Slapnica – a quiet introduction to the magic of Žumberak
Everyone born in the Žumberak Highlands has surely, at least once, sung the line:
“Haj, haj, haj, beautiful is the land of Žumberak, my native land, my homeland, lovely as the month of May!”
What beauties the song by the band Maestral sings about, we will try to convey to you in a few paragraphs, while also presenting the history of this region.
Traces of ancient civilisations beneath the layers of Žumberak
The area of the Žumberak Highlands has been inhabited since the period before Christ, as confirmed by the prehistoric site of Budinjak, dated to the period from the 10th to the 6th century BC. This is at the same time the most valuable archaeological complex in Croatia, with the exceptional fact that the area has largely remained preserved to this day. Together with the nearby Roman site in Bratelji from the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, Budinjak forms an integral part of an Archaeological Park, best explored on foot by following the Princes’ Trail. Budinjak is also home to the visitor centre of the public institution – the Budinjak Visitor Centre with a souvenir shop.
Particular attention is drawn to one tumulus, or burial mound, in which the remains of a prince and princess were discovered, along with a series of luxurious grave goods that testify to the social status and rituals of the Iron Age. Among the finds, a bronze helmet stands out, crafted using a technically demanding, multi-phase process, indicating a high level of metallurgical knowledge possessed by the master caster of the time. Interestingly, this type of helmet has become a kind of “reference point” in European archaeology: every future specimen of the same type, regardless of where it is found in Europe, will in professional terminology be associated with the name Budinjak.
The Žumberak Uskoks – the shield of Europe through the centuries
Many of today’s inhabitants of this area are descendants of the Žumberak Uskoks, a border military group that emerged in the context of Ottoman conquests during the 16th century. They settled in the Žumberak area in several migration waves – as many as five – between 1530 and 1539, mainly from the regions of Bosnia, Cetina, and Glamoč, while a smaller group arrived from Senj at the beginning of the 17th century after the Uskok War. Their settlement was connected to the organisation of the Military Frontier, the defensive system of the Habsburg Monarchy against the Ottoman Empire.
In 1540, the Žumberak Captaincy was established, with its seat first in Stari Grad Žumberak and later in Novi Grad Žumberak. As frontier soldiers, the Uskoks enjoyed tax privileges and a regular salary, and they participated in key battles against the Ottomans, including the defence of Zagreb, the Battle of Sveta Helena, and the decisive Battle of Sisak in 1593. Their military service lasted until the abolition of the Military Frontier in 1871, which marked the end of Žumberak’s special frontier organisation.
In order to preserve the memory of these brave people and this part of history, the Žumberak Uskoks Association, originally named Uskok–Sošice, actively operates in various fields. It is focused on preserving and promoting the historical, religious, patriotic, and cultural values of the Žumberak Uskok heritage within the Croatian historical context. Special emphasis is placed on promoting and academically evaluating prominent individuals of Žumberak origin, including bishops and members of the academy, as well as popularising their contribution to national culture and identity.
As an operational priority, the association develops public programmes, primarily the organisation of the Žumberak–Uskok Gatherings and public lectures in cooperation with the Church and other associations. An important goal is connecting the local community with emigrated Žumberak residents, alongside systematic cooperation with local self-government and local councils. In the field of heritage practice, priorities include the preservation and production of traditional folk costumes, networking with the Uskoks of Senj and Klis, and publishing activities through postcards and other publications.
The Žumberak Uskoks – guardians of identity
Untouched nature – a green jewel of continental Croatia
The Žumberak Highlands are part of a vast mountain massif in the western part of central Croatia, along the border with Slovenia, between the Kupa and Sava rivers. This is a hilly and mountainous area characterised by deep valleys, forested slopes, and summit plateaus and hillsides covered with meadows, pastures, and traditional agricultural land. Settlements are scattered and situated at considerable altitudes, in some places up to 800 metres, giving the area exceptional landscape beauty.
The Žumberak area, together with the Samobor Highlands, was declared a Nature Park in 1999, confirming its outstanding natural and cultural-historical value. The total protected area covers as much as 34,235 hectares and is characterised by great biological, landscape, and geological diversity, as well as a mosaic of natural forests and grasslands interwoven with cultivated landscapes. The highest peak is Sveta Gera (1,178 m), also the highest point of north-western Croatia.
The park area is distinguished by an exceptional wealth of rare and legally protected species, among which butterflies associated with grassland ecosystems, large predators, and diverse flora of mountain meadows stand out in particular: as many as 38 species of orchids, along with the presence of glacial relicts and subterranean endemics that testify to the complex geological and climatic past of the area.
Equal attention is deserved by the diversity of sensitive and endangered habitats, such as mountain and wet grasslands, bogs, ponds, and smaller watercourses with cascades, as well as karst caves and tufa-forming springs.
Where to stay and recharge your batteries
Through the Destination Green Croatia platform, find beautiful accommodation where you can recharge overnight and then continue exploring this region.
Mountain Home 01
Mountain Home 01 stands out in particular. It is located in the peaceful village of Klake, near Samobor, surrounded by greenery and the hills of the Samobor Highlands, making it an ideal destination for a family holiday in nature. The house offers an outdoor pool, spacious terraces, and a barbecue area, with pets welcome, and active options such as excursions to Okić Old Town or visits to Grgosova Cave. Thanks to its proximity to Zagreb (25 km), guests also have access to the rich cultural and urban offerings of the capital.
Mountain Home 02
Mountain Home 02 in Kupčina Žumberačka is particularly notable for holding the EU Ecolabel certificate, confirming high standards of sustainability, energy efficiency, and a responsible relationship with nature. The house accommodates up to 9 guests (7 + 2) and is ideal for families, offering a large outdoor area of about 800 square metres, children’s facilities, and a summer pool. For complete relaxation, a jacuzzi and sauna are available, along with the ambience of a stream and a landscaped yard with a gazebo and a built-in barbecue. The interior includes three bedrooms, two living rooms with the possibility of additional beds, a fully equipped kitchen, and two bathrooms, as well as private parking.
Mountain Home 03
Mountain Home 03 is located in the quiet village of Ivančići, near Jastrebarsko, and represents an ideal choice for guests seeking privacy and relaxation in a natural setting. The house accommodates up to eight people (6 + 2) and offers a jacuzzi, a spacious garden with a children’s playground, and amenities such as bicycles, badminton, and darts, making it suitable for families and groups of friends. It is surrounded by hills, vineyards, and hiking trails of the Jastrebarsko area, with the proximity of Zagreb providing additional cultural and gastronomic options.
Mountain Vila 01
Mountain Vila 01 in Orešje Okićko is a luxury four-star villa set in the natural environment of the Žumberak Nature Park, ideal for a peaceful yet activity-filled holiday close to Zagreb. It accommodates up to eight guests (6 + 2) and offers three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen, with year-round comfort ensured by air conditioning and a wood-burning stove. Special value is added by the wellness area with a sauna and jacuzzi, as well as a private pool (1 May – 1 October), a covered terrace with a barbecue, and numerous recreational facilities. Surrounded by an orchard and close to Okić and Plešivica, the villa is an excellent choice for families, active guests, or a romantic escape into nature.
Mountain Vila 02
Mountain Vila 02 is located on a peaceful hill within the Samobor Highlands Nature Park and stands out for its exceptional panoramic view encompassing a wide surrounding area, along with good transport connections to Zagreb, Samobor, and Jastrebarsko. The villa covers 120 square metres and accommodates up to eight guests in four elegant bedrooms, offering year-round comfort thanks to air conditioning, radiators, and a wood-burning fireplace. The central point of the exterior is a terrace with a barbecue and a jacuzzi for five people, allowing relaxation with views of several towns and natural areas in the lowlands. It is surrounded by amenities for families and active guests, from lawns with deck chairs and a swing to hiking and cycling routes, as well as proximity to the Plešivica Wine Road and local restaurants.
Regardless of which accommodation you choose, one thing is guaranteed – you will be greeted by a beautiful view of the landscape.