Bjelovar Voyage Tips and guide

Bjelovar is one of the youngest cities in Croatia, officially founded in 1756. Located in central Croatia approximately 80 km east of Zagreb, this planned Baroque city serves as the administrative center of Bjelovar-Bilogora County. It has beautiful central park, elegant architecture, and agricultural heritage.

The name Bjelovar is derived from the Croatian word "bijel" (white) combined with the Hungarian word "vár" (fortress), literally meaning "white fortress."

Construction of Bjelovar began in 1756 when land was acquired and building permits were issued, with Austrian Baron Philipp Lewin von Beck leading the development. The city was designed from the start as the center of the Varaždin Generalate, with military facilities and settlements established alongside Czech and Croatian peasants. This military heritage shaped the city's planned layout, which remains evident in its orderly street grid today.

The Cathedral of St. Teresa of Ávila, constructed in typical Baroque style between 1765 and 1772, was named after the patron saint of Habsburg Empress Maria Theresa, who was responsible for much of Bjelovar's development. The cathedral was elevated from parish church status in 2009 by Pope Benedict XVI, making it one of Croatia's youngest cathedrals.

Despite its relatively recent founding, archaeological evidence shows that the area around Bjelovar has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with Neolithic settlements dating back to 5,000 BC. Roman remains have also been discovered, including water pipes, foundations, and coins, suggesting a Roman settlement or military camp once existed in the area.

In the 20th century, Bjelovar played a role in Croatia's independence movement. September 29, 1991 became a significant date in the city's modern history and is now celebrated as Bjelovar Veterans' Day.

Buses run frequently from Zagreb and take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the service. The journey is convenient and affordable, with tickets costing around €6-7 one way. Services operate daily with several departures. Check the Zagreb Bus Station's website [1] for current timetables.

The bus station is located on the western side of town, within walking distance of the city center.

Croatian Railways (HŽPP) operates train services between Zagreb and Bjelovar. Trains depart from Zagreb Glavni Kolodvor (Main Station) approximately every 4 hours, with the journey taking approximately 1 hour 20-30 minutes. Return tickets cost around €16-17, making this an economical option. The train station is very near the bus station.

From Zagreb, take the A4 motorway (towards Varaždin/Goričan) and exit onto state road D28 near Vrbovec. A significant section of the D28 is designated as a fast road, ensuring a quicker journey. The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes covering about 80 km. Alternatively, you can use local roads through Dugo Selo and Ivanić-Grad.

Travelers coming from Slavonia can access Bjelovar via the D28 from Virovitica or via routes through Daruvar.

The nearest international airport is Zagreb Franjo Tuđman Airport (ZAG), located approximately 80 km west of Bjelovar. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a bus to Zagreb and then continue to Bjelovar by bus or train.

45°53′56″N 16°50′32″E

Map of Bjelovar

Bjelovar's city center is compact and easily walkable. The main sights, including the central park, cathedral, and museums, are all within a 10-15 minute walk of each other. The orderly grid layout makes navigation straightforward.

Local taxis are available for longer distances, with fares starting around €4-5.

• 45.89868516.8436931 Bjelovar City Museum (Gradski muzej Bjelovar), Trg Eugena Kvaternika 1. Tu-F 09:00-17:00; Sa Su 09:00-13:00; closed M. Housed in a 19th-century Baroque building. Established in 1949, the museum now holds over 40,000 artifacts across permanent archaeological, ethnographic, and cultural-historical collections. Notable artists featured include locally-born Edo Murtić, whose abstract work gained international acclaim from the 1950s, locally-born female painter Nasta Rojc and sculptor Vojin Bakić. The museum was renovated and offers both permanent and temporary exhibitions. €3. (updated Dec 2025)
• 45.89805616.8433332 Cathedral of St. Teresa of Ávila (Katedrala sv. Terezije Avilske), Trg Eugena Kvaternika. Set in front of pretty green parkland in stark white and pastel yellow colors, this Baroque cathedral is one of Bjelovar's major landmarks, built between 1765 and 1772. Named after the patron saint of Empress Maria Theresa, it was dedicated by the Bishop of Zagreb in 1775. After earthquake damage in the late 1880s, it was completely restored by the same architect who rebuilt Zagreb Cathedral. The building was declared a cathedral in 2009, making it Croatia's youngest cathedral. (updated Dec 2025)
• 45.89868716.8421983 Central Park and Music Pavilion (Gradski park i Glazbeni paviljon), Trg Eugena Kvaternika. The heart of Bjelovar's social life. At the centre of this beautiful park stands a stately music pavilion constructed during World War II from brilliant white Brač stone - it's the largest stone pavilion of its kind in Europe. The pavilion hosts musical performances and cultural events throughout the year. Surrounding the pavilion are four historic statues from the late 1770s depicting Saint Teresa of Ávila, Saint George (patron of the Đurđevac regiment), Saint John of Nepomuk, and Saint Helena, mother of Constantine I. The park has repeatedly been voted one of the most beautiful squares in continental Croatia. (updated Dec 2025)
• Monument to the Revolution of the People of Moslavina - Located 40 kilometres outside the city centre, this striking spomenik (Yugoslav-era monument) was created by famous Croatian sculptor Dušan Džamonja. The otherworldly design stands in stark contrast to the surrounding Slavonian countryside and represents an important piece of Croatian modern art and history.

• Bjelovar Fair (Bjelovarski sajam) - One of the largest agricultural fairs in this part of Europe, with a tradition spanning several centuries. The fair brings together major producers of seeds, livestock, and agricultural machinery. Held annually several times a year, it attracts tens of thousands of visitors and showcases the region's strong agricultural heritage.

• Terezijana is the signature historical and cultural festival of Bjelovar, commemorating the city's founding by the Austrian Empress Maria Theresa in 1756. This vibrant event transforms the city center, offering visitors a unique journey back to the Baroque and Military Frontier era. The festival is typically held over three to five days on the second weekend of June. The core of Terezijana is the grand Imperial Procession, where hundreds of participants. The festival features: historical reenactments, cultural program: a rich mix of modern and classical concerts, street performers, and programs for children and gastro scene: numerous stalls offer traditional gastronomy, local delicacies, and regional products from the Bilogora area.

• Football: NK Bjelovar play in the lower Croatian football leagues. Local matches provide an authentic taste of Croatian football culture.

• Hiking and cycling - The surrounding Bilogora hills offer numerous hiking and cycling trails through forests and rural landscapes. The mountain lodge Kamenitovac on Bilogora (10 kilometres east), at an altitude of 242 m, provides refreshments and overnight accommodation with views extending to Zagreb on clear days.

Bjelovar is known for its agricultural products, particularly:

• Local cheese - The region produces excellent traditional Croatian cheeses, including Podravac and the famous smoked cheese varieties - kvargl.
• Agricultural products - Fresh products and honey from local farmers at the local market.
• Traditional crafts - Local artisans sell handmade items in some shops around the central square.

Bjelovar offers a range of dining options featuring traditional Croatian continental cuisine:

• Caffe i Bistro Franz - Popular Mediterranean restaurant located near the city center, offering both casual cafe fare and more substantial meals.

• Feral - Local restaurant serving Croatian specialties.

Most restaurants serve hearty continental Croatian dishes including grilled meats, stews, and traditional pastries. Prices are generally lower than in Zagreb or coastal cities.

The central park area and surrounding streets have numerous cafes where locals gather. Coffee culture is strong in Bjelovar, and you'll find espresso bars open from early morning until late evening. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.

• Art’earia Hotel, Trg Eugena Kvaternika, ☏ +385 43 243 133). The main hotel in the city centre, a 3-star establishment. The location is excellent, within walking distance of all major sights, restaurants, and shops. Rooms are basic but clean, with amenities including free WiFi and parking. The hotel has a restaurant serving breakfast and other meals. Prices are moderate for Croatia. (telephone (updated Dec 2025)
• Private accommodations - Several apartments and rooms are available for rent in the city center and surrounding areas. These often give a more authentic experience of local life.

• Daruvar (50 km east) - A historic thermal spa town with healing waters that have been used for over 2,000 years. The spa complex, located in beautiful Julijev Park, offers indoor and outdoor thermal pools, wellness treatments, and medical rehabilitation programs. The town features stunning 18th and 19th-century architecture including Antun's Bath from 1772, Villa Arcadia built in 1870, and the Castle of Count Janković from 1777. Daruvar can be reached by bus in about 30-40 minutes.

• Zagreb (80 km west) - Croatia's vibrant capital is easily accessible for a day trip or longer stay. The city offers world-class museums, restaurants, nightlife, and cultural attractions.

• Garešnica and Grubišno Polje - Smaller towns in the region worth visiting for their rural charm and traditional way of life.

• Koprivnica and Varaždin - Historic cities to the north, both featuring beautiful Baroque architecture and museums.