Park Otok ljubavi - Vatrogasni Dom Draše

Park Otok ljubavi, whose name means Island of Love Park, is a small green space in the village of Draše, in the municipality of Kraljevec na Sutli, in the far northwest of Croatia. The village lies in the Zagorje hills, close to the Sutla river, which forms the border with Slovenia, and the landscape around it is made up of gentle slopes, small farms, orchards, vineyards and patches of woodland, with church towers and scattered houses on the ridges. The park is next to the village fire station, the Vatrogasni Dom, and it is a modest community facility rather than a major attraction. Public information about its history and layout is limited, so it is best presented as a quiet local spot, appreciated for its simplicity rather than for monuments or elaborate infrastructure.

The setting says a lot about village life in Croatia. The fire station is not just a building for equipment. In rural areas, the volunteer fire brigade, known as the dobrovoljno vatrogasno društvo, is one of the oldest and most important community organisations, and many were founded in the 19th century. Their halls often serve as meeting places for the whole village, where weddings, anniversaries, cultural evenings, parties and village fairs are held, and the brigades organise festivals, competitions and celebrations of their patron, St. Florian, whose feast falls on 4 May. A park beside such a hall is naturally a place where people gather, where children play and where neighbours stop to talk, and its presence reflects the local commitment to maintaining shared space for social contact and recreation.

The park itself provides basic amenities for a short rest. Visitors can expect lawns, trees and shrubs, some paths for a gentle walk and perhaps benches and a children's play area, a quiet environment that suits families, older residents and anyone who wants a few minutes of calm. The name gives it a romantic note, and it is easy to imagine a corner designed for strolling in pairs, perhaps with a small landscaped feature at its centre. It is an open public area with no fee and no opening hours, and it can be reached on foot from anywhere in the village. Because it is small, a visit takes only a few minutes, and it is best treated as a pause on a longer trip through the countryside.

There is more to see in the surrounding area. The village of Kumrovec, a short drive away on the Sutla, is the birthplace of Josip Broz Tito and has a well-preserved open-air ethnographic museum, known as the Old Village, with traditional timber houses, workshops and exhibitions of rural life in Zagorje. Castles, manor houses, wine cellars and small chapels are scattered through the hills, and the region offers cycling and walking routes, particularly along the Sutla. Local cuisine, with dishes such as turkey with baked pasta, cottage cheese strudel and homemade bread, is easy to find in village restaurants.

The park suits travellers who appreciate unpretentious local places and who want to see everyday life in rural Zagorje. Bring a picnic, take your time, and be respectful of the fire station and its events.