In a world where travelers seek authenticity, respect for nature, and responsible community development, the news that the Zelinska kestenijada event and the destination Sveti Ivan Zelina have been included among the one hundred best practices of sustainable tourism resonates strongly. This is a turning point that confirms how even a smaller Croatian community can position itself alongside global role models when it systematically builds its products, nurtures tradition, and simultaneously applies sustainability standards in tourism and daily life.
Among the best: what inclusion in the "Top 100 Stories" list truly means
The "Top 100 Stories" program by the international initiative Green Destinations recognizes destinations that demonstrably implement responsible practices – from waste and energy management, through the preservation of nature and landscapes, to the inclusion of the local community in tourism processes. Inclusion in the "Top 100" is not a one-time award but a confirmation of system quality: destinations must prepare structured applications, prove compliance with standards, and describe their good practice as a transferable model. For Sveti Ivan Zelina, this is a story that has been built over years – on the ground, on the trails of Zelinska gora, in orchards and forests, at markets and in the town's streets, throughout the year, and especially in autumn when the scent of roasted chestnuts becomes a symbol of identity.
Zelinska kestenijada as a prime example of a sustainable event
The event evolved from a local custom of harvesting and roasting chestnuts into a coordinated, multi-day experience that combines hiking, family activities, nature workshops, a music and gastronomic program, and educational tours through forest ecosystems. The key to its success lies in the ways organizers and partners reduce the ecological footprint: thanks for participation are given to local volunteers, caterers, and associations; reusable packaging is used for drinks and food; arriving on foot, by bicycle, or by shared transport is encouraged; and stalls are arranged so as not to burden sensitive parts of the trails. On-site, visitors can learn how to ‘read’ the forest – from identifying species to the rules of responsible behavior in nature – while the gastronomy highlights menus that favor seasonal ingredients from nearby farms and traditional sweets and savory dishes with chestnut as the star.
An important part of the story is the social impact. The Kestenijada empowers small producers and creative artisans who present handicrafts, natural cosmetics, or delicacies made from recipes passed down through generations. By involving schools and local associations, the event becomes an outdoor classroom where the youngest acquire habits of spending time in nature and an understanding of protected areas. The entire concept conveys that tourism is not an end in itself, but a lever for a better life for residents – which is the fundamental value of a sustainable approach.
The voice of the destination: responsibility, community, and a plan for the future
The leadership of the Tourist Board emphasizes that this recognition is both an incentive and an obligation: after confirming international standards, expectations become higher, and projects require continuity. In this sense, additional measures are already being implemented to reduce waste during events, improve accessibility to locations on hilly sections, provide digital information to visitors to avoid paper brochures, and strengthen cooperation with forestry experts in route planning. This builds a model where natural resources – the chestnut forest, clean air, drinking water, and trails – are protected, while the visitor experience becomes educational and unforgettable.
Conference context: the global stage of Montpellier
The Global Green Destinations 2025 conference will be held in Montpellier in the Occitanie region from September 28 to 30, 2025, which brings additional publicity to all destinations presenting their good practices. The presence of experts, the academic community, and certification holders creates a network through which examples like the Zelinska kestenijada are passed on – as an inspiration to other communities that want to build tourism on a human and spatial scale. For Sveti Ivan Zelina, this is an opportunity to present its hiking and cycling tourism potential, but also to strengthen its reputation as a responsible, hospitable, and accessible natural destination near the metropolis.
Program of the 27th edition: dates, locations, and experiences
This year's Zelinska kestenijada will be held on October 18 and 19, 2025, and will, as in previous years, bring together hikers, recreational enthusiasts, families, and gourmands. Saturday is traditionally dedicated to joint walks and educational content, while Sunday turns into a large gathering with music, workshops, and – of course – roasted chestnuts. The central events take place on the slopes of Kladešćica and in the narrower town area, with a carefully organized traffic regime to avoid congestion and unnecessary emissions. Visitors are recommended to use local bus lines and cycling routes, and those coming from Zagreb and the surrounding area can plan to arrive earlier and combine it with a visit to nearby wineries, villages, and viewpoints.
Gastronomic points will be dominated by seasonal dishes: chestnut purée, zlevanka with chestnuts, stews, and soups that warm you up after hiking tours, as well as cakes based on family recipes. Caterers from Sveti Ivan Zelina and the surrounding area will prepare menus with clearly stated origins of ingredients, as well as vegetarian and gluten-free options. This way, visitors can enjoy without compromise – both in taste and in the values the event promotes.
Nature as a partner: what is special about Zelinska gora
Zelinska gora, with its peak Kladešćica at 463 meters above sea level, offers diverse trails suitable for families with children and hikers of moderate fitness. In autumn, the forest is filled with colors and scents that recall the rhythms of nature, and the trails lead to viewpoints offering views of Medvednica, the Prigorje region, and gentle vineyards. The organizers of the Kestenijada collaborate with forestry and hiking associations to ensure the routes are safe, adequately marked, and aligned with habitat protection principles. This avoids erosion and fragmentation of sensitive areas, and visitors receive reliable information about the rules of behavior in the forest, picking fruits, and leaving a "zero trace".
The local community at the center
The success of the event would not be possible without the residents of Sveti Ivan Zelina. From security staff and volunteers, through performers and guides, to small producers and schoolchildren – everyone has their role. Through upcycling workshops, children's corners dedicated to natural history, and presentations of old crafts, skills and responsibilities are passed on. Catering facilities in the town and its surroundings coordinate their working hours, offer autumn-inspired menus, and accommodation providers prepare packages with included guided tours and tastings. This circular effect means that tourism revenue remains in the destination, stimulates local entrepreneurship, and preserves a shared identity.
How to plan your visit: transport, accommodation, and useful tips
For everyone planning to visit the Kestenijada, it is most practical to start early in the morning, bring layered clothing and comfortable footwear, and not forget a water bottle that can be refilled at designated points. Cyclists can use routes connecting neighboring towns with Sveti Ivan Zelina, and families with children should choose shorter walks and age-appropriate programs. Since this is an event in nature, it is recommended to use public transport or share a ride with friends. For information on accommodation and packages, visitors can check the offer in our "Accommodation in the destination" section – links are marked in the text (Sveti Ivan Zelina).
What this step forward means for Croatian tourism
The inclusion of Zelinska kestenijada among examples of good practice fits into a broader Croatian story of a more mature, more responsible tourism. An increasing number of destinations are investing in certification processes, strategic planning, and stakeholder education – not to follow a trend, but because sustainability is becoming key to long-term competitiveness. In this sense, the experience of Sveti Ivan Zelina carries two important messages: first, that it is possible to build a recognizable product rooted in local culture, and second, that systematic management – from separate waste collection to community involvement – brings concrete benefits to all involved.
Standards and processes: why it is important to measure progress
Sustainability is not about a few "green" activities, but a comprehensive management system. In practice, this means defining goals (e.g., reducing single-use plastic at events), introducing procedures (e.g., logistics for returnable cups), regular reporting, and monitoring results. It is this approach that allows destinations to progress in the long term and to transfer their experience to others – which is the purpose of the "Top 100 Stories" initiative. Through partnerships with the academic community and destination management experts, Sveti Ivan Zelina plans to further standardize data collection, evaluation of visitor satisfaction, and capacity planning during peak times.
Zelina throughout the year: from spring to winter
Although autumn is the peak, the destination is active throughout the year. Spring hiking tours and cycling events, summer cultural programs, and winter themed walks create a rhythm that distributes visits and relieves the more sensitive months. This shapes a sustainable calendar that benefits both visitors and the local community. For those planning a multi-day stay, themed routes are recommended – "chestnut and forest," "water and springs," "cultural heritage of Prigorje" – which connect natural and cultural points of interest, local taverns, and tasting rooms.
Gastronomy with a story
In the kitchen, the chestnut is an irreplaceable symbol of autumn, but the Prigorje table is much broader. Winemaking, honey, cured meat products, dairy products, and traditional flatbreads form a mosaic of flavors that visitors discover at stalls, in catering facilities, and at tasting rooms. What makes the destination's gastronomy sustainable is the short supply chain – the more seasonal and local ingredients on the plate, the smaller the carbon footprint and the greater the benefit for small producers.
Digital solutions for "less paper, more experience"
To reduce paper consumption, informational materials and programs are increasingly distributed digitally. QR codes direct to current schedules, trail maps, and safety recommendations. This ensures visitors always have the latest information, and organizers can agilely adjust logistics to weather conditions. Such steps are small but important pieces of the puzzle, as sustainability requires discipline in numerous details – from preparation to the dismantling of the event.
Accessibility and inclusion
The development of accessible routes and rest areas is key to including all groups of visitors. On sections adapted for wheelchairs or parents with strollers, there are plans to install information boards at appropriate heights and with pictograms, while volunteers provide assistance on more demanding sections. Training for caterers includes topics on allergens, ingredient declaration, and preparing dishes for special dietary needs, so that all visitors can find safe and tasty options.
Safety and responsible behavior
Hiking and being in the forest require adherence to basic rules: do not light fires, do not leave waste, preserve the trails, and respect the markings. Organizers provide clear instructions and visible signage, and in case of unfavorable weather conditions, the program is adjusted with safety as a priority. Visitors are advised to wear appropriate footwear, follow the weather forecast, and register for guided tours so that guides have a better overview of the number of participants and can adjust the pace to the group.
How to get there and where to go next
Located just about forty kilometers from Zagreb, Sveti Ivan Zelina is easily accessible by regional roads. A visit can be combined with a tour of the wine roads, a visit to nearby rural households, or an exploration of other Prigorje trails. To further enrich your stay, an overnight stay in the destination is recommended to experience the morning silence of the forests and the sunrise over the hills – find accommodation offers in our section (Sveti Ivan Zelina).
A look ahead in the calendar
Autumn 2025 brings a series of activities in the destination, with the Kestenijada as the highlight. After the global conference in Montpellier concludes, the focus returns to the local scene – and that is precisely the point of international recognitions: to open the door to knowledge exchange, attract guests who appreciate nature and culture, and then create an authentic experience on the ground. For all trip planners, the recommendation is to secure accommodation in time and follow the official program announcements to ensure a seamless experience (Sveti Ivan Zelina).
Main steps for visitors
- Plan your arrival for October 18 and 19, 2025, and book accommodation in (Sveti Ivan Zelina).
- Choose a route appropriate for your fitness level; for families with children, shorter trails around Kladešćica are recommended.
- Bring a reusable water bottle and utensils; look for points with returnable cups and containers.
- Try seasonal menus with chestnuts and support local producers.
- Follow digital program schedules and the weather forecast for a safer experience.
Why the story continues
When an event grows into a model of sustainability, its reach extends beyond the days it is held. Examples of good practice can be applied to other local events – from Christmas markets to sports events – thereby creating a recognizable signature of a responsible host for the destination. Therein lies the value of the recognition: it confirms that the direction is correct and gives additional momentum to everyone working on the ground – from utility services to school volunteers, from hikers to caterers, from artists to guides. And that is precisely why we gladly return to Sveti Ivan Zelina – because of the inviting nature, the welcoming community, and the tradition that lives on in a new, sustainable form.
Useful links and notes for visitors
For general information about international sustainability initiatives, visitors can inform themselves on relevant pages about conferences and standards (links open in a new window): Green Destinations 2025 – Montpellier, Program of Zelinska kestenijada, as well as specialized platforms on certification and support for destinations. For accommodation and local packages, use our section (Sveti Ivan Zelina).