Head to Veliki Grđevac, a village on the south slopes of Bilogora and the birthplace of Croatia’s best-known children author Mato Lovrak. If you read Train in the Snow and Pero Kvržica’s Band, you’ll connect with your favorite fictional characters at the Mato Lovrak Cultural Center, including the train itself. Take a stroll along the educational nature trail and soak up the nostalgic charms of village life.

Tip: Round up your trip with a stop in nearby Bjelovar, with coffee and cake at Zagorje patisserie.