About this place
Jastrebarsko, commonly called Jaska, lies between Zagreb and the slopes of Plešivica, so the town’s heritage naturally leads into vineyards and wine cellars. The central landmark is Erdödy Castle, built as a lowland fortified residence in the late fifteenth century; according to current tourism information, the castle itself is undergoing renovation, while its surrounding park remains visitable. The 9.47-hectare park was protected in 1964 as a monument of garden architecture and includes a lake, the Reka stream and valuable mature trees. The parish Church of St Nicholas carries layers from the medieval parish through Baroque and later alterations and contains the 1567 tombstone of Ban Petar Erdödy. The most distinctive excursion, however, is the Plešivica Wine Road, opened in 2001 and lined with vineyards and producers. Jastrebarsko therefore works best as a combination: part of the day for the castle park and religious heritage, and the rest for Plešivica, wine tasting and a meal at one of the restaurants listed by the local tourist board.
Jastrebarsko is shaped equally by noble heritage and the vineyard-covered hills around it. Erdödy Castle and its park form the main historic ensemble in town, while nearby Plešivica changes the landscape into vineyards, cellars and viewpoints. Their proximity makes it possible to combine an urban heritage walk with a very tangible wine experience in the same day. The Church of St Nicholas adds another link with the Erdödy family: it contains the 1567 tombstone of Ban Petar Erdödy, while the building itself reflects several historical phases. Jaska therefore differs from a purely wine-focused destination because viticulture is tied to a castle, a protected historic park, religious heritage and the town’s position between Zagreb and the Žumberak–Plešivica landscape.
Stays nearby
ApartmentApartmeni Klenovica.eu
Klenovica
89 km from Jastrebarsko
up to 4 guests · 1 bedroom
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Things to see
Things to do
In the morning, walk through the centre and enter the park surrounding Erdödy Castle, where the lake and paths can be enjoyed even while the castle building itself is under renovation. Continue to the Church of St Nicholas and look for the Baroque pulpit, Heferer organ and the tombstone of Petar Erdödy. The second half of the day belongs to the Plešivica Wine Road, opened in 2001, where numerous producers offer cellar tastings and some also provide food or accommodation. Cellar visits should not be left entirely to chance: in 2026, contact the chosen wineries in advance and plan tastings responsibly around driving. This produces a balanced day in which Jastrebarsko and Plešivica complement each other rather than repeating the same kind of attraction.
Food and drink
The local tourist board lists restaurants including Karlo, K Lojzeku, Kuna, Poljanice, Erdödy and Ampelos, allowing a meal to be chosen according to whether the day remains in town or continues toward Plešivica. The wine route changes meal planning because some producers combine tastings with homemade food while others focus only on wine. In the Jaska area, dishes that pair well with Plešivica sparkling and white wines are an obvious choice, but there is no need to restrict the visit to winery cellars because the town restaurants provide a broader selection. In 2026, opening hours should be checked and weekend reservations are advisable, particularly during wine events when visitor numbers in both Plešivica and Jastrebarsko increase substantially.
Practical information
Practical information
The Jastrebarsko Tourist Board is the most useful source for information on castles, the wine road, restaurants and natural heritage. The most important practical point in 2026 is that Erdödy Castle is undergoing renovation and is not available as a conventional interior visit, while its park can still be explored. For Plešivica, wine tastings should be booked in advance because wineries do not operate like museums with one uniform opening schedule. Anyone planning to taste wine should also arrange a designated driver or other transport before the visit. Central Jastrebarsko is manageable on foot, but a car or organised transfer is substantially more practical for the wine road and the dispersed vineyard locations on the surrounding hills.
Frequently asked questions
Can the interior of Erdödy Castle be visited in 2026?
The tourist board states that the castle is under renovation and cannot be toured normally, but the surrounding park can be visited.
How large is the protected park around Erdödy Castle?
The park covers 9.47 hectares and has been protected as a monument of garden architecture since 1964.
What notable features can be seen in the Church of St Nicholas?
The church contains, among other features, Petar Erdödy’s 1567 tombstone, a Baroque pulpit from 1759 and a Heferer organ from 1894.
Should wine tastings on Plešivica be booked in advance?
Wineries set their own visiting arrangements, so in 2026 it is practical to arrange a tasting directly with the chosen producer in advance.
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Photo credits
- Jastrebarsko, St. Nicholas Church in Jastrebarsko — Suradnik13 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
- Apartmeni Klenovica.eu — Apartmani Klenovica.eu · courtesy of the property owner
- Tuhelj — Ex13 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
- Sveti Martin na Muri — Silverije · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
- Velika Gorica — Frane Lovošević · CC BY-SA 3.0
