Description of the attraction
The Zhumberak-Samoborsk nature park stretches along the hilly and mountainous area of the southern slopes of the Zhumberak and Samoborsk mountains. The area of the park is 333 sq. Km. The Jumberak area is a protected natural resource under the 1999 Act of Parliament. According to the Law on Nature Protection, economic and other activities are allowed in the nature park that do not jeopardize the characteristics of the park.
The natural park is located in the north-west of Croatia, where the plains of the Dinarida, Alps and Panonnia mountains meet. In this part of the country, all villages are located at an altitude of 400-700 meters above sea level, which is a feature of the park. Along the northern border of the park, there is a mountain range that has not been exposed to human influence, and therefore has remained practically in its original form. This area is dominated by forests, mountain and forest pastures.
Mount Samobsk is located in the eastern part of the park and has a varied landscape - valleys with mountain streams, mountain ranges covered with dense forests, and you can also find small villages.
The central part of the park descends to the south, where mountains alternate with fields and valleys with rivers. This part of the park has the highest population density.
Natural factors, together with years of human activity, have made the territory of the Jumberak Natural Park interesting and biologically diverse. The so-called cultural landscapes, where pastures intersect with forests, are the result of human activity. Clearing the forest, people made new open places where "new" species of flora develop. This is how, inadvertently, people have enriched the natural wealth of this region.
The diversity of flora in umberak is confirmed by the fact that more than 1000 species of living plants have been registered here, some of which are strictly protected by the Law on Nature Protection, and some are declared as endangered species. In addition to meadow plants, the Park has forest flora that lives in moisture and in swamp habitats, flora that exists in thickets, steppes, on stones, sand. Many of the park's plants are included in the Croatian Red Book of Plant Flora.
The park is an attractive place for mushroom lovers, as there are 377 species of mushrooms in the park.
Also, a huge number of animals live on the territory of Zhumberak. Although not often, you can see large predators such as bear and wolf here. But the Park is home to many mammals, reptiles and invertebrate species. This area is home to many birds, in particular predatory birds, such as the goshawk. Reptiles in this area cover most of the species that can be found in Croatia. The spotted salamander is a permanent resident of this region.
The beautiful and varied nature of Jumbierak has made it an attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world. Hiking, cycling, paragliding, horse riding, mountain climbing - this is a far from complete list of how you can relax in the Park.
There are 4 bike paths in the Park. Each lane has a map showing the height, distance, travel time, points of passage, etc. Every cyclist who wants to can choose a path depending on a number of factors and preferences.
There are two climbing places for rock climbers in the park - Okich (located on the territory of the park) and Terikhazhi (located outside its borders).
Anyone wishing to see Jumberak from a bird's eye view can make their dream come true. For paragliding, there are two registered areas and one unregistered area.
Experts of the archaeological heritage of Jumbierak assure that there are about 40 sites from different historical periods in this area. If you ask them which ones you should visit, they will recommend the most researched and quickest to reach. For those who are more experienced, a longer and more difficult route will be selected.
You can go horseback riding in the "Eco-village Zhumberak" near Bregan. You can also learn this type of outdoor activity here.
