Jurašćak

Jurašćak is a hill rising above the village of Gornji Hruševec, in the Kravarsko municipality of Zagreb County, Croatia. At 213 metres above sea level, it is the highest point on the southern ridge of the Vukomeričke Gorice, a chain of gentle, forested hills stretching south of Zagreb. The hill combines a rewarding viewpoint, a small geological curiosity, and a local legend tied to a vanished wooden chapel, making it a worthwhile stop for hikers and casual climbers alike.

Where is Jurašćak?

The hill stands directly above Gornji Hruševec, a village of fewer than 250 residents sitting at roughly 145 metres of elevation and covering just over 8 square kilometres. The surrounding Vukomeričke Gorice separate the Kupa river valley (the Pokuplje region) from the rest of Turopolje. The peak itself has a cone-like shape, topped by a small, flat area of about 50 by 100 metres — enough room to catch your breath and take in the surroundings before heading back down.

What can you see from the top?

The main draw of Jurašćak is its view. From the small plateau at the summit, the panorama stretches across the entire Pokuplje region and, on clear days, reaches as far as northern Kordun and Banovina — a surprisingly wide vista for such a modest elevation in this part of Croatia.

The second attraction is geological: sandstone outcrops surround the summit, rising at angles close to 90 degrees. They are popular with local climbers from the Zagreb area for short, single-day rock climbing routes. This isn't terrain for beginners without proper gear, but for experienced climbers it offers an interesting alternative to the region's better-known crags.

A wooden chapel dedicated to Saint George (sveti Juraj) once stood on the summit plateau, built in the traditional style of Turopolje with hand-carved, native woodwork. The hill's name, Jurašćak, most likely derives from the chapel's patron saint. Although the chapel no longer stands in its original spot, the story is still remembered locally and explains the hill's unusual name.

How do you get there?

Gornji Hruševec lies within the Kravarsko municipality, easily reached from Zagreb via local roads heading south toward the Pokuplje region. From the village, a short but clearly marked path climbs through the forested slopes of the Vukomeričke Gorice to the summit — the route requires no special preparation and makes for a pleasant few-hour walk.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn are the best seasons: temperatures are comfortable for walking, and the tree canopy is thin enough not to block the view from the plateau. In summer, dense foliage provides welcome shade on the way up but limits the panorama for most of the route, so an early morning visit is worth planning.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Jurašćak? The summit reaches 213 metres above sea level and is the highest point on the southern ridge of the Vukomeričke Gorice.

Where does the hill's name come from? The name most likely comes from a chapel dedicated to Saint George (Juraj) that once stood on the summit plateau.

Can you go rock climbing there? Yes — steep sandstone outcrops around the summit are used for short, single-day climbs, best suited to experienced climbers.

What can you see from Jurašćak? On clear days the view extends across the whole Pokuplje region, as well as northern Kordun and Banovina.