| A rich treasury of culture: Museums and galleries of Bjelovar-Bilogora county |
You can begin your journey in the heart of the city, at the City museum of Bjelovar. Here you’ll discover the city’s fascinating history, from its founding by Empress Maria Theresa to the modern era. The museum also features permanent art collections and regularly organizes interesting exhibitions. If you wish to broaden your horizons beyond Bjelovar, visit the Homeland museum in Daruvar and explore its rich history, including archaeological finds from the Roman era. Throughout the region, you’ll find smaller but equally valuable collections that showcase the traditions and customs of our ancestors.
Beyond classic museums, the region also offers unique artistic spaces. Visit the Čazma cultural center, a dynamic hub for cultural events, or head to idyllic Bojana where you’ll find the unique Matešin gallery, a private space filled with the works of a local master. Also, don’t miss the magical Bright stripes in Maglenča (Svijetle pruge), an open-air sculpture installation that creates a unique experience of art in nature.
| A gastronomic journey |
Bjelovar-Bilogora County is a true gastronomic treasury that invites you on a journey through authentic flavors and tradition. Discover the richness of our region and surrender to a world of culinary delights, with Villa Naomi as your perfect starting point.
Wine Roads and Breweries
Visit our renowned wine roads and enjoy the picturesque landscapes filled with vineyards. The Bjelovar Wine Road and the Daruvar-Pakrac Wine Road offer a chance to taste top-tier wines like Graševina, Pinot, and Sauvignon, straight from the cellars of local winemakers. Beer lovers will also find something for themselves. In Daruvar, the Daruvar Brewery awaits you with its long tradition of production, along with other smaller breweries throughout the county.
Restaurants and Family Farms
In Bjelovar, you’ll find numerous restaurants offering a blend of modern cuisine and traditional dishes, including popular spots like Roko and Bjelovar. In Daruvar, you can also enjoy a rich gastronomic offer. Many eateries are part of the “Flavors of Tradition” project, where you can taste authentic specialties like “prge” (a cheese delicacy), homemade flatbreads, and dishes with locally sourced meat. For a true experience, visit the local OPGs (family farms) and renowned rural households like Vrata Bilogore, where you’ll enjoy traditional meals prepared from fresh, homegrown ingredients, straight from the farm.
| Bilogora from the saddle |
Whether you are an experienced rider or a beginner, numerous farms and equestrian clubs offer the perfect opportunity to explore the picturesque landscapes of Bilogora from the saddle.
The offerings include riding schools for all ages, carriage rides for romantics, and organized trail trekking for those who want to spend the entire day exploring hidden paths and enjoying the fresh air. Horseback riding is also known as an excellent anti-stress therapy, as being in nature and interacting with animals has an extremely relaxing effect. It is an adventure that combines an active vacation with the complete peace of nature.
| Adrenaline adventure |
If you’re looking for excitement and adventure on four (or two) wheels, the Bjelovar Adrenaline Park is the place for you. Nestled in a natural setting, the park offers the opportunity for thrilling rides on quads and a real Quad safari, as well as rides on mountain bikes and motorcycles, providing a unique off-road experience. It’s the perfect destination for anyone seeking adrenaline, regardless of experience, with trails adapted to different skill levels ensuring unforgettable fun for families and groups.
| A Tale of history and imagination: Mato Lovrak and castles Janković and Dioš |
When you stay in Bjelovar, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the region through several exceptional locations. They take you into a world of imagination and childhood, the elegant era of the nobility, and a unique architectural and natural heritage.
In Veliki Grđevac, visit the Mato Lovrak Cultural and Tourist Center, dedicated to the famous children’s writer. Here, a fairytale becomes reality: walk through the restored “train in the snow” and the wooden mill, and step back into the world of Lovrak’s popular stories. The center offers an interactive and nostalgic experience, ideal for families and anyone wanting to remember carefree days.
In Daruvar, Count Janković’s Castle awaits you, an imposing 18th-century edifice. This elegant baroque castle is surrounded by a beautiful park, known as one of the most magnificent in Croatia. A unique male ginkgo biloba tree stands out in the park, the largest and oldest specimen of its kind in Croatia, which in 2020 won second place in the European Tree of the Year competition. Not far from Daruvar, you can also find Dioš Castle, built in 1904, which stands as one of the most beautiful buildings in the region, perfectly integrated into its natural surroundings.
| Discover nature: Hiking on Bilogora and beyond |
The region offers numerous hiking trails waiting for you to explore. Bilogora, known as the “Green Jewel of Northern Croatia,” is perfect for easy tours due to its gentle hills. Its highest peak is Rajčevica (Stankov vrh) at 309 meters. On Bilogora, you can walk the Bilogora Educational Trail and the Little Bilogorci Children’s Hiking Trail, visit the Kamenitovac mountain lodge, or explore the Bilogora Trail Path.
