Turčin brings together a religious cultural landmark, a specific craft market, wine and active pursuits. The range of options is useful when choosing a focus: the Kneginečka biciklijada was a recreational cycling tour with a set length and route; at the Glinište off-road site, quad rides with two route options take centre stage. The culinary offering at Zlatne Gorice is another option. This makes it possible to weigh culture, food and drink, and activity as different reasons for a stay.

Culture and local events

In Turčin stands the Pil sv. Florijana wayside shrine, which was blessed on 4 May 2005. Another cultural event was the craft market at the community hall: an exhibition and sales market for handicrafts was held there on 8 March 2025. It was organised by the Đurđice Women’s Association, with local women’s associations, the Kula Art Association and the Kneginja student cooperative taking part. These two examples show different facets: a religious landmark and a specific event featuring craft sales. The market is a past event with a date, not an indication of an ongoing events schedule.

Cycling and off-roading

The 18th Kneginečka biciklijada was an 18-kilometre recreational cycling tour held in June 2024. It started at Trg dr. Franje Tuđmana in Turčin and ended at the fishponds of the “Ostriž Kneginec” sport fishing club. The Kneginečka biciklijada is traditionally organised by the sports association and the Municipality of Gornji Kneginec. If you are planning to attend a future edition, check the specific event dates.

Turčin is associated with the Glinište off-road site of the Off-Road Club Kneginec. Quad off-road rides are available there on the site and along forest trails. The entire route is open for free riding and offers a soft and a hard route. Unlike the 18-kilometre cycling tour, the focus here is on motorised rides and two different route options.

Wine and local produce

The Zlatne Gorice restaurant, at Banjščina 104, Varaždin Breg, 42 204 Turčin, offers wines from its own vineyard and cold-pressed pumpkin seed oil of its own production. The estate also includes a wine trail with 12 stations and a labyrinth. The offering at the same estate thus combines wine, a trail with themed stations and another activity. This provides a distinct focus for visitors who would like to include wine and regional produce alongside cycling and off-roading.

Historical and cultural sites in Gornji Kneginec

The Church of St Mary Magdalene stands in Gornji Kneginec. It was originally probably built as a Gothic chapel in the 13th century; surviving Gothic elements recall this early architectural style. Canonical visitation reports about the church have survived from the beginning of the 17th century. Four stained-glass windows depict St George, St Francis of Assisi, St Mary Magdalene and redemption through the Eucharist.

Bauerov bunar, in Banjščina at Bauerbreg, is also located in Gornji Kneginec. The well dates from 1784 and is listed in the Croatian Register of Cultural Property as an immovable individual cultural property under reference Z-442. At 137 metres deep, with a water column 80 metres high, its dimensions offer a concrete point of reference for the history of the place.

Garden, farm and fishponds in Gornji Kneginec

Within the Municipality of Gornji Kneginec, the Jaccominijev aroma vrt is registered as a special botanical collection. A 250-metre circular path passes plants such as lavender, sage, thyme, oregano, heather, strawflowers, myrtle and roses. Visits are possible by prior arrangement; confirm your appointment before travelling.

The Svijet Prirode – Blaga Lijepe Naše farm in the Municipality of Gornji Kneginec offers visits for families and excursions for schools and kindergartens, and keeps Croatian indigenous domestic animal breeds. The offering also includes camping and themed photography. Make arrangements for specific visits before travelling.

At the Ribnjaci OSTRIŽ fishponds in Gornji Kneginec, freshwater fishing is available, particularly carp fishing on a “catch and release” basis. A paved promenade is available for walks. If you plan to fish there, check the access arrangements before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Varaždin Breg, Gornji Kneginec.

Return to the main travel overview: Gornji Kneginec.