Bjelovar - Bilogora County Bilogora wine route 4-5
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Daruvar - a town that loves life Daruvarske toplice Thermal Aqua Park Aquae Balissae Daruvar Wine Route
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Bjelovar - town of manifestations List of manifestations Bilogora Wine Route
Editor-in-chief Borislav Šimenc
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Grubišno Polje Bara Excursion Centre
Executive Editor Hrvoje Potrebica
18-19
Publisher Vall 042 d.o.o. Croatia way@vall042.com www.waytocroatia.hr Maja Šimenc, CEO
Design & Layout Tanja Bunjevac
Garešnica
Daruvar
Daruvar www.turizam-bilogorabjelovar.com.hr wine route
Moslavina - Čazma Tourist Board www.tz-cazma.hr
Wien Bratislava
Budapest
Ljubljana München
Northern Moslavina Tourist Board www.tzsm.hr
ZAGREB
Bjelovar
Osijek
Rijeka Slavonski Brod
Grubišno Polje Tourist Board www.tzbbz.hr
Pula
Zadar
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Source of photos: Bjelovar-Bilogora County Tourist Board December 2015 Number of copies: 3.000
Daruvarske toplice Aquae Balissae
Hercegovac
Daruvar - Papuk Tourist Board www.visitdaruvar.hr Tourist Board Bilogora - Bjelovar
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AKD d.o.o. Zagreb ISSN 1847-1552 HGK register on press publishing and Distribution: number 1057
Grubišno Polje
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Small attractions of the county Stone boulders Garić grad
Garić grad
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Čazma
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Supported by UHPA Association of Croatian Travel Agencies
Bilogora - Bjelovar Tourist Board www.turizambilogorabjelovar.com.hr
Čazma - excursion paradise Pirak rural tourism Salaj family estate Tonković ethno house Northern Moslavina Garešnica - Moslavina in your heart Gastroflora
Bjelovar
Ad
Language Editor & Translator Idi vidi d.o.o.
20-21
Bjelovar - Bilogora County Tourist Board www.tzbbz.hr
Bjelovar - Bilogora County Gentle landscapes, kind people
The map of Croatia and individual counties is exclusively illustrative in nature
Magazine of Croatian tourism Special Edition Prepared in cooperation with Bjelovar-Bilogora County Tourist Board and local tourist boards Bjelovar-Bilogora County Tourist Board Jasna Vaniček Fila, CEO
Split
Dubrovnik
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BJELOVAR - BILOGORA COUNTY
Gentle landscapes, kind people
Bjelovar-Bilogora County is probably the only Croatian county you can reach from more directions than there are cardinal directions, which undoubtedly says a lot about the openness, generosity, and hospitality of its people. There are far more reasons to visit and stay here than the blue skies, yellow fields, green meadows, blue ponds, vineyards, orchards, and healthy natural forests; the county has also been awarded multiple Green Flowers by the Croatian National Tourist Board for the excellent decoration of our towns, squares, parks, and gardens.
Ivanovo vrelo - spring of thermal water in Daruvar
Foto: Predrag Uskoković
Na malenom brijegu excursion centre
If you are entering or leaving our county, you should go through one of our five cities – Bjelovar, Čazma, Daruvar, Garešnica, and Grubišno Polje — or pass through most of our eighteen municipalities. They are picturesque towns scattered across the gentle hills of Bilogora, Papuk, and Moslavina, each with its own beauty and history that has been passed down through the generations. Our museums and churches preserve our precious heritage – the evidence of the presence, tenacity, and preservation of life in this area. It is not only the peace and cleanliness that invigorates us here. The Daruvar area has been healing the body and the mind ever since Roman times. Warm spas, mineral mud, massages, and light walks will leave you as good as new. A mild and pleasant climate is waiting for you – hiking trails, mountain biking, or, if you prefer, horseback riding. The people of this area have always enjoyed good food and drink. On the Bilogora and Daruvar wine routes, you should definitely sample our light, smooth, and aromatic wines: Graševina, Rheinriesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Portuguese, Traminer… and also our traditional cuisine, cheese, žganci (polenta), gibanica (cheese and egg pie), moslavačka brašnjača (sausages with corn flour), krvavica (blood sausages), fiš paprikaš (fish stew), dizane knedle na pari (steamed dumplings), bramborak (potato pancakes), and many other delicacies. Regardless of what part of the county you visit, you will quickly see that hospitality is in our hearts.
