Park prirode Žumberak – Samoborsko gorje

Park prirode Žumberak – Samoborsko gorje is a mountainous nature reserve located just 30 km southwest of Zagreb. The park covers 333 square kilometers of varied landscapes, from steep mountain ridges to deep river valleys. You can climb the 1,178-meter peak of Sveta Gera, explore the ruins of Okić Castle, or cycle through Budinjak village high in the hills. With over 1,000 plant species and waterfalls like the 40-meter Sopotski slap, the park represents Croatia's natural richness near the capital. Whether you want to hike, learn about Iron Age burial mounds, or enjoy panoramic views, Žumberak – Samoborsko gorje caters to various interests.

Location and Landscape

Park prirode Žumberak – Samoborsko gorje spans the border between Croatia and Slovenia, about 30 km southwest of Zagreb. The park extends across 333 square kilometers in Zagreb and Karlovac counties. Steep mountain ridges, rolling hills, and deep river valleys form its terrain. Sveta Gera, at 1,178 meters, stands as the highest point in northwest Croatia. The park's varied elevation creates microclimates that support a wide range of plant and animal life. As you explore, you'll encounter sunny meadows and dense forests.

Natural Features

You'll find over 800 natural springs and around 260 streams and rivers in the park. The Kupčina River forms a 40-meter high waterfall called Sopotski slap. Another waterfall cascades along the Slapnica River in a 10 km long canyon. The park's karst geology contains over 130 caves and pits. Badara, the deepest cave, extends over 1,020 meters with a depth of 113 meters. Provala Cave is the longest, with 1,862 meters of explored passages. These underground formations house unique cave-dwelling species. The complex geology of the park attracts both casual observers and scientific researchers.

Flora and Fauna

The park hosts over 1,000 plant species, including protected varieties. In the meadows, you might spot lady's slipper orchids, martagon lilies, and Croatian carnations. Beech, oak, and hornbeam trees populate the forests. Bears and wolves still inhabit the more remote areas. You can also find 11 bat species and over 100 types of birds in the park. Butterflies and other insects thrive in the park's grassland habitats. Rangers work to protect sensitive ecosystems like mountain meadows, wetlands, and limestone springs. The park's biodiversity makes it a significant area for conservation in Croatia.

Hiking and Cycling

You can explore over 350 km of marked hiking trails and 300 km of cycling routes in the park. Many hikers aim for the peaks of Sveta Gera and Japetić (879 m). You can get trail maps at the visitor centers in Slani Dol or Budinjak. For cyclists, the park authority provides route maps on their website. Trails range from easy family rides to challenging mountain bike terrain. As you travel through the park, you'll pass through traditional villages and see views across the surrounding countryside. In winter, some trails become cross-country skiing routes. The extensive trail network caters to various difficulty levels and preferences.

Adventure Activities

You can go rock climbing at two main areas - Okić and Terihaji. Okić features a medieval castle ruin atop a steep cliff. Local climbing clubs maintain the routes and provide information on conditions. For aerial views, try paragliding from launch sites on Japetić or Plešivica mountains. Beginners can take tandem flights with instructors. Horseback riding offers another way to see the park's landscapes. Several stables offer guided trail rides for various skill levels. These activities let you see the park from different angles.

Historical Sites

This region has been inhabited for thousands of years, leaving behind archaeological remains and medieval architecture. You can visit the ruins of four medieval castles - Okić, Lipovec, Tuščak, and Stari grad Žumberak. Over 30 archaeological sites date from prehistoric times through the Middle Ages. The village of Budinjak contains a necropolis with 140 burial mounds from the Early Iron Age. You can learn about the findings at the visitor center's small museum. The park also preserves traditional rural life in its many small villages. These historical sites show the long relationship between humans and the natural environment in this area.