Between Ivanščica and Sutinske Toplice
The Municipality of Mihovljan stretches across the southern foothills of Ivanščica. The area is characterised by valleys running north–south along the courses of the Sutinčica, also known as Sutinska, Graberje and Šikad streams. Two points of reference complement each other here: the location in the southern foothills and the orientation of the named valleys. Together, they give a clear picture of how the landscape and waterways shape the municipal area.
A clearly defined natural feature is the “Sutinske toplice” protected landscape area. It covers 117.42 ha and lies within the municipalities of Mihovljan and Mače. It was designated a significant landscape and protected in 1980.
Sutinske Toplice is located in the settlement of Sutinske Toplice, which is now part of the Municipality of Mihovljan. The water at Sutinske Toplice is reported to have a temperature of 31.3 to 34.4 °C. The municipality’s infrastructure also includes a promenade along the Sutinsko stream. This brings two distinct local features into view: the thermal spa and the stream with its promenade.
Buildings and cultural traditions
Today, only a curia and an outbuilding remain on the hill at the former Stari grad Mihovljan estate. The surviving outbuilding is in a ruinous state. In Kuzminec, the Chapel of St. Mary Magdalene is another notable building: made of stone with Gothic details, it has a painted interior. The chapel is considered to be of great architectural and cultural-historical value. The remains of the former estate and the chapel offer two distinct points of reference for local architectural and cultural history.
KUD Mihovljan preserves Croatia’s rich folk heritage, particularly the traditions of its home region. The “Stara mihovljanska hiža” ethnographic collection is considered one of the recognised attractions of the Municipality of Mihovljan. Thus, the cultural connections range from folk traditions to a named ethnographic collection.
As part of Miholjski dani in the Municipality of Mihovljan, an International Bagpipe Festival is held, featuring bagpipers from various European countries. The 2024 Miholjski dani programme also included a kotlovina cooking competition, followed by a tasting of the dishes prepared.
Cultural sites in the wider Krapinsko-Zagorska destination
The wider Krapinsko-Zagorska destination also offers different ways to explore history and culture. The Krapina Neanderthal Museum presents its permanent exhibition across 18 thematic areas. The Staro Selo Kumrovec open-air museum conveys the authentic appearance of a Zagorje village from the early 20th century and comprises around 40 restored buildings of traditional design. A thematically organised permanent exhibition and an ensemble of traditional buildings thus offer different perspectives on cultural heritage.
Another regional cultural site is the Shrine of Majke Božje Gorske in Lobor. It is situated on a hillfort that was inhabited almost continuously from the Bronze Age to the Late Iron Age. These sites are part of the wider Krapinsko-Zagorska destination and complement the Municipality of Mihovljan’s own landscape and cultural features.
Discover more destinations: Kuzminec, Municipality of Tuhelj, Municipality of Jesenje, Municipality of Novi Golubovec, Municipality of Desinić, Municipality of Đurmanec, Municipality of Zabok, Municipality of Gornja Stubica.
Back to the wider travel overview: Krapinsko-Zagorska.
