Žumberak Mountains

The Žumberak Mountains are a low mountain range straddling the border area between Croatia and Slovenia, composed of forested ridges and karst valleys. The range is characterised by mixed woodland, rural hamlets and agricultural terraces rather than high alpine terrain, making it a regional center for outdoor recreation and nature conservation.

Hiking and mountain-biking routes run between villages and along ridge tracks; viewpoints on the higher summits afford wide vistas over the surrounding lowlands and nearby Zagreb metropolitan area. Local villages offer access to trails and traditional rural architecture.

The landscape has been shaped by centuries of pastoralism, forestry and small-scale agriculture, with settlement patterns reflecting historic land use rather than intensive industrial development. Protected areas on the Croatian side conserve woodland and cultural landscapes.

The range lies to the west-northwest of Zagreb and forms part of the borderland between northwestern Croatia and southeastern Slovenia, with access from towns and villages on both sides of the border.

• Highest point: The highest summit reaches about 1,178 metres, giving the range a mix of low-mountain ridges and wooded valleys.
• Recreation: The area combines forest, karst terrain and small rural settlements, with hiking and cycling the main visitor activities.

What to See #

• Trdinov vrh (Sveta Gera): Trdinov vrh (also known as Sveta Gera) is the highest peak in the range at about 1,178 metres and offers forested ridges and panoramic viewpoints.
• Nature park: The Žumberak-Samoborsko Gorje Nature Park protects large parts of the range on the Croatian side and includes marked trails, villages and forestry landscapes.