced. When planning your day, you can choose between the longer Route I, described as challenging for cyclists, Route II, which passes through hamlets, and the educational trail as a standalone nature-themed option.

Church History and a Themed Trail

In Gornje Jesenje stands the Church of St John the Baptist. It is listed as a protected cultural property under registration number Z-3268. Construction began in 1847 on the site of a chapel built in the mid-17th century. This sequence links two historical building phases: the church was built in a place where a chapel had already stood. The Neanderthal Trail offers another way to explore the past and everyday life. It covers five themes: the cave, fire, tools, hunting and food. Alongside local church history, visitors can therefore explore fundamental aspects of early human life.

Winegrowing and Autumn Customs

Winegrowing in Jesenje can also be described in figures: the vineyards lie at an altitude of 350 to 400 metres, and 48 hectares of the municipality’s land are planted with high-quality vines. The “Sv. Martin” winegrowing association celebrates the feast days of St Vincent and St Martin with special events. It also organises wine tastings and evaluations, expert lectures and excursions. During the traditional Martinje celebration, winemakers gather each year at the cultural centre in Gornje Jesenje to symbolically celebrate the transformation of must into wine.

At the autumn Kestenijada, local associations roast chestnuts, while the Jesenje winegrowing association serves must and wine. Visitors can sample chestnuts, young must and wine prepared by association members. The traditional raising of a Klopotec wind rattle is also part of association life: the “Sv. Martin Jesenje” winegrowing association organised it for the 17th consecutive year, with members and guests taking part. Together, these customs show different sides of regional wine culture—from the vineyard and production to community gatherings.

Choose Jesenje to suit the experiences in the municipality that interest you most.

For the wider travel overview: Krapinsko-Zagorska.

More Destinations

More places within the same destination:

Municipality of Klanjec, Municipality of Marija Bistrica, Municipality of Donja Stubica, Municipality of Gornja Stubica, Municipality of Novi Golubovec, Municipality of Hrašćina, Municipality of Bedekovčina.