Join the Kestenijada (Chestnut Festival) in Ivan Sveti Zelina

October is definitely chestnut month. If you’re currently experiencing the full force of autumn, as well as all of the colourful leaves that are a’falling, you’re probably tripping over chestnuts a’plenty! A number of locations in Croatia also celebrate chestnuts this month. One of the best festivals is Kestenijada in Sveti Ivan Zelina, just northeast of Zagreb. Taking place on the weekend of 18th and 19th October 2025, Kestenijada is in its 27th year this year and will offer a rich and entertaining programme for all ages. The majority of the festival centres around Kladešćica, the peak of Zelina Mountain.

Kestenijada was listed as one of the Top 100 Stories at the 2025 Green Destinations Awards, which promotes sustainable tourism development. You can read the detailed report about Kestenijada from Green Destinations here.

Healthy, eco walk to Kladešćica

At 10am on Saturday 18th October, Mario Valentic (creator of the HealthyFIT Experience) will lead the 6-kilometre walk to Kladescica, the peak of Zelina Mountain. This hike sees a welcome return for this year, but there will be an additional activity this year. Register ahead of time to join the ecological campaign to clean up the local environment. Participants will be rewarded with a coupon at the start to receive a free lunch and a refreshing Zelina Chestnut Smoothie by Mario Valentic, made from local chestnuts.

The walk to Kladescica – aided by Izvor Mountaineering Association – will also feature “body & mind training” and “breathe & flow exercises” which aim to strengthen the mind and body and improve health. Suitable for all ages.

For anyone thinking that such a walk may only be for the super-active or highly trained, don’t worry! The trail starts near the village of Biškupec, winding through beech and chestnut forests. You’ll walk past the ruins of Zelingrad Fortress, a once majestic medieval castle. Whilst you walk, you’ll notice numerous educational points detailing the local animal and plant life, some of which are endangered or protected.

The walk should take one and a half to two hours.

Party Time…and food and drink time

Sunday 19th October will be party time, as well as food and drink time! From 10am to 6pm at Kladescica, numerous excellent chestnut gastro offerings will be available – including roast chestnuts (which are of course absolutely delicious), chestnut delicacies and craft beer and Zelina wine – all thanks to local association Amanita. Indulge in chestnut treats with a nice glass of a local drink, with live music playing in the background. The perfect party!

The first 200 walkers to reach the Kestenijada (Chestnut Festival) will be rewarded with a scoop of delicious chestnuts, a gift from the town of Sveti Ivan Zelina to say thanks to participants for the protection of the Mount Zelina ecosystem.

The local hunting lodge will once again be hosting a competition for the best hunting stew. Organisers from Hunting Society Srndać will provide participants with the necessary supplies and wood. After 2pm – when the winner is announced – you can taste the delicious goulashes! The same hunting society will also be holding a talk on the animals of the region, so you can learn more about the local inhabitants.

Delicious roasted chestnuts at Kestenijada

Plenty of fun for the younger ones

The festival will provide “Games Without Screens” for children from 12pm to 2pm, offering kids the chance to enjoy themselves without any digital devices!

A variety of games will be available to play with, including giant Jenga, giant Tic Tac Toe, Mölkky, ring toss, tug of war and relay race games. Such games and activities allow children to develop their gross motor skills, and encourage communication and resourcefulness – with a bit of competition too. All in the outdoors!

Thinking of the Environment

Kestenijada promotes a zero-waste initiative, and single-use plastic is banned. Furthermore, visitors are encouraged to bring their own glasses, crockery and snacks in reusable containers.

Anyone arriving at the festival by car instead of on foot will be part of a one-way traffic system to avoid long queues.

The ruins of Zelingrad Fortress on Mount Zelina

Kestenijada Programme

Saturday, 18th October 2025

A walk along the trail in the company of Mountaineering Association Izvor and Mario Valentić feautring HealthyFIT body&mind training and breathe&flow exercises program and an ecological environmental cleaning action
Free lunch and a refreshing smoothie available for all participants of the eco-action and HealthyFIT program
Pre-registration is required

Sunday, 19th October 2025

11 am: Walk to Kladeščica – Walk along the hiking trail, suitable for all

10 am – 6 pm: Kestenijada, The Zelina Chestnut Festival
A diverse and rich gastronomic offering that includes roasted chestnuts, chestnut delