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explore the green garden of Croatia
Nature
Bounded by rivers, the lush greenery of Međimurje has been tended to with great care, just like the loveliest garden. It is a combination of nature’s perfection and people’s hard work. For centuries, people in Međimurje have been regarded by their neighbors and guests as diligent and friendly, who love and protect their home named Hortus Croatiae since Antiquity.
Explore the flower garden of Croatia!
the Drava river
Upper Međimurje
the Mura river
Mura - Drava Regional Park
The Mura-Drava Regional Park stretches over almost a quarter of Međimurje County. UNESCO declared this area a part of the Mura-Drava-Danube Biosphere Reserve and, thus, recognized its value on a global level.
The Mura river is one of the last Pannonian rivers that has kept its natural course. Along its banks there are freshwater swamp forests full of bent trees, green puddles covered with water lentils, all filled with sounds of frogs croaking, dragonflies buzzing, otters squeaking and the call of deer. Numerous protected birds live on the gravel and sandy banks of the Mura, including sandmartins, kingfishers and bee-eaters, as well as the small golden-eyed bird - the little ringed plover. The Drava river fills the two largest artificial lakes in Croatia with its powerful waters, and its former river bed is still teeming with a wealth of protected plant and animal species. Small fertile fields, groves and hedges with rich biodiversity spread along these mighty rivers.
Explore this beautiful natural landscape by sailing in a traditional wooden boat, kayaking or cycling along the well-maintained cycling trails.
Inspiring landscapes
The landscape lace in Međimurje was woven by mother nature together with hard-working people into a tripartite beauty consisting of:
Upper Međimurje with rolling hills dotted with orchards and groves, winding paths, small villages and thousands of carefully tended vines. The wine-growing area is characterized by exceptional biodiversity and idyllic charm. Several protected natural monuments await you there, as follows:
- giant plane trees in Sveti Urban
- natural monument of Bedekovićeve grabe
- tulip tree in Vučetinec
- plane tree in Nedelišće
- significant landscape along the Mura
Tell me more
Lower Međimurje stretches to the southeast at the foot of rolling hills. It is a fertile valley, just as Mesopotamia once was, with a special appeal featuring mists over the Mura and Drava rivers, backwaters and banks, thousands of fertile fields, meadows, paths and hedges, as well as numerous picturesque villages. Primeval trees grow here too, and they are protected as monuments of nature:
- magnolia tree in Pribislavec
- oak tree in Donji Vidovec
- ginkgo tree in Donja Dubrava
Čakovec is located in the very center of Međimurje. The town that suits everyone delights with its green streets, historical skyline and a lush park in the heart of it all. Protected as a natural monument, Zrinski Park shelters the ancient fortress of the Zrinskis, numerous monuments and statues, as well as the playgrounds. Not far from the park, there is a protected impressive wisteria tree in the courtyard of the Faculty of Teacher Education.
You will be happy to return to each of these landscapes, inspired by carefully tended gardens, yards, vegetable patches and parks.
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“A very modern and attractively designed center for the interpretation of Međimurje's nature, interesting and instructive, and additional praise for expert guidance through the exhibition”
— Davor
Med dvemi vodami
An interesting, rich and interactive experience of the natural gems in Međimurje awaits you at the Med dvemi vodami Visitor Center (Cro. dial. med dvemi vodami - between two waters).
The center reflects the love for natural heritage in Međimurje and the need to preserve authentic landscapes. It is located in the small village of Križovec, in the renovated former forestry building and the home of the feudal lord Feštetić. The building also serves as the headquarters to Međimurska Priroda - Public Institution for Nature Protection.
On the ground floor of the Center, there are two galleries with state-of-the art equipment for the purposes of the permanent interpretive exhibition, and a souvenir shop. The Mura and Drava rivers, the Međimurje forest and the legendary Adam oak, which lived to be 500 years old, feature in this educational and adventurous natural history story. Outside the main building there is a themed playground called Rječica (Cro. small river). Rangers from Međimurska priroda hold themed workshops for preschool and school-aged groups. The Center also offers a visit to the educational-research center Matulov grunt, an example of the preserved rural architecture in Međimurje.
The center reflects the love for natural heritage in Međimurje and the need to preserve authentic landscapes. It is located in the small village of Križovec, in the renovated former forestry building and the home of the feudal lord Feštetić. The building also serves as the headquarters to Međimurska Priroda - Public Institution for Nature Protection.
On the ground floor of the Center, there are two galleries with state-of-the art equipment for the purposes of the permanent interpretive exhibition, and a souvenir shop. The Mura and Drava rivers, the Međimurje forest and the legendary Adam oak, which lived to be 500 years old, feature in this educational and adventurous natural history story. Outside the main building there is a themed playground called Rječica (Cro. small river). Rangers from Međimurska priroda hold themed workshops for preschool and school-aged groups. The Center also offers a visit to the educational-research center Matulov grunt, an example of the preserved rural architecture in Međimurje.
Take me there