INFO: TB Bjelovar-Bilogora County www.tzbbz.hr Vinia excursion centre and wineshop
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Castle of Count Antun Janković
Central mud bathing-place in Julius’ Park
Daruvarske toplice
Daruvar - a town that loves life, is situated on a source of health, healing, and refreshment in the form of natural thermal springs. It covers the widening of the Toplica river basin, where central and eastern Croatia meet. This is a town with a long and rich history based on natural resources such as healing hot springs, rivers, lakes, forests, and rocky hills. The area has always been inhabited, as evidenced by its many archaeological findings
Imagine a holiday for your body and soul — one where you are surrounded by a beautiful, centuries-old manicured park placed atop a spring of healing thermal waters and mineral mud. Daruvarske toplice, situated in the heart of Daruvar, will allow you to experience this special kind of relaxation. This modern health centre, carefully integrated with nature, was built upon the architectural remains of the Roman settlement Aquae Balissae, and boasts a long tradition and great experience in the use of healing waters and mineral mud. Daruvarske toplice are specialised for the treatment of rheumatic illnesses, infertility, and medical rehabilitation. It is also used as an athletic training site as part of the Centre for Kinesiological Diagnostics and Sports Rehabilitation. Thanks to its unique natural surroundings, its variety of sports programmes, and an excellent team of doctors, Daruvarske toplice have been chosen for training by many world-famous athletes like Ivica and Janica Kostelić, Sandra Perković, Mirko Filipović, Ćiro Blažević, and others. INFO: Daruvarske toplice, www.daruvarske-toplice.hr
Entertainment, culture, natural beauty, gastronomy, sports, recreation, rehabilitation, medicine, and wellness programmes are only a part of the varied activities offered, and you will surely find something that suits you. There are not many towns like Daruvar — situated in an oasis of peace, and yet full of possibilities for an active holiday and events in any season. Get to know Daruvar and love life! INFO: TB Daruvar – Papuk www.visitdaruvar.hr
Photographs: Predrag Uskoković
from all periods of history. It is adorned with many cultural monuments and sacral objects, as well as its tradition of viticulture and the production of premium wines and beers in accordance with old Czech recipes. The centuries-old tradition of viticulture is interwoven with the production of delicious wines that have won many prestigious awards worldwide. The most important winemaking and viticulture event in Daruvar is Vinodar.
Vila Arcadia, Julius’ Park
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Thermal Aqua Park Aquae Balissae Thermal Aqua Park Aquae Balissae Balissae in Daruvar is an inexhaustible source of relaxation, enjoyment, and entertainment, situated only 300m from the city centre, next to the river Toplica, Julijev Park, and the sports and recreation zone. It offers a wide spectrum of social attractions, games, and curiosities for young and old. It has more than 2000m2 of water, with swimming pools for adults and children, water slides, a calm river over 200m long, a sunbathing terrace, and catering facilities offering a variety of refreshing beverages and fast food. The park organises entertaining shows and events every summer. During winter, visitors can use the indoor part of the facility, a 25m indoor swimming pool, a children’s swimming pool, cave, water slide, and hot tub. With its back massagers, geysers, and waterfalls, one can also relax in the quiet basement of Thermal Aqua Park, which has two Finnish saunas, a steam room, a spring water hot tub, and a relaxation zone,. Thermal Aqua Park Aquae Balissae uses only warm natural healing water from one of the many springs in the town. Forget about your everyday worries and dive headfirst into a magical world of water fun.
INFO: Thermal Aqua Park Aquae Balissae www.aquae-balissae.hr
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Photographs: Damir Bakarić
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Daruvar Wine Route
Basement of castle Janković, Badel 1862 d.d. Daruvar Winery
Photographs: Darko Mareš
Not every town in this part of Croatia can boast such a variety of terrain, climate, soil, and the many other factors that affect the growing of wine grapes. Wine production in this area has a long history, and wines from Daruvar’s vineyards, among the best in Croatia, have proven their quality at numerous tastings and competitions all over Croatia and the world. Excellent wines were already being made in the Middle Ages in the Benedictine abbeys of St Helena and St Marguerite; Count Janković had the best equipment for processing and aging wines. Nowadays, the first Wine Salon in Croatia has been opened in the very same castle of Count Janković, offering products from the Daruvar Wine Route, and revealing the secrets of the perfect pairing of wine and cheese to its guests through a unique event held in its cellar – a tasting called The Ballad of Wine, Cheese, and Daruvar.
Wine salon
Photographs: Ana Sović
Under the Daruvar Wine Route brand, Badel 1862 d.o.o. – Daruvar Winery, Lotada Winery, Kovačević Winery, Voborski Winery, Queen Tavern, and Biogal Dairy have created a true wine and gastronomic treat, joining the flavours and scents of select wines, homemade cheeses, and other specialities. Dry, sweet, savoury, astringent, tart, fragrant, and honeyed flavours combine, and dark red, rustic brown, and golden yellow colours and shades merge — the result is nothing short of natural magic.
INFO: TB Daruvar – Papuk www.visitdaruvar.hr
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BJELOVAR
The town of events About the name Belablata - an area name mentioned in 1200 AD in a document issued by King Mirko. Belawar a trace of the name appearing in a letter – a 1413 deed of gift issued by King Sigismund, and the name Beloblathye is mentioned in 1423 in another document issued by the same king. In a 1483 letter of the Čazma Body of Canons, it is mentioned as Belowarcz. From 1579 to 1611, Bjelovar was mentioned under the names Belauc, Belouax and Wellowar, as a fortification, a fortress, or a tower for defence from the Turks. The name Belovar was used until 1892, after which it was renamed Bjelovar.
Centre of Bjelovar
About the origin of the town Bjelovar, one of the youngest towns in Croatia, was built in 1756, the same year Mozart was born. The building of the town, which was supposed to be called Novi Varaždin (New Varaždin), was ordered by Empress Maria Theresa, however, this name did not take hold among the people. The protected cultural whole of the town centre is also noteworthy, with its regular, street block layout and central park pavilion, which is said to be the largest stone music pavilion in Europe, and possibly the world.
Photographs: Danijel Ružić
A military town in the past, today it is a town of greenery and parks, as well as a town of cafés! The town of small tractors, the town of cookies, the town of handball, or the town of cheese as it has been known, has now become the town of events! The town of Bjelovar has won several prestigious Croatian National Tourist Board awards for the decoration of its main square and of the city itself. The town of Bjelovar protects its past, nurtures its present, and believes in a happy future! Welcome! We look forward to greeting you!
INFO: TB Bilogora - Bjelovar www.turizam-bilogorabjelovar.com.hr
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Arrival of the Empress
Christmas gala concert
BOK festival
SPRING IN VELIKO TROJSTVO, Veliko Trojstvo (June) This event focuses on the great variety of equestrian sports, from recreational horseback riding or cart riding to equestrian competitions: gallop races, cart races, pony races, agility, dressage, etc. There are also wine stew cook-offs, exhibitions of photographs of the Bilogora region, and wine exhibitions. Guests can also browse works by members of the “Bilogora Tourist Route” association, taste home-made cheeses, honey, jam, rakija (brandy), etc.
Photographs: Danijel Ružić
IPEW – International week of percussionists, Bjelovar (January) Percussion ensembles are especially dynamic and interesting; thus, it is no wonder that percussionist festivals are becoming more common and better attended. One such festival is the Bjelovar International Week of Percussionists, which hosts the most important Croatian and international names in the world of percussion. BOK fest – Bjelovar’s Echoes of the Theatre, Bjelovar (April-May) For two weeks, Bjelovar becomes a town of theatres from all over Croatia and neighbouring countries, allowing visitors to enjoy excellent theatrical achievements, meet famous actors and watch them perform other activities, whether playing handball for humanitarian causes, participating in a motor-alka, a live exhibition of actors, or just talking with other people in the streets or cafés of Bjelovar. TERESIANA, Bjelovar (June) In the memory of the town’s founder, Empress Maria Theresa, Teresiana offers several days of concerts, street art performances, sports competitions, and other entertaining events. There is also a rich selection of food and interesting manufacturers of traditional products. The Empress and her entourage also visit the event several times in her imperial carriage, followed by a historic cavalry unit of Bjelovar Hussar Military Frontier soldiers from 1756, whose arrival is always announced with cannon fire. LOVRAK CULTURE DAYS, Veliki Grđevac (June) Lovrak Culture Days is an event dedicated mostly to children, during which Veliki Grđevac becomes a place where children gather and spend most of their time in the Lovrak Centre, designed based on sketches from the writer’s novels “Vlak u snijegu” (A Train in the Snow) and “Družba Pere Kvržice” (The Fellowship of Pero Kvržica).
Bjelovar Hussar soldiers
BJELOVAR SUNDAY WITH THE EMPRESS, Bjelovar (May-September) Every third Sunday from May to September, at 11 a.m., the Empress visits Bjelovar accompanied by a cavalry unit of Bjelovar’s Hussar Military Frontier soldiers from 1756. She is also accompanied by her entourage. Citizens and the visitors to the town can take a free ride in the coach through the town centre with the Empress, and with the assistance of costumed guide, find out everything there is to know about the history of Bjelovar. They can also try kvargl, a traditional regional cheese. Lunch with the Empress on the pavilion in the central park can be organised for tourist groups. Her arrival is announced by cannon fire. DOKU ART, Bjelovar (October) An international professional documentary film festival, intended to show the best, most intriguing, and artistic documentaries from the region and Europe. The films’ creators speak about issues that know no borders and are always current. THE NIGHT OF NATIONAL MINORITIES, Bjelovar (November) In this interesting event, with more than thousand visitors, representatives of national minorities present their music, dance, and customs. The participants are Albanian, Bosnian, Czech, Hungarian, Roma, Rusyn, Russian, Slovak, Slovenian, Serbian, and Ukrainian associations. CHRISTMAS GALA CONCERT, Bjelovar (December) This traditional Christmas gala concert has been broadcast live by Croatian National Radio-Television several times, and it has also been broadcast via satellite. An orchestra accompanies the greatest names in Croatian music, as well as famous foreign performers from Europe and the USA, who all perform well-known Christmas classics in jazz arrangements.
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BJELOVAR
GRUBIŠNO POLJE
On the beautiful, peaceful slopes of Bilogora, both the longest and the lowest hill in Croatia, alongside thick forests with an abundance of wildlife, there are also fields and pastures beside which lay quaint villages. For hundreds of years, people in these villages have been breeding livestock, producing milk, cheese, and cream, and from their houses we can smell the captivating scents of local cuisine and the old home made food our grandmothers used to make. Near these villages are vineyards with small huts, some of which have recently become family wineries. Many families have decided to share their customs, culture, and home made delicacies with their guests.
Bara, an excursion centre with ponds for sport fishing, is well connected by a county road towards Bjelovar on one side, and by a local road on the other. This roughly 3-acre area on the very edge of an oak forest is home to two ponds for sports fishing, sports facilities (beach volleyball, five-a-side football), and a catering facility in which different cultural, entertainment, and sports programmes are held. Several hook and float fishing tournaments are held annually for all fishermen.
Bilogora Wine Route
Winery Vnouček, Lipovo Brdo Coner restaurant and winery, Jabučeta Vinia excursion centre and wine shop, Puričani Ethno park, Veliko Trojstvo Čačija Winery, Maglenča
Vrata Bilogore excursion centre, Maglenča Mountain lodge Kamenitovac, Maglenča Romska kuća, Maglenča Na Malenom Brijegu excursion centre, Ribnjačka
INFO: TB Bilogora - Bjelovar www.turizam-bilogorabjelovar.com.hr
Bara Excursion Centre
Nature lovers will enjoy walking along the promenade, which partially passes through the pristine Bilogora forest, where they will be able to relish the peace and quiet, the rustling of the leaves, the song of the birds, and the colourful forest flowers. For lovers of enduro mountain biking, there is a bike trail through the forest. During the weekends in the summer months, the catering facility organises different events for the younger population. Bara Excursion Centre has something for everyone, and its natural ambiance provides a unique experience for every guest.
INFO: TB Grubišno Polje www.tzbbz.hr
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ČAZMA
Excursion paradise Čazma, a town at the centre of Moslavina famous for its pristine nature, is a paradise for recreationists, hunters, fishermen, cyclists, excursionists, mountaineers – and any lover of natural beauty. It is rich in cultural heritage and people who preserve old customs, the most famous of which are: Commandment under the Linden in Miklouš, Charcoalmaking on Moslavačka gora, Moslavina wheat threshing in Stara Ploščica, Midsummer’s Day in Ivanjska, Super marathon Zagreb-Čazma... In Čazma, one should see the 13th century Church of St. Mary Magdalene, galleries of famous artists Anton Cetin and Aleksandar Marks, and the Franjo Matešin’s gallery and amphitheatre in Bojana, where numerous cultural and entertainment programs are held.
Church of Mary Magdalene
Pirak rural tourism An oasis of peace, the Pirak rural estate, surrounded by woods, paved footpaths, meadows, and streams, is a great place for a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Regardless of the time of the year, you will always remember your walk through this area because of interesting encounters with forest animals such as squirrels, deer, rabbits, and birds. You will enjoy the local cuisine and old Moslavina dishes such as brašnjače (sausages with corn flour), cheese with cream, polenta, soups, gibanica (cheese and egg pie), štrudlini (strudel), sausages, and home-made bread, and you will be comforted by the warm ambience of a Moslavina family house. INFO: www.seoskiturizam-pirak.com Tonković ethno house
Pirak rural tourism
Salaj family estate in Grabovnica The Salaj family estate is situated on the slopes of Moslavačka gora near Čazma, amidst the vivid scenery of the Moslavina hills. Through the years, thousands of visitors have come to this estate to experience the fairy-tale atmosphere of the Christmas Story and to see the Salaj estate illuminated by more than a million lamps. Throughout the year, the Salaj family offers tours for tourist groups, and also prepares a unique atmosphere during Easter holidays. INFO: www.obiteljsalaj.com Tonković ethno house in Miklouš A traditional Moslavina house, furnished and decorated with authentic ethnic items from peasant homes in Miklouš and the surrounding area, holds demonstrations of the making of flax fabric on a loom and different customs from the villages of Moslavina villages, available upon prior arrangement only.
Matešin gallery and amphitheatre
Salaj family estate – Christmas and Easter story
INFO: TB Moslavina - Čazma www.tz-cazma.hr
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GAREŠNICA
Moslavina in your heart Garešnica is a young town with a long history, situated on the eastern slopes of Moslavačka gora, only 20km from the Zagreb-Bajakovo motorway. It is rich in fish ponds and lakes, the most famous of which is Skresovi lake. There is a footpath with a park around the lake, which is a great place to spend time with friends while enjoying fish specialties. The most famous event held at the lake is September on the Water, which includes a fiš paprikaš cook-off and a fish party.
Skresovi Lake
Every year, during the second weekend in May, Gastroflora is held in Garešnica – a food show of traditional dishes from Moslavina and a flower show. Delicacies are prepared in the centre of Garešnica, not only by restaurateurs from Moslavina, but also by guests from Viškovo, Šibenik, Orašje, and Biograd na moru. Flower show exhibitors will keep the audience captivated with their imaginative flower installations. The Gastroflora program is complemented by music, performances, and a cinema for the youngest visitors. We also recommend Summer in Bršljanica, held mid-August, for all nature lovers. You can walk along the paved historic paths of Moslavačka gora towards the old town of Bršljanac, ride tractors, or cycle; you can also see an art colony painting exhibition and enjoy the many sports and music events. During the last weekend in August, you should visit Potato Days in Hercegovac. Taste imaginative potato dishes and the unique crisps from Hercegovac. During the first weekend in September, Gariglazbijada is held in the very centre of Garešnica. There is a wide variety of pop and rock music, and on Saturday afternoon you can see an old-timer show and enjoy a fiš paprikaš cook-off in the afternoon. The evening is reserved for concerts. Hotel Garić *** The hotel has 27 comfortable, luxuriously furnished rooms, n á la carte restaurant offering Moslavina specialities and special pastries, and a 300-capacity hall for various meetings and celebrations. INFO: www.hotelgaric.com
Winning piece – Crane
Gastroflora
INFO: TB Northern Moslavina www.tzsm.hr
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Magazine of Croatian tourism Special Edition Prepared in cooperation with Bjelovar-Bilogora County Tourist Board and local tourist boards Bjelovar-Bilogora County Tourist Board Jasna Vaniček Fila, CEO
4-5
6 7 8-9 10-11
Bjelovar - Bilogora County Gentle landscapes, kind people Daruvar - a town that loves life Daruvarske toplice Thermal Aqua Park Aquae Balissae Daruvar Wine Route
Publisher Vall 042 d.o.o. Croatia 12-13 Bjelovar - town of manifestations way@vall042.com 14-15 List of manifestations www.waytocroatia.hr The migmatite stone boulders in Garjevica represent one of the most mystical places 16 Bilogora Wine Route Maja Šimenc, CEO in the Moslavačka gora Regional Park. Small spherical bodies of migmatite, created
STONE BOULDERS
through the cooling of rock through a process known as concretion, can be found in 17 boulders Grubišno Poljein a number of places on Editor-in-chief the granite masses on the site. The can be seen Bara Excursion Centre Borislav Šimencgora. Moslavačka
GARIĆ GRAD
Executive Editor Hrvoje Potrebica
18-19
Čazma - excursion paradise Pirak rural tourism One of the oldest Croatian medieval fortresses in northern Croatia was built by Ban Salaj family estate Stjepan in 1256. It is situated in the middle of Moslavačka gora near Podgarić. It Design & Šubić Layout Tonković ethnoThe house was abandoned in 1544 after an attack by Ottoman forces. ruins of Garić grad have Tanja Bunjevac
survived until today, and they are a popular destination for excursions. 20-21 Northern Moslavina Garešnica - Moslavina in your heart Gastroflora
Language Editor & Translator Idi vidi d.o.o.
Supported by UHPA Association of Croatian Travel Agencies
Print AKD d.o.o. Zagreb ISSN 1847-1552 HGK register on press publishing and Distribution: number 1057
22
Small attractions of the county Stone boulders Garić grad
Source of photos: Bjelovar-Bilogora County Tourist Board December 2015 Number of copies: 3.000
Tourist Board Bilogora - Bjelovar
www.turizam-bilogorabjelovar.com.hr
Salaj family estate ÄŒazma, Grabovnica Every year from 5th December to 8th January www.obiteljsalaj.com