November 29, 2020 - Continuing our tour of Croatia's most unusual town, the latest episode of One Minute Ludbreg takes us inside Batthyany Castle.

One of the things I love most about exploring Croatia is that the unexpected is around almost every corner. I have lost count of the number of times I have entered a building and been blown away by the unexpected discoveries inside. 

One building where that is definitely the case is Batthyany Castle in Ludbreg, easily the most impressive and important building in the town. Most visitors only see the castle, which dates back to 1320, from the outside. This is a pity, as the inside is even more exquisite, as you can see from the latest in the TCN series, One Minute Ludbreg. 

If you thought that Croatian administrative buildings were all stuffy relics of the socialist past, take a tour of the office of Ludbreg Mayor, Dubravko Bilic, surely the most beautiful office in all Croatia? 

And what a location! Right next door to the chapel which saw the only certified miracle in all of Croatia, back in 1411. 

Still looking for more? Check out the magic being done on a daily basis at the Ludbreg Restoration Centre. 

One castle, many treasures. See more in the video below, and below that, the other videos in the One Minute Ludbreg series.  

The One Minute Ludbreg video series is a project in paid partnership with the Ludbreg Tourist Board.

To learn more about Ludbreg beyond its stereotype as the centre of the world, read Marc Rowlands' Ludbreg, the Croatian Road Less Travelled. 

For the latest travel info, bookmark our main travel info article, which is updated daily. 

Read the Croatian Travel Update in your language - now available in 24 languages

Join the Total Croatia Travel INFO Viber community.

November 19, 2020 – Mayor Dubravko Bilić says that the new archeological findings in Ludbreg are proof that it has always been a desirable place to live.

As Lokalni.hr reports, the project "Improvement of continental tourism through tourist valorization of the historical and cultural heritage of the City of Ludbreg", worth 18 million kuna, gives increasingly visible results. The promenade and Zanatski trg (The Craft Square) have been arranged, and the Hotel Crnković has been renovated.

"We have always known that Ludbreg has the potential for tourism development. Through this project, we got the opportunity to present to the general public what the people of Ludbreg already know, and that is that people have lived here since time immemorial,“ said Mayor of Ludbreg Dubravko Bilić.

Part of the project is the arrangement of the cemetery of the Parish Church of the Holy Trinity, where interesting findings were made during drainage and archaeological supervision.

Late imperial period

"The works started on the west side of the cemetery, and at a depth of 1.20 meters, an irregular stone wall connected with plaster was found. Given that the excavation did not expand and that we do not have all the data, we do not know what exactly it is about. In 2009, the Croatian Restoration Institute carried out sounding research on the inside of the cemetery, and on that occasion, walls were found on the west side, one of which continues on the outside. It is an object of unknown purpose that can be dated to the late imperial period. Back in 1973, when the Archaeological Museum in Zagreb conducted soundings in Ludbreg, they found a silver earring, made of bent wire and bent in the shape of the letter S, which can be dated to the 10th and beginning of the 11th century. It was assumed that the earring came from the cemetery next to the church, which was located on the site of today's church," explains a young archaeologist Jelena Koprek from the Center for Culture and Information in Ludbreg.

The City of Ludbreg

She adds that guided by this assumption, they started digging a drainage trench on the north side of the cemetery. The project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund through the Operational Program Competitiveness and Cohesion.

Seven graves were found at a depth of 1.50 meters. All the deceased were laid on their backs and oriented in a west-east direction with their heads to the west.

"We found iron nails next to the head of the deceased in some graves, so it is to be assumed that the deceased were buried in wooden coffins that rotted over time. In three graves, along with the deceased, findings that place them in the 10th and early 11th centuries were found. The findings with which we dated these graves are earrings, ie links made of bronze wire with a bent end in the shape of the letter S, which was also found in 1973. The findings can be attributed to the Bjelobrdo cultural complex, but only after further research, it will be possible to confirm it accurately," says Koprek.

On the left: earring made of bronze wire with a bent end in the shape of the letter S; on the right: plain earring with endings crossing one over the other / The City of Ludbreg

Archeological park to be opened soon

Mayor Bilić notes that it is important for the City of Ludbreg to enable citizens to start engaging in tourism, either as an additional job or profession, through projects they are implementing, and thus to see their future there.

"The findings in the very center of the city are not new, but thanks to this project we will finally be able to show them to others. The new findings are just proof that we have always been a desirable place to live," concludes Mayor Bilić.

The town of Podravina, known for its wonders and legends, will soon open the doors of the archeological park.

Bjelobrdo culture

According to Hrvatska enciklopedija, Bjelobrdo culture, or Bijelo Brdo (White Hill) culture is predominantly Slavic culture of the early Middle Ages (10th – 12th centuries), widespread in the Pannonian plain. It is named after the cemetery in Bijelo Brdo near Osijek. In Croatian, the most important sites are located in Vukovar, Josipovo, Kloštar Podravski. Row cemeteries without grave architecture are what characterizes Bjelobrdo culture, and among the grave goods, jewelry (simple rings, rings with an S-shaped end, grape-shaped earrings, necklaces, rings), iron tools and weapons, and ceramics stand out.

To read more news from Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

November 6, 2020 - Is there a better way to get to know the beauty of Croatia than with physical recreation? To help you successfully combine pleasure and exercise, we present a list of the top 10 best running routes in Croatia.

Whether you are a lover of tranquility, nature, and fresh air, or are amazed by the winding roads along the rivers or the beautiful views from the mountain tops, in these top 10 best running routes, everyone will find something for themselves. From Slavonia and Zagorje, through Istria, Kvarner, and Lika, all the way to Dalmatia, RunCroatia collected the top 10 running routes in Croatia, described and photographed by the running enthusiasts themselves.

1. Bošana, Pag

Running in the company of a flock of sheep

Text and photos: Alan Sinovčić

My favorite running track is on the island of Pag, on the old (mostly macadam) road from Pag to Novalja. The trail starts in Bošana, a part of the Pag town that is very easy to reach – you go north from the city and then take the road by the sea.

About a kilometer after the last houses in Pag begins Bošana, a small secluded place, special for the forest with which it is covered. After about another kilometer and a half, you will reach the end of Bošana where you will notice a sign indicating a special reserve of forest vegetation. There is a small parking lot where you can leave your car and go down a little lower along the way to see the beautiful beach Rozin bok.

The first kilometer and a half runs through the woods along the paved road to Sveta Marija, a place with several houses. After Sveta Marija, the path continues on the macadam. On the left side, there is a very steep path to the highest peak in Pag, Sveti Vid (351 m), and on the right side, there is a view of some wonderful beaches, among which is the beach Paška vrata, and Velebit mountain. After a little over two kilometers, on the right, there is a standard spot for photography and a sign for the 15th meridian that passes there.

Another place with just a few houses follows – Sveti Marko. The trail continues along with many coves and beaches, out of which the 750-meter-long Filino beach should be specially noted. Part of the road to Filino beach is the "hardest" - it is about 500 meters of an easy ascent. This is followed by a slight descent towards the Camp Sveti Duh.

On the left, you will pass an old pit for digging sand, and in that part, you can even expect frequent encounters with flocks of sheep. The end of this part of the trail is windy. First, there is an ascent (arrival at the paved part), and then a descent to the entrance to the camp.

The one-way trail is 7 km long. For those who want more length, I suggest that they run the road Pag – Novalja above the camp and continue on macadam roads to Gajec, an apartment complex near Novalja, which will add another 5 kilometers in one direction.

2. Dramalj, Crikvenica

For early morning lovers

Text and photo: Pero Petra

This trail goes by the sea without big ascents. The best time to go is in the morning because it's in the shade. After one kilometer, you come to Kačjak, a small peninsula that has a trim track and is designed as a sports complex. The view overlooks Krk, Klimno Bay, and the gently sunny completely calm sea in the early morning called „bonaca“. The circle along the peninsula can be extended. You can go back towards the beginning, towards Jadranovo along the new road or towards the beginning and along the coast to Selce.

This trail offers something for everyone. Whoever finds themselves in the Crikvenica town, this route is great. It’s best when you meet a team coming back from a night out!

3. Kamenjak Cape, Premantura, Istria

Where the dinosaurs walked

Text and photos: Domagoj Kranjčec

The Kamenjak peninsula is located in the southernmost part of Istria. The smell of medicinal herbs and salt, the buzzing of bees, and the murmur of the sea on Kamenjak can best be experienced in early spring and late summer. Almost 100 million years ago, dinosaurs walked through Kamenjak, and today in the summer months, it is full of walkers, runners, cyclists, and cars. Cape Kamenjak is full of macadam roads, narrow roads, and bike paths.

A circle of 15-20 kilometers from about 150 meters above sea level can be achieved by connecting Gornji and Donji Kamenjak. If your start is in the center of Premantura (near the church and the tower), head north in the direction of Pula. One hundred meters from the sign to leave Premantura, turn slightly to the left and continue along the macadam road, slowly ascending to the top of Gornji Kamenjak, where there is a large cross.

From this place, there is a beautiful view of Pula and Volme to the north, Pomer, and Medulin to the east and Cape Kamenjak to the south. Head back downhill 100 meters and turn right first to run with a view of the open sea on the west side, and again emerge on the famous path that takes you back to the very entrance to Premantura.

After the sports field, turn right onto the paved road that leads to the official entrance to Kamenjak (house with a ramp). Next, you have several trails to the cape, and my recommendation is to head towards the bay Polje and then along the narrow roads all the time running along the sea to visit the remaining bays to the Safari bar. Here you can share a gravel road with cars or cross the east side of Kamenjak to get back to the center of Premantura and your starting point.

4. Slavonski Brod, along the Sava River

Along the most beautiful Croatian river beach and square

Text and photos: Boris Predmerski

Polojska cesta (Poloj road) in Slavonski Brod, named after one of the most beautiful river beaches in Croatia – Poloj (eng. field), is an unavoidable route for all recreationists and runners. The informal start of the running route is at the Vijuš sports hall complex and the city swimming pools located right next to the Sava River. It has a large parking lot, as well as an excellent plateau for warming up.

The route starts from the pool and goes through the Polojska cesta. The entire length is paved (but you can also run on grassy terrain along the trail), runs along the entire length of the Sava River, more specifically along the beautiful rafting street. Along the route, there is exercise equipment and a skate park.

From the pool to Poloj, the length is 2.5 km. There is a turn on Poloj, with the remark that you can also extend the route (we call it pockets) by circling around the cottages right next to a large sandy river beach. For those who want to spend more time in nature, they can run part of the way through the forest and feel a little trail atmosphere.

On the trail, there are three replicas of old Slavonian backyard water pumps and you do not need to carry refreshments with you.

You return on the same route to the pools where you end up running 5 km. But that's not the end. If you want a longer length, continue along the Sava towards the bridge. Run along the beautiful Sava promenade (quay) to the bridge with a slightly shorter length of 2 km where you make a turn.

Along this part of the road, you will inevitably be accompanied by kayakers and walkers. You will run next to the baroque Franciscan monastery, next to Ivana Brlić Mažuranić Square, the main town square, which in 2006 received the Croatian National Tourist Board award for the most beautiful square in Croatia.

Under the bridge, you can turn back. You will be greeted by anchored riverboats and fishermen on one side, and on the other side by the baroque and magnificent Fortress ship. Going back, you will run less than 10km, but with the aforementioned pockets on the Poloj, you will have a dozen kilometers under your feet.

I mentioned the Fortress ship above –  it is a racing story in itself. In the very center of the city, kilometers circle through the paths of the largest fortified baroque buildings in Croatia and one of the largest in Europe. Running through baroque casemates and fortress tunnels take you back to the 18th century when it was built. A unique "Cross in the Fortress", as well as the "Slavonian Race" which starts and ends in the Fortress, are organized here.

5. Šibenik, promenade Sveti Ante

Perfect surface

Text and photos. Ljiljana Šarić

The route is 5.6 km away from Šibenik and stretches along the seaside, where is the Channel of St. Anthony near the Fortress of St. Nicholas. The path or promenade is used by many, not only because of the beautiful view, but the surface is perfect for running or walking. The Šibenik Triathlon has been held on this track for two years and all participants are delighted.

6. Ludbreg, Crazy Hill Trail route

All the beauties of Ludbreg

Text and photo: Drazen Komes

One of the starting points is the Island of Youth - a small green oasis in the center of Ludbreg bordered by the Bednja River with many lakes, a paradise for animals and fishermen. After running around the Island, you pass by apple orchards, cornfields, and steep vineyards to the forest that abounds in many hidden ravines and streams, and at the last ascent and just before the last descent a view of the whole Ludbreg. The trail is an ideal opportunity to present widely all the beauties of our region, our people, and customs.

7. Mali Lošinj

Outdoor spa on the Island of Vitality

Text and photo: Goran Todorov

Some of the shots are from the trail where a large number of tourists run. In my opinion, that 10-13 km is certainly the most beautiful trail I have ever run, if not the most beautiful, and I have run a lot of them. The sound of the waves, the special scent of the forest, hidden coves, and the song of seagulls. Paradise!

Perhaps one of the most beautiful promenades in the world leads you about 3 km from the direction of Hotel Vespera, through the Camp Čikat, to the old resort of Petrokemija.

Lošinj is also known for its outdoor spa. When you are there and inhale that air, the smells are more special than ever, and the views that reopen after each new bend simply take your breath away.

The trail is arranged and relatively flat and leads you along the sea, next to camps and hotels. There’s a special view all the way and a special atmosphere in the race. After the old resort of Petrokemija, about 3 km away, the paved path ends, but it is possible to run below, but the path is of the lighter trail profile and goes about 2 km in the direction of the city.

8. Otočac

A circle along the Gacka River

Text and photo: Josip Loškarin

Gacka Valley, an hour and a half drive from Zagreb, Rijeka, or Zadar, known for its beautiful river and natural beauty, is an ideal place for walking, running, hiking, or cycling. Members of the racing section of the Otočac Sports Club have singled out an interesting 10 km long road track.

The trail is circular, starting and ending in the City Park in Otočac. It largely follows the river Gacka on both sides of the coast, passing through the mountainous but gentle landscapes of the Gacka Valley. The trail has a total elevation of 74 meters.

Detailed description:

The trail starts in the Otočac City Park (A) in a westerly direction and turns left towards Ban Josip Jelačić Street (B). Then continue straight through Luka Street (C) and further towards the village of Prozor (D) to Prozorski dom (E) where you turn first right and then at the next crossroads before the bridge turn left. You continue straight up a slight hill to Orešković bridge (F), after which you turn right towards Šatrići (G). At the next intersection, turn right up a slight hill to Obilje (H) and continue without turning to the Port Bridge (I). After the bridge, turn left and return through Luka (J) and Ban Josip Jelačić Street (K) to the Otočac City Park (L).

9. National Park Paklenica, Ivine vodice

Refreshment in the hot months

Text and photos: Andrija Savić

Among all the tracks of National Park Paklenica, this track stands out with its aesthetics and simplicity. The trail starts from the mountain lodge Paklenica and goes to the mountain shelter Ivine vodice. In one direction it is 5.5 km, and the slope is 12.2 percent. It is also one of the easiest trails since it has a slight slope (the last third is the steepest) and it is a trampled single-track.

At the mountain lodge, there is a pool where you can bathe and recover in the summer months, given that the water temperature is around 15 degrees. You can always catch axes and chop some wood on Ivine vodice and thus spice up your training. The trail runs through the forest all the time which is ideal for the hot months. All in all, a real treat for trail racers looking for clean air.

10. Učka

A view from the top of Istria

Text and photos: Marko Jelić

The route I usually take starts from Moščenička Draga. Along the coast, take the 750 steps to Moščenica, which overlooks Rijeka and Kvarner. From Moščenica, the road continues to Mala Učka. From Mala Učka, I head towards the beautiful Babin Grob lookout point, which houses a shelter and a lodge. Back from Mala Učka, sometimes I turn to Suhi Vrh.

I continue my journey to Vojak, the highest peak of Učka mountain, and therefore the whole Istrian peninsula. From there, there's a view of the whole of Istria, the islands, Risnjak, and Slovenian mountain peaks. The options are many but for me, this route is favorite!

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November 2, 2020 - One of the more curious claims coming out of continental Croatia is that it is home to the centre of the world. Learn more in the latest episode of One Minute Ludbreg.

Ask the average Croatian how much he knows about the town of Ludbreg, and the first thing that usually comes out is that it is the town which is the centre of the world. 

Ask why Ludbreg makes this unusual claim, and things are a little less clear. 

I had actually never heard of the town when I was first invited to visit back in 2016 by the regional tourist board director of Varazdin County Tourist Board. And what I found was a very unusual little place, which I subsequently called Ludbreg, the Most Fascinating, Unusual Little Town in Croatia?

So why is it claiming to be the centre of the world, and where exactly is the spot?

For that, you have to go to the centre of some concentric circles on the main square, check out the nearby fountain which dispenses wine once a year, learn about the legend of the beautiful Ludberga, whose struggles with Satan created the island of Antipodes on the other side of the world, and a man from Switzerland with a chart divider and love of Ludbreg.  

Put all that together and you will better understand why Ludbreg is the centre of the world. Lern more in the latest in our series of One Minute Ludbreg videos below, as well as the rest of the videos published so far below that. 

The One Minute Ludbreg video series is a project in paid partnership with the Ludbreg Tourist Board.

To learn more about Ludbreg beyond its stereotype as the centre of the world, read Marc Rowlands' Ludbreg, the Croatian Road Less Travelled. 

For the latest travel info, bookmark our main travel info article, which is updated daily. 

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October 15, 2020 - Continuing our tour of Croatia's miracle town in the TCN One Minute Ludbreg series, a visit to one of the quietest but also liveliest parts of town - Otok Mladosti, the Island of Youth. 

Ludbreg is a town like no other I have come across in Croatia.

On the surface, it looks like a regular, unremarkable town, but it does not take long to discover that things are a little different there. 

Its more famous claim, of course, is that it is the centre of the world, and you can visit the very centre on the main square. But just 30 metres from the centre is the Eucharistic Miracle of Ludbreg, the only certified miracle in all Croatia. Cross the street towards Batthyany Palace and you can visit the pretty chapel where the miracle took place, as well as wonder at the incredible work of the Ludbreg Restoration Centre, one of the most important restoration centres in this part of Europe. Wander along the road to a nearby park and find a church there, which was built in 1994 following a government promise made way back in 1738. And only used once a year, when 100,000 people come for the first weekend in September. 

Otok Mladosti, the Island of Youth, is also a little different. Located a short walk along the River Bednja to the south of the island, Otok Mladosti can be either the most tranquil place in Ludbreg, or the biggest party. 

It is in fact not an island, more a peninsula, but it offers idyllic nature with its woods and lake. A great place to come and fish, or simply get lost in the woods and its quiet, compelling nature. 

But Otok Mladosti also has a very different side, for it is a great place to party. Many events are held there each year, including the annual Crazy Island electronic music festival each year. The town recently got ownership of Otok Mladosti, and they have some great plans, so stay tuned... 

Check out Otok Mladosti in the latest in our series of One Minute Ludbreg videos below, as well as the rest of the videos published so far below that. 

To learn more about Ludbreg beyond its stereotype as the centre of the world, read Marc Rowlands' Ludbreg, the Croatian Road Less Travelled. 

For the latest travel info, bookmark our main travel info article, which is updated daily. 

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October 1, 2020 - Continuing our tour of Croatia's miracle town in the TCN One Minute Ludbreg series, a visit to the Kezman winery and President of the Trsek Wine Association, Branko Kezman.

One of the joys of exploring the wineries of Croatia is that - in addition to the wines - you have the chance to share and experience the private dreams of individual winemakers. There are so many different approaches to wine making and wine presentation, even within the producers of the Ludbreg wine road. And if you are looking for a taste of authentic rustic living, then look no further than Branko Kezman in the pretty village of Slanje, a short drive to the west of Ludbreg. 

The Kezman family winery was founded back in 1995, and today it produces 10 - 12,000 bottles a year. As with the rest of the region, the focus is very much on white wines, and there is an impressive selection to choose from -  graševina, rajnski rizling, bijeli pinot, sivi pinot, silvanac zeleni, manzzoni, muškat and chardonnay. The winery has enjoyed considerable success with numerous awards in regional and national competitions.

The Kezman tasting takes place in a quaint traditional wooden house built by owner Branko Kezman. It is a divine spot and is available for overnight rent. If you are looking for a peaceful escape in traditional Zagorje nature, especially after an excellent wine tasting, this is pretty hard to beat. The house is directly opposite the winery.

Not content to just produce his own wines, Branko Kezman is also the President of Trsek, the Ludbreg Wine Association, which was formed back in 2010 with the aim of promoting the Ludbreg wine story. Among his most important duties is organising and presiding over the annual Young Wines Exhibition in Ludbreg. Now in its 30th year, the event is the largest international exhibition of young wines in Croatia today. 

Learn more about Branko Keman and his winery in the latest episode of our One Minute Ludbreg series, below, then check out the other videos in the series.

The One Minute Ludbreg video series is a project in paid partnership with the Ludbreg Tourist Board.

To learn more about Ludbreg beyond its stereotype as the centre of the world, read Marc Rowlands' Ludbreg, the Croatian Road Less Travelled. 

For the latest travel info, bookmark our main travel info article, which is updated daily. 

Read the Croatian Travel Update in your language - now available in 24 languages

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As Novac/Martina Hrupic writes on the 25th of September, 2020, Ludbreg is well known for being the centre of the world, but now it wants to become a centre for Croatian outdoor tourism. It presented this ambition at the recently held "Days of cycling tourism 2020." Is Ludbreg tourism about to get a spring in its step?

It was at this event that six new bicycle paths in Ludbreg and its surroundings were presented, from the simple and shorter ones to the long, technically and physically demanding ones. In the foreseeable future, hiking trails, which will also be of different profiles, will be presented to the public, and then in the spring, canoeing and kayaking options in the Ludbreg area will also be a possibility.

The aforementioned conference dedicated to cycling tourism as a sustainable, increasingly popular and valuable branch of the tourism industry is a project launched by the Varazdin company Spot through its cycling tourism brand "Trail - Full Cycling Experience", specialising in the development of innovative and sustainable tourism content.

The conference brought together representatives of institutions, ministries, tourist boards, agencies, providers of services and related products and experts in promotion, marketing and branding, as well as foreign entities that work to reveal Croatia to the European cycling market.

Ludbreg's Mayor, Dubravko Bilic explained that cycling tourism is actually the backbone of the idea of ​​Ludbreg tourism in the sense of it becoming an outdoor destination. Cyclotourists, he claims, are excellent tourists, and cycling tourism is the fastest growing tourist branch.

''Days of cycling tourism are important not only for us but for all destinations. Cyclists, if they come from nearby areas, come by bike, but if they come from afar, they come by car, not by plane, so in that sense there isn't much impact caused by this crisis, which is likely to happen in the future. These are people who like to get tired, but also to relax, we want to take a bite into that part of the tourist cake, and Cycling Days are an event that helped us go in that direction,'' explained Bilic.

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September 24, 2020 - Holy Sunday in Ludbreg took place early this month, a pilgrimage which usually attracts 100,000 visitors over the first weekend of September. 2020 was a little different. 

One of the challenges in Croatia is this most challenging of years has been how to strike a balance between social distancing and the upholding of religious tradtions which date back centuries. I was fortunate to be one of the few witnesses of the 500-year-old Za Krizen (Behing the Cross) procession that took place on the island of Hvar on Maundy Thursday, back in April. Permission for the procession to go ahead, even with each of the 6 processions reduced to 15 people, was a hotly debated national discussion. With lockdown all over the country, this was possibly the only event to take place that month in the whole country. 

Religious traditions are a crucial part of the Croatian soul, and there are several annual events which routiinely attract tens of thousands of pilgrims, if not more. All have been much reduced this year due to the virus, and I was curious to see how things looked in practice. 

One of the biggest is Holy Sunday in Ludbreg, which takes place on the first weekend of September each year. Pilgrims gather to commemorate which is actually Croatia's only certified miracle, the Eucharistic Miracles of Ludbreg, back in 1411, which was authenticated by Papal Bull in 1513 by Pope Leo X. You can learn more about it here.

While the Varazdin Diocese decided that the event would go ahead, local Ludbreg authoroties decided to downplay the ancillary events, and the usual concerts and exhibitions were put on hold for a brighter 2021.

While not as busy as previous years, several thousand did show up to attend Holy Mass in the park in front of the Sanctuary of the Special Blood of Christ, before enjoying the rest of the festivities around Ludbreg. 

