The medieval water castle Stari grad gives Đurđevac a clear cultural focal point. It is complemented by the annual Picokijada and the shifting-sand landscape of the Đurđevački pijesci. This gives you different priorities to choose from when planning your trip: the fortress and museum, tradition and landscape, or outdoor activities. What you choose to explore can shape the character of your stay.
Stari grad, the Museum and Picokijada
Stari grad is a Croatian cultural monument and one of the best-preserved Gothic-Renaissance fortresses in continental Croatia. The medieval fortification is a water castle, and its construction began in the 14th century. Today, Stari grad houses the Muzej Grada Đurđevca.
The museum’s annual program includes changing museum and gallery exhibitions, lectures, workshops and other activities. A special focus is the Ivan Lacković Croata donation: it comprises more than 2,000 paintings, sculptures and posters by over 200 artists from around 20 countries. The permanent exhibition displays 163 works from this donation. The collection’s total size and the selection on permanent display are therefore two different ways to understand its scope.
The Interpretacijski centar Picokijade offers a broader perspective on local history. It presents local history, ethnographic heritage, natural and geographical features, and the legend of Picoki. Picokijada itself is a traditional event held annually in late June. It commemorates the legendary defence of the town against an Ottoman attack and brings together tradition, culture, customs, living history and tastings of traditional dishes. If you want to plan your trip around the event, check the specific event dates.
Regional cuisine is also represented: the Stari grad restaurant and tavern serve traditional Podravina dishes, local wines—including “Vina s peskov”—and beer inside the fortress.
Shifting-sand landscapes and trails in nature
The shifting-sand deposits of the Đurđevački pijesci are considered the largest and highest in Croatia; this refers to the wider sand landscape around several settlements. The part of the sand area east of Đurđevac has been designated a special geographical-botanical reserve since 1963. The Posjetiteljski centar Đurđevački pijesci presents the sandy landscape and the diversity of its plants and animals year-round indoors, using augmented-reality multimedia. This offers two different ways to engage with the natural environment: the landscape itself and its interpretation.
Park šuma Borik is a century-old pine and acacia forest with a network of paths and a fitness trail. Possible activities there include walking, running, cycling and sports training. A longer cycling option is route S07 of the Amazon of Europe Bike Trail: it connects Koprivnica and Đurđevac over 50.7 kilometres of asphalt and is rated easy. If you plan your ride around it, check the latest route information before setting out; route details may be updated.
Other activities offer a different focus. The Đurđevački Graničari Equestrian Club offers sports, recreational, trail and therapeutic riding with qualified riding instructors. Podravina Adventure offers tandem paragliding flights with panoramic views of Đurđevac. South of the town, in Čepelovac, Dvor Barnagor has gallery spaces and the ARS-Atelier Barnagor; creative activities are available there year-round.
Discover more destinations: Ferdinandovac.
Return to the regional travel overview: Koprivnica-Križevci County.
