One hectare in the Dugačko brdo forest reserve is subject to a special protection regime: human intervention is prohibited there, except for interdisciplinary research. This specific aspect of nature conservation leads right into the landscape of the Municipality of Sokolovac.
Forest, Water and Protected Area
The Dugačko brdo forest reserve was established in 1973, covers 10.91 hectares and lies in the Municipality of Sokolovac at an altitude of about 250 metres. Beech is the dominant species in its mixed forest; sessile oak and hornbeam are also found there. Together with the nearby slopes of Bilogora, the area is part of the Koprivnica tourism, recreation and hunting zone. A permanent one-hectare ecological plot is included in the Man and the Biosphere project.
Dugačko brdo is part of the Bilogora and Kalničko gorje Natura 2000 Special Protection Area for birds (HR1000008). This area includes Sokolovac, the Dugačko brdo reserve and the significant landscape of Kalnik. In the wider Bilogora and Kalničko gorje landscape, rolling forests of oak, hornbeam and beech shape the scenery; there are also meadows and wet meadows in the stream valleys.
Ladislavski lug is also part of this landscape: it forms part of a hilly, forest-managed area on the northwestern slopes of Bilogora, crossed by streams. These include the Velika Rijeka. The source of the Velika, also called Velika Rijeka, lies above Gornja Velika. Forests and waterways are therefore among the region’s defining features.
Stankov vrh is an easy-to-identify landmark. At the summit there is a marker as well as several wooden benches with tables. The summit is accessible by car and lies about 50 metres from a gravel road. As road conditions can change, it is worth checking the latest information before setting off.
Border Era, Mining and Sacred Heritage
During the period of the Military Frontier, Sokolovac was the centre of the Sokolovac Company in the Đurđevac Regiment. Another historical thread leads to mining: the Sokolovac–Lepavina coal mines developed on the slopes of Bilogora and opened in 1871 to supply the Zagreb–Budapest railway. Military border history and industrial development thus offer distinct perspectives side by side.
Lepavina is home to the monastery and parish church of the Presentation of the Lord. Together with the historical connections to Sokolovac and mining, they create a multifaceted picture: the area’s history cannot be reduced to a single theme.
Accommodation and Local Cuisine
One specific accommodation option is Lovačka kuća Sokolovac in Prnjavor Lepavinski, near the Vidra Polum hunting area. The lodge offers double rooms with a telephone, television, bathroom and separate entrance. Parking is free for guests, and there is a children’s playground next to the restaurant terrace. The lodge also displays a collection of hunting trophies. Room amenities and parking arrangements may change, and you should also confirm that the exhibition is currently available before visiting.
The restaurant serves local specialities such as game goulash, wild boar and freshwater fish. As the menu may change, it is best to ask directly about the current selection. The lodge can also organise team-building activities, hunting tourism and sport fishing. Check in advance which options are available; for hunting and sport fishing, you should also clarify the applicable permit requirements.
Discover more destinations: Sokolovac, Velika Mučna, Municipality of Sveti Petar Orehovec, Municipality of Rasinja, Municipality of Hlebine, Municipality of Križevci, Municipality of Drnje, Municipality of Gola.
For the broader travel overview: Koprivnica-Križevci County.