Ludbreg has yet to record a single case of coronavirus, and the miracle town remains COVID-19-free after its special weekend - a miracle in itself in these crazy times? 

Check out Holy Sunday in Ludbreg 2020 v 2019 in the latest One Minute Ludbreg video below. 

To learn more about Ludbreg beyond its stereotype as the centre of the world, read Marc Rowlands' Ludbreg, the Croatian Road Less Travelled. 

For the latest travel info, bookmark our main travel info article, which is updated daily. 

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September 21, 2020 - Continuing our tour of Croatia's miracle town in the TCN One Minute Ludbreg series, a visit to the Marko Makar winery for strawberries and sparkling wine overlooking the rolling hills towards Hungary.

In addition to the unique flavours of its reported 130 indigenous wine varieties, one of the key factors which gives the Croatian wine scene such personality is the sheer diversity and determination of its hundreds of private winemakers to realise their own dreams of producing excellent wines according to their vision. With so many different personalities and grape varieties to play with, the results for the wine tourist are spectacular, and one can enjoy several totally different tasting experiences at wineries which are very close to each other. 

Such is the case on the Ludbreg Wine Road in Varazdin County, which exists solely due to the passion and dedication of a few private individual winemakers who have come together to promote their wines and the Ludbreg wine region. Among them is Marko Makar, who is quietly expanding his business beyond wine and into tourism. 

His winery, located 1.5 km south-east of the town, is a delightful combination of excellent young wines and fabulous views of the rolling hills typical of the region, and the view extends into neighbouring Hungary. 

Not content to stop at wine production, Makar is also building a holiday home with swimming pool to add to his offer.  

A very relaxed place, and if you come at the right time of year, you can check out his ultimate hedonistic combination, strawberries and his sparking wine, Nika, a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. 

Learn more about Marko Makar and his winery in the latest episode of our One Minute Ludbreg series, below, then check out the other videos in the series.

The One Minute Ludbreg video series is a project in paid partnership with the Ludbreg Tourist Board.

To learn more about Ludbreg beyond its stereotype as the centre of the world, read Marc Rowlands' Ludbreg, the Croatian Road Less Travelled. 

For the latest travel info, bookmark our main travel info article, which is updated daily. 

Read the Croatian Travel Update in your language - now available in 24 languages

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September 11, 2020 - Continuing our tour of Croatia's miracle town in the TCN One Minute Ludbreg series, a visit to the Batthyany Palace chapel where the Eucharistic Miracle of Ludbreg took place in 1411.

One of the most fascinating things about travelling around Croatia is discovering what lies behind the doors of buildings. I first started to notice this in Diocletian's Palace many years ago. So many seemingly similar and innocuous-looking doors, which were actually guarding secrets to historical treasures, stunning buildings and unique attractions. Never has the phrase 'never judge a book by its cover' been so true. 

Over the years, I have lost count of the number of times I have passed through a door in Croatia and literally had my breath taking away by what I saw on the other side. 

It happened to me also in the town of Ludbreg on my first tour with the local tourist board back in 2016. The walk around the three buildings which comprise the town's most impressive attraction - Batthyany Palace - was very pleasant, and the buildings themselves were magnificent, but I had no concept of the magic that awaited me inside when we entered the Church of the Holy Cross, which was the former private chapel of Count Batthyany. 

The frescoes which adorned the walls and ceiling were stunning, but that was only the start of the story. For here, it was explained to me, was the place where something rather special happened way back in 1411 - the Eucharistic Miracle of Ludbreg, which remains today as the only miracle in all Croatia that has been officially certified by the Vatican after a Papal Bull issued by Pope Leo X in 1513 (a copy of which you can see in the small museum at the back of the church). Learn more about this most picturesque chapel in Batthyany Palace in our latest episode of One Minute Ludbreg below, and to learn more of the story of the miracle, check out the TCN article here.  

The One Minute Ludbreg video series is a project in paid partnership with the Ludbreg Tourist Board.

To learn more about Ludbreg beyond its stereotype as the centre of the world, read Marc Rowlands' Ludbreg, the Croatian Road Less Travelled. 

For the latest travel info, bookmark our main travel info article, which is updated daily. 

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