The hills of Bjelovar-Bilogora rise like gentle waves. This is the **Bilogora highlands drive**. The roads are quiet and go through thick oak and beech forests. You can find **hidden fruit orchards** that grow sweet plums and apples. These fruits are used to make famous local brandies that are very strong. You might see wild deer or foxes crossing the road in the early morning light. It is a peaceful place for a slow drive where you can enjoy the greenery. Many of the roads follow the tops of the ridges giving you great views of the farms below. Deep in the woods you can find the ruins of **Garić grad**. This old fortress is hidden by tall trees and layers of history. You can still see parts of the old Roman roads that crossed this land long ago. These roads once connected big cities across the empire. Near the village of **Maglenča** you can find ancient wells and stone markers. Many people come here for horse riding. There are many trails made just for long treks through the green hills. The horses here are well-trained and perfect for a day of exploring the forest paths. Visit the **Kamenitovac mountain hut** for a bowl of forest mushroom soup and a view that spans three counties. For a cultural stop head to **Daruvar** to soak in the Roman-era thermal baths and visit the oldest Ginkgo Biloba tree in Croatia. Try the "Daruvar beer" brewed with soft spring water or visit the **Janković Castle** cellars. If you are traveling with family the **Veliki Grđevac** village features the "Mato Lovrak" center where you can see the original steam train from the famous children's novel. The roads are best enjoyed at a slow pace between Bjelovar and Daruvar.

Bjelovar Bilogora highlights

Part of these road trips

Follow the routes that cross this destination

The Scenic Route

The Heritage Drive

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History of Bjelovar Bilogora

Bjelovar was a **planned city** ordered by Empress Maria Theresa to serve as a military headquarters. The streets are wide enough for entire armies to march through, and the central park was designed to keep soldiers cool in the shade. The city’s grid system was a revolutionary departure from the chaotic, winding streets typical of medieval European towns. It is a rare example of a city built with a ruler and a compass in the middle of a wild forest. The Bilogora hills are the youngest mountains in Croatia, formed by the slow folding of the earth’s crust. This soft landscape is filled with hidden gullies and deep woods that once sheltered the **Hajduks** (local Robin Hood figures) who fought against the empires. These outlaws became folk heroes, celebrated in songs for their ability to disappear into the dense foliage after a raid. The ridges provide **panoramic views** of the plains, stretching all the way to Hungary. Local history is also found on the tracks. The Lovrak train in **Veliki Grđevac** is a real-life monument to a famous children’s story about a group of students who saved their village. This interactive site allows visitors to explore the steam-era cars and learn about the rural education systems of the early 20th century. It is a county of gentle roads, massive horse farms and a history of people who turned a military border into a peaceful breadbasket.

Bjelovar Bilogora