Kunagora Summit and Meadow

Kunagora is a wooded hill above the small town of Pregrada, in the Zagorje region of northern Croatia, near the border with Slovenia, and its summit meadow is a favourite place for local walkers. The hill rises from the gentle farmland and orchards around Pregrada, and a network of marked trails climbs through beech and oak forest, past meadows and traditional farmsteads, to a clearing at the top. The area is typical of Zagorje, with rolling hills, small vineyards, church spires and scattered farmhouses, and from the summit the view stretches over the valleys and ridges of the region, including, on a clear day, the hills across the Slovenian border.

The meadow at the top is the main attraction. It is open and grassy, and in spring and summer it is dotted with wildflowers, with the buzz of insects and the song of larks in the air. It is a pleasant place for a picnic and for simply sitting and enjoying the fresh air. The summit has long been a destination for pilgrims and walkers. A chapel and a mountain hut stand near the top, and the square known as Trg Gospe Kunagorske, which refers to Our Lady of Kunagora, hints at the religious tradition connected with the hill, which is the setting for a local pilgrimage and festival in the summer. The hut offers simple refreshments at times, but it is not always open, so it is best to bring your own water and snacks.

The trails are well used by locals and visitors, and the way up passes through forests and open fields where you may see grazing cattle and hear birdsong. The ascent is of moderate difficulty and can be done in a morning or afternoon, depending on the route and your pace. Wear sturdy shoes, bring a jacket for the cooler air at the top and avoid walking in wet weather, when the paths can be slippery. The trailheads are on the edge of town, where parking is possible, and it is also feasible to start from the centre of Pregrada.

Nearby, the ruins of Kostelgrad Castle recall the medieval history of the area, and the Lenart Steps, a flight of old steps, are a short excursion. Pregrada itself is a quiet town with a pleasant centre and cafés, and Zagorje as a whole offers castles, wine cellars and thermal spas within an easy drive.

Kunagora suits hikers, families, photographers and people who enjoy quiet hills. Plan a half day, and choose a clear morning for the best views.