Babino Brdo

Babino Brdo is a hill in the Zrinska Gora range, within the town of Petrinja in Sisak-Moslavina County, Croatia. It rises to roughly 409 metres above sea level and ranks among the more popular hiking destinations in the Banovina region.

Where is Babino Brdo located?

The hill sits in the central part of the Zrinska Gora range, a historic upland stretching across the Banovina region between the Kupa, Sava, Una and Glina rivers. Its coordinates are 45.35 N, 16.35 E, a dozen or so kilometres south of downtown Petrinja. Neighbouring summits along the ridge include Hrastovačka gora, generally regarded as the northern continuation of Zrinska Gora.

How do you get to Babino Brdo?

Most hikes start from Petrinja itself or from the surrounding Banovina villages, following marked trails into the hills. Babino Brdo lies on a route linking Jabukovac, Metla, Klinac, Čuntić and Zelena dolina — one of the classic one-day crossings of Zrinska Gora. The local mountaineering club HPD Zrin, based in Petrinja, regularly leads trips in this direction, including a traditional winter hike combining Metla and Babino Brdo that has drawn several dozen participants at a time. The town of Petrinja has also been expanding its network of walking and cycling trails through Banovina, making it easy to pair a climb to the hill with a visit to nearby villages.

What will you see along the trail?

The route runs through landscape typical of Zrinska Gora: gentle, forested hills broken up by clearings and river valleys. From the summit and the saddles along the ridge, the trail opens onto views of Banovina's farmland and the neighbouring mountain ranges. The area is known for its dense deciduous forests, home to wildlife, and for trails that stay quiet even at busy times of year, favouring unhurried walking. This is a destination for hikers rather than sightseers looking for built-up infrastructure — there is no developed facility base along the way, so bring your own water and food.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn are the best seasons for hiking here, with mild temperatures suited to longer routes and less dense foliage to block the views. In winter, local mountaineering clubs organise traditional snow hikes, which are popular but call for proper gear and footwear. Summer treks can be demanding because of the heat, so an early start is worthwhile.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Babino Brdo? The hill reaches an elevation of roughly 409 metres above sea level.

What region is Babino Brdo in? It lies in the Zrinska Gora range, part of the historic Banovina region, within the town of Petrinja in Sisak-Moslavina County.

Is the trail suitable for beginners? The route is moderately demanding, involving several hours of walking through forested hills, so basic hiking experience and proper footwear are recommended.

Are there local hiking clubs active in the area? Yes, the Petrinja-based mountaineering club HPD Zrin regularly organises trips to Babino Brdo, including winter excursions.