Head to western Papuk and explore Petrov vrh, or climb Moslavačka gora where, in addition to picturesque landscapes, one of the oldest medieval fortresses in northern Croatia, Garić grad, awaits you. It’s a favorite excursion spot, and the well-marked trails are ideal even for beginners.
Not far from our location, you’ll find Kalnik, an exceptionally popular hiking destination with unique rocky peaks. It offers more challenging trails like the “Seven Teeth” for experienced hikers, as well as easy educational walks. At the top, the remains of the Old Town of Veliki Kalnik and spectacular views await, providing a perfect combination of history and adventure.
| Get to know the region on two wheels |
Whether you are a family with children or an experienced cyclist, the gentle slopes of Bilogora and Moslavina are ideal for all fitness levels, and low-traffic roads ensure safety and relaxation.
Explore diverse routes like the County Route or the international route connecting Lonjsko Polje and Lake Balaton. Numerous local routes are also available to you—the Bilogora, Vineyard, Fair, Blue, and Green routes. Along the trails, you’ll find everything you need: rest stops with traditional food, covered resting spots, bike service stations, and smart benches. Licensed cycling guides are also available to lead you through the county.
The variety of terrain, from gentle hills to forested areas, also attracts competitors to races like the Terezijanera and popular gravel races. After an active day on two wheels, Villa Naomi awaits you as the perfect retreat for relaxation. Our hydro-massage pool is ideal for muscle recovery, and the quiet and privacy of our villa are a perfect complement to your cycling adventure.
| Immerse yourself in history and tradition: Veliko Trojstvo ethno park |
Within the park, you’ll find an ethnographic collection with over 1000 exhibits that showcase the life, culture, and customs of Bilogora. But the most interesting part of the park is the authentic Bilogora homestead, which has been faithfully reconstructed with all its traditional buildings, such as an old house, a barn, a granary, a bread oven, and a well. A visit to the Ethno Park is ideal for families and anyone who wants to learn about old crafts, folklore, and the way of life as it once was.
Admission to the park is free, but you must call ahead to announce your arrival.
| The “Čazma natura” project and green tourism |
In addition to the biological pool, the project includes several unique locations:
- Vustje: This location offers a treetop walkway with viewpoints, a renovated fishing hut, and outdoor classrooms.
- Medjame: A 1.8 km long visitor trail leads you under the tree canopies and allows you to observe the rich flora and fauna.
- The “Dolina Česme” (Česma Valley) Educational-Thematic Trail: This 12.5 km long trail, ideal for walking and cycling, follows the Česma River through the protected Natura 2000 area. It features birdwatching blinds, rest areas, and interpretive boards.
“Čazma Natura” positions Čazma as a new center of “green” tourism in continental Croatia, attracting visitors who appreciate pristine nature and ecological values. After exploring these unique locations, Villa Naomi offers you the perfect haven for rest and relaxation in a peaceful environment, creating an ideal balance between active tourism and complete tranquility.
| Architectural and Spiritual Heritage |
Cathedral of St. Teresa of Avila in Bjelovar Located in the very heart of Bjelovar, the Cathedral of St. Teresa of Avila is a masterpiece of the late Baroque period. Its construction began in 1765, and the church was dedicated to St. Teresa of Avila, the patron saint of Austrian Empress Maria Theresa, who founded Bjelovar. After being severely damaged in an earthquake in 1880, it was restored under the supervision of the famous architect Hermann Bollé. In 2009, the church was elevated to the status of a cathedral for the newly established Bjelovar-Križevci Diocese, becoming the spiritual center of the entire region.
Church of the Holy Trinity in Daruvar The parish Church of the Holy Trinity in Daruvar dates back to the second half of the 18th century. Built in the Baroque style, it has been renovated several times throughout its history, including the construction of a tall tower in 1892. Although it was originally a chapel, it became a parish church in 1821. The church is a protected cultural monument and reflects the historical development of Daruvar, a town that grew around the nearby castle of Count Janković.
Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Čazma The Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Čazma is the oldest sacral monument in Bjelovar-Bilogora County, dating from the early 13th century. It was built in the Romanesque style with a unique cross-shaped floor plan. Due to its historical and architectural value, it has been included in the European cultural route “Transromanica.” The church survived the Ottoman invasions and numerous renovations, and its interior is rich with Baroque decorations and a valuable 18th-century organ, testifying to its long and turbulent history.
After a day spent absorbing the spiritual peace and historical silence of these churches, Villa Naomi provides the perfect sanctuary for continuing that reflection. Here, you can retreat into complete privacy and tranquility, where the serenity of the sacred places combines with the comfort and quiet of our home, providing the perfect balance between exploring a spiritual heritage and relaxing.
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