Drenovec: Gradina-Kukma and Mineral Spring

Getting to know Drenovec and its surroundings

When planning a stay in Drenovec, you can consider several themes: the archaeology of Gradina-Kukma, the mineral spring, and activities on foot or by mountain bike. The road connection also provides a geographical reference point. County road Ž2110 connects Jalševec Svibovečki with Drenovec and continues to Ljubelj Kalnički. This sequence of named places helps you locate Drenovec along the road.

Gradina-Kukma: a site with several layers of history

The Gradina-Kukma archaeological site lies east of the settlement of Drenovec in Varaždin County. Registered under designation P-4875, it is listed as a preventive-protection immovable cultural property and as an individual archaeological heritage site. This classification makes the site a distinct point of interest for travelers interested in the archaeology of the area.

According to preliminary archaeological findings, Gradina-Kukma is a multi-layered site that, at this stage, can be assigned to prehistoric, ancient, and medieval periods. The investigations identified circular pits, possibly a tumulus, as well as two hillforts. The pits are probably prehistoric. Two uncertainties should be noted: the interpretation as a tumulus is possible, and the dating of the pits remains probable rather than certain.

Another archaeological interpretation suggests that Gradina Kukma may so far be the only known site in the central part of the Kalnik Mountains to have been used in antiquity. Together with its multi-period classification, this gives a nuanced picture of the site.

On foot or by mountain bike

An educational program held on April 8, 2017, combined an introduction to the history of the village of Drenovec with a walk to the Gradina-Kukma archaeological site. This approach brings local history together with a walk. Another excursion option describes driving to Drenovec and walking from there to the site. It was published on November 30, 2020. If you are considering this option for your trip, check current trail conditions before setting out.

The two references to walking have different emphases: the educational program pairs the village’s history with a walk, while the excursion option begins with a drive to Drenovec and continues on foot. For mountain bikers, another option is described: it climbs from Jalševec Svibovečki toward Drenovec. From Škarnik, the route also continues uphill. These activities should therefore not be understood as one single route, but as different options for planning your day.

The Drenovec mineral spring

Cooled thermal water emerges from the Drenovec mineral spring. Drenovec is one of the two mineral springs mentioned, the other being Apatovac. The water and the archaeological site thus represent two distinct aspects of the area: one is hydrogeological, the other archaeological. If you are planning a stay, you can include these interests separately in your daily itinerary rather than treating them as a single excursion destination.

The suggestions described also differ in their time frame and format: an educational program, an excursion option involving a drive, and a mountain-biking option. This distinction can help you organize your own travel plans and compare hotels according to the criteria that matter to you.

For the broader travel overview: Općina Varaždinske Toplice.