Štrigova is where the earth fell in love with the sky, kissing it with its peaks, and the sky returns the embrace with the very best it has to offer.
The Municipality of Štrigova is located in the northwestern part of Međimurje County. Covering an area of 44.97 km², it is the fourth-largest municipality in the county, with a population of 2,374 according to the most recent census in 2021.
Its neighboring local government units are the municipalities of Sveti Martin na Muri, Selnica, Gornji Mihaljevec, and Sveti Juraj na Bregu. A total of 19.5 km of its municipal boundary coincides with the state border with the Republic of Slovenia. Along this border area are the international road border crossings Banfi and Bukovje.
The municipality encompasses ten settlements: Štrigova, Banfi, Jalšovec, Grabrovnik, Železna Gora, Prekopa, Sveti Urban, Stanetinec, Robadje, and Leskovec.
Štrigova is located 31 km from the A3 Zagreb–Goričan motorway and 21 km from the motorway in the Republic of Slovenia (near Lendava), and is connected by public transport to surrounding settlements and to the county seat, Čakovec.
Geographically, the municipality belongs to the northern edge of Upper Međimurje and shares all the features of this region. The most distinctive characteristic of the area is its terrain, which shapes all other spatial elements – the settlement pattern, hydrology, vegetation cover, land use, and more. The altitude ranges from 200 to 320 meters above sea level, with higher areas in the north of the municipality, gently sloping towards the south and southeast.
The hilly landscape, formed by the final foothills of the Alps, covers almost the entire municipality. Only a small part of the settlement of Jalšovec transitions into the valley of the Mura River, a landscape with natural features characteristic of the Mura lowlands. The terrain is dominated by gentle slopes and plateaus in the northeastern part of the municipality towards Sveti Martin na Muri, while the rest is predominantly hilly, like most of Upper Međimurje. In the valleys and ravines, there are occasional or permanent streams, such as Trnava and Šantovec on the southern slopes, and the most significant streams in the Mura basin, Jalšovečki potok and Jurovečki potok.
Climatic data for the municipality are not directly monitored or recorded, but can be approximated to the climatic characteristics of the county, as measured at the Puščine meteorological station.
Education in the Municipality of Štrigova
Preschool education in the Municipality of Štrigova is provided by the private kindergarten Kockice, which currently welcomes 80 children – 20 in the nursery group and 60 in kindergarten programs (as of September 2024). As the existing premises no longer meet the growing needs of the community, a new kindergarten project has been launched, with construction set to begin by the end of this year.
Štrigova is also home to a modern primary school with a sports hall, built in 2005, complemented by three branch schools located in Prekopa, Železna Gora, and Stanetinec. Together, they educate around 150 pupils each year, offering a single-shift schedule that ensures an optimal learning environment for all students.
The Economy of the Municipality of Štrigova
Several companies operate within the Municipality of Štrigova, primarily engaged in manufacturing activities.
However, the most important economic sector for our municipality is tourism. Among the key tourist attractions are the viewpoint on Mađerkin breg, numerous wine cellars, and a rich gastronomic offer. Accommodation facilities are mostly holiday homes, with currently more than thirty available. This number continues to grow each year, driven by the area’s exceptionally appealing landscape.
Throughout the year, a variety of events take place, including the widely known Vincekovo, the wine festival Urbanovo, the oldest local event Štrigovske noći, St. Jerome’s Days, and Martinje on the Međimurje Wine Road.
Agriculture
According to data from the Agency for Payments in Agriculture, Fisheries, and Rural Development, there are 170 registered family farms (OPGs), 7 agricultural crafts, and 54 subsistence farms (SOPGs) in the municipality.
Viticulture is the most important agricultural branch in this part of Međimurje. However, in recent years, the number of small vineyard owners has been declining, as larger vineyards develop and expand, while smaller ones gradually disappear due to grapevine yellows disease and economic unprofitability.
The Hortus Croatiae Association of Vinegrowers and Winemakers brings together the most renowned Štrigova vintners, represents local wines on wider markets, organizes expert lectures and excursions, and promotes the Pušipel wine brand (a white wine).
Mađerkin Breg Viewpoint
The Mađerkin Breg Viewpoint stands approximately 27 meters tall, placing visitors at the highest point in Međimurje at an elevation of 361 meters above sea level. The breathtaking views from this vantage point showcase the stunning landscape of the region and leave a lasting impression on all who visit.
The viewpoint was constructed as part of the CSA-CycleSeeing Attractour project, co-financed through the Interreg V-A Hungary-Croatia 2014–2020 program, supported by the European Regional Development Fund. Adjacent to the viewpoint is a bike rest point, equipped for bicycle servicing, making it a popular stop for cyclists.
The leading partner of the project was the Municipality of Štrigova, with partners including the Štrigova Tourist Board and the City of Nagykanizsa (Hungary). The project ran from September 1, 2020, to July 31, 2022.
For more information, please visit here.
Štrigova Cultural Center
The Štrigova Cultural Center is the hub of cultural activities in the Municipality of Štrigova and the surrounding area. It was renovated and reconstructed in 2021, expanding its total area to 1,172 square meters. The center is used by civil society organizations and serves as a venue for various cultural and social events. Its multifunctional design and well-equipped spaces allow multiple activities to take place simultaneously, with adequate separation to ensure privacy for each event.
The center includes a presentation and enogastronomic area, a small hall for lectures and presentations, a social gathering space, and a comfortable kitchen on the ground floor. On the first floor, there is a modern hall with 224 seats, suitable for musical and theatrical performances, film screenings, meetings, and conferences. An elevator is available to assist people with reduced mobility in moving throughout the building.
The Municipality of Štrigova provides various types of support to encourage local development, including:
- One-time allowance on the occasion of a child’s birth
- Co-financing of nursery and kindergarten fees
- Support for craft trades
- Support for students
- Incentives for property renovation
Štrigova – A Charming Historic and Wine Region
Štrigova, located among the golden hills of Međimurje, is known for its beautiful vineyards, orchards, and traditional rural homes. The parish dates back to 1334 and boasts two significant churches: the 17th-century Church of St. Mary Magdalene and the Church of St. Jerome, famous for its rare Baroque frescoes by Ivan Ranger.
The area is renowned for its wine production, highlighted by the Međimurje Wine Route, historic manors, and numerous wine tasting spots. Štrigova’s wines have been cherished since Roman times and served at royal courts across Europe.
Local legends speak of a lost medieval town on Štrigovčak, whose disappearance remains a mystery, with stories of destruction either by Turkish invasion or divine fire.
The municipality also hosts the State Archive in a historic school building from 1912.
Wine Tradition and Diversity in Upper Međimurje
Vineyards on the gentle hills of Međimurje were first planted by the ancient Romans. Today, the Upper Međimurje landscape is dotted with over a thousand hectares of vineyards while still preserving remarkable biodiversity.
The Međimurje Wine Route features about thirty well-maintained wine cellars and tasting rooms, offering a wide range of white wines such as Pušipel, Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Traminer, Yellow Muscat, Graševina, Rhine Riesling, White and Gray Pinot, and Green Silvaner, along with some red and rosé wines including Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The selection ranges from excellent house blends to premium wines like late harvests and ice wines.
The wine route also includes traditional restaurants, scenic viewpoints, cycling paths, and walking trails. Throughout the year, wine celebrations and festivals take place, including Vincekovo in January, Urbanovo in May, Rokovo in September, and Martinje in November. All routes and locations are marked with brown tourist signs, making them easy to find.
Individual visits to cellars and tasting rooms are by appointment only. Due to the quality of its wines and services, the Međimurje Wine Route ranks among Croatia’s top enological destinations and was awarded the best tourist product of continental Croatia in 2007.
Urbanovo
Urbanovo is a significant traditional international event in our region, celebrated since 2000. It honors Saint Urban, the patron saint of vineyards and one of the Roman popes, who, according to legend, saved vineyard workers from hail. Every year, at the end of May, a folk holiday is dedicated to him – Urbanovo.
Pušipel
An indigenous grape variety produced exclusively in Međimurje – Pušipel is derived from the Moslavac variety and to this day is recognized as a trademark of high quality. In our wine region, it is also known as Šipon, with two distinct Pušipel trademarks: Classic – regular harvest wines, and Prestige – premium wines. The differences within the trademark guarantee that its quality will continuously improve, just like the production technologies in the vineyards and cellars. The indigenous Međimurje Pušipel will captivate you with its color, aroma, and taste.
Gastronomic offer
Welcome to the Štrigov region, rich in beauty and filled with the hardworking hands and warm, friendly hearts of the local people. Experience the unique sensations this region offers, where all your senses will be delighted, making your stay with us a rest for the body and a blessing for the soul!
The hospitality offerings of our region are intertwined with preserved traditions visible at every turn, including the charming arrangement of our wine cellars. Alongside traditionally styled establishments, we also have modern hospitality venues that combine traditional cuisine with a contemporary atmosphere.
From the diverse tourist offerings of our region, we especially highlight restaurants, wine bars, wineries, tasting rooms, rural tourism accommodations, viewpoints, an international art colony, and lodgings.
Comfortable and welcoming accommodation options await you, ranging from cozy rural guesthouses to modern lodgings, ensuring a restful stay in the heart of the Štrigov region.
Štrigova hosts a variety of vibrant events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating local traditions, wine culture, and the arts, offering visitors a chance to experience the true spirit of the region.
Come and discover Štrigova a place where tradition, nature, and warm hospitality come together to create unforgettable memories.