Municipality of Novi Golubovec: Mountain Landscapes, History and Cycling
Accommodation in Municipality of Novi Golubovec
Hilly mountain landscapes, a steep gorge and traces of a long cultural history characterise the Municipality of Novi Golubovec. The municipality lies on the northern edge of Krapina-Zagorje County, directly on the border with Varaždin County. Those deciding between nature, cycling and cultural discoveries for their holiday will find a range of possibilities here—from Ivanščica to the chapel in Veternica.
Mountain Landscapes and Protected Plants
The area is predominantly hilly and mountainous. Strahinjščica lies in the northwest, and the Ivanščica mountain range in the northeast. Between them, the narrow, steep Očura gorge separates the two mountain ranges. The valleys of the Očura and Velika reka are also part of the municipality in the southeast. These distinctive landforms provide a unique frame of reference for exploring the area: the gorge, mountain ridges and valleys are different facets of the same region.
Plants protected on Ivanščica include mezereon, alpine primrose, Carniolan lily, snake's head fritillary and winter aconite. Those interested in plants and landscapes can associate these names with the mountain that shapes the northeastern part of the municipality. Together with the wooded sections and viewpoints along a cycling route, nature here offers a different focus from the historic sites in Veternica.
Roman Road and Mining History
A Roman road ran through what is now the municipality as early as ancient times. It connected the Krapina Valley with Ptuj and crossed the Očura Pass. This historic link makes the pass a point of reference that still matters in today's landscape—the old road itself should not, however, be confused with a designated modern walking or cycling route.
Another part of the region's history is connected with mining. The Golubovec Basin developed into a well-known mining district and an important energy reserve. Novi Golubovec had the first public lighting in Zagorje; it was supplied by a mine-owned thermal power plant.
Veternica: Chapel, Art and Spiritual Centre
Veternica brings together several historical and religious themes. Beatrica Frankopanska donated the Veternica estate to the Pauline Fathers in 1515. On her estate, the Pauline Fathers built the Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1641. The chapel has a late Baroque altar of Our Lady of Sorrows dating from 1755. The roof of the Chapel of the Wounded Jesus in Gora Veternička was also renovated to protect the sacred building and preserve it for future generations.
The curia in Veternica was officially designated the Spiritual Centre of the Diocese of Varaždin on 18 September 2011. Spiritual retreats are held there, including “Vikend posta, molitve i šutnje,” a weekend of fasting, prayer and silence. Communities can reserve the centre. If a community or group cannot come with its own spiritual leader, spiritual guidance can be arranged through the centre's director.
Cultural life also has a long tradition: the “Golubovec” Cultural and Artistic Association from Novi Golubovec has been active since the 1950s, apart from short periods of inactivity. It takes part in cultural events and folklore showcases in Krapina-Zagorje County, throughout Croatia and abroad. This makes for a clear distinction when planning a holiday: Veternica represents sacred history and spiritual retreats, while the association represents folklore and cultural events.
Cycling and Getting Your Bearings
The “Okolicom Lobora i zapadne Ivanščice” cycling route passes through Gora Veternička. It is a 31 km circular route with 390 m of elevation gain and a difficulty rating of 3 out of 5. The route passes through wooded areas, with occasional climbs leading to viewpoints. Its length, elevation gain and rating can help you decide whether this loop suits your travel group's cycling plans. You can consider the scenic ride as a focus in its own right, separate from the historical themes around Veternica.
There is a railway station in the municipal centre. Novi Golubovec, the municipal centre, is also a natural point of reference for finding your way around the municipality; discover Novi Golubovec. Whether you would rather spend your holiday exploring the mountain landscapes, cycling the loop or visiting cultural sites may influence where you choose to stay in the Municipality of Novi Golubovec.
For the broader travel overview: Krapina-Zagorje.
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