Tuheljske Toplice: Monuments of “Biser Zagorje” by E-bike

Explore the cultural and natural treasures of Hrvatsko Zagorje with the Tuheljske Toplice: Monuments of “Biser Zagorje” by E-bike tour. This 5-hour guided experience departs from Hotel Well Terme Tuhelj and takes you through charming villages, historic landmarks, and rural scenery—all on electric bikes designed for comfortable, low-effort riding over 38 km of scenic routes. Led by an authorized MTB guide, who also serves as a heritage interpreter, the tour combines history, culture, and landscape into an engaging four-wheeled adventure.

This tour is perfect for those comfortable with cycling and eager to explore more than just typical tourist spots. It offers a balance of sightseeing and gentle physical activity, with stops at notable sites like the gallery of Antun Augustini, the Franciscan monastery, and the birthplace of Croatia’s first president. The experience includes helmet and backpack with essentials and emphasizes safety and local storytelling. The only consideration is the physically demanding nature of the ride, which covers 32 km on asphalt and 6 km on macadam, with 390 m total ascent—so some prior cycling familiarity is recommended.

Key Points

• Guided by an authorized MTB guide who also provides cultural and historical insights
• Duration of 5 hours with a 38 km route through Hrvatsko Zagorje
• Stops include Klanjec, Veliko Trgovie, and Tuheljske Toplice, with visits to historic landmarks
• Includes bike helmets, backpacks, water, and energy bars for comfort and safety
• Suitable for people over 14 with some cycling experience; not recommended for children under 14 or those unable to ride a bike
• Small group size limited to 8 participants ensures personalized attention

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point at Hotel Well Terme Tuhelj

The tour begins at Hotel Well Terme Tuhelj, located at Ul. Ljudevita Gaja 4. The meeting involves a friendly guide who greets you with a bicycle and helmet. This location provides easy access with free parking and a clear starting point for your adventure. The coordinates (46.0661735534668, 15.783819198608398) make it straightforward to find the meeting spot.

The tour’s flexible booking options include free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand and the ability to reserve now and pay later, allowing for easy adjustments in your travel plans.

The Scenic 38 km Route with Cultural Highlights

The ride covers 38 km, primarily on low-traffic roads, making it safe and leisurely for participants. You’ll start with a 30-minute e-bike ride from the hotel to Klanjec, a town known for its gallery of Antun Augustini, where art and history blend seamlessly. The sarcophagi of the Erdedy family are housed in the Franciscan monastery nearby, offering a glimpse into local heritage.

Following this, another 30-minute bike ride brings you to Klanjec’s church, dedicated to the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The guide shares stories about these sites, providing context and deeper appreciation for the region’s religious and architectural significance.

The journey continues through vineyards and groves, passing chapels dedicated to St. Florian and St. Filip and Jakov, with views of ruins of the New Klanjeki Palace and villages along the Sutla River. The route then heads towards Veliko Trgovie, where a 15-minute stop allows visitors to see the birthplace of Croatia’s first president, Dr. Franjo Tuman, along with the Memorial School dedicated to him.

The final leg loops back to Tuheljske Toplice, with 40 minutes of riding through charming villages and rural landscapes. The tour concludes with a short 10-minute sightseeing session at Hotel Well Terme Tuhelj, including a visit to Mihanovi Castle—a highlight for history lovers.

Discover the Heritage of Klanjec and Veliko Trgovie

Klanjec is a central stop, where visitors observe the art collection of Antun Augustini and explore the Franciscan monastery, home to sarcophagi of the Erdedy family. The church of Annunciation offers insights into local religious architecture. The guide elaborates on each site, making history accessible and engaging.

In Veliko Trgovie, the focus is on Croatia’s first president and the village’s rural charm. The Memorial School commemorates Dr. Franjo Tuman, bridging local history with national importance. The scenic setting of the village amidst vineyards and countryside provides ample photo opportunities.

These stops highlight the region’s cultural richness and the traditional architecture that defines Hrvatsko Zagorje. The guide’s storytelling makes each location come alive, adding depth to the sightseeing experience.

Riding through Vineyards and Village Roads

The route to Veliko Trgovie takes riders along vineyards and orchards, passing chapels and ruins that underscore the area’s religious and noble heritage. The low-traffic roads ensure a safe and comfortable ride, while the gentle elevation offers manageable physical effort for those familiar with cycling.

On the macadam sections, the bikes’ electric assist makes the ride smooth, reducing fatigue. The total ascent of 390 meters is spread out, allowing for a steady, enjoyable pace. The tour’s physically demanding aspect is balanced by its scenic beauty and cultural content.

Participants are encouraged to wear sports shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and sportswear—essential for comfort over the up to 5 hours of activity.

More Great Tours Nearby

Visiting Tuheljske Toplice and Mihanovi Castle

Returning to Tuheljske Toplice, the tour includes a 10-minute sightseeing stop where the Mihanovi Castle is showcased. This site adds a historic dimension to the experience, rounding out the journey with a glimpse into regional noble residences.

The hotel-based starting and ending points offer convenience, and the small group size ensures personalized commentary from the guide. The overall pace allows for appreciation of the surroundings without feeling rushed.

Practicalities and What to Bring

Participants should bring sports shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and sportswear for comfort and safety. Sandals or flip flops are not allowed due to safety reasons. The guides provide helmets and backpacks with essentials like water bottles and energy bars, making the ride easier.

Since the program lasts up to 5 hours, riders should be prepared for a moderately challenging outing, especially during the uphill sections. Knowledge of cycling is recommended, and the tour is suitable for individuals over 14 years old.

The Value of a Cultural and Scenic E-bike Tour

This small-group tour offers a personalized experience, limited to 8 participants, which ensures plenty of interaction with the guide. The blend of history, nature, and rural charm makes it a rich outing for history buffs, nature lovers, and cycling enthusiasts alike.

The inclusion of professional guiding in Croatian and English helps make the experience accessible. The flexible booking options, including free cancellation, add to the value, especially for travelers with unpredictable plans.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you enjoy cycling and cultural exploration and want to see more of Hrvatsko Zagorje than a typical bus tour, this experience fits well. It’s not suitable for children under 14 or those unable to ride a bike, and the physically demanding route might be challenging for some. But for active travelers who appreciate history, scenic landscapes, and small villages, this tour offers a well-rounded, memorable day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour fee?
The price covers the e-bike rental, helmets, backpacks, water, and energy bars, along with the guided commentary.

How long is the cycling route?
The total distance is 38 km, with 32 km on asphalt and 6 km on macadam, over approximately 5 hours.

What are the start and end points?
The tour starts and ends at Hotel Well Terme Tuhelj, located at Ul. Ljudevita Gaja 4.

Is prior cycling experience necessary?
Yes, knowledge of cycling is required because of the physically demanding nature of the route.

Can children participate?
No, the tour is not suitable for children under 14 or people over 70 years old who cannot ride a bike.

What should I wear?
Participants should wear sports shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and sportswear; sandals or flip flops are not allowed.

This e-bike tour through Hrvatsko Zagorje provides a comprehensive look at the region’s heritage, combined with scenic riding and engaging storytelling. It’s a fantastic way to explore more than just the surface—blending history, nature, and active leisure into a memorable half-day adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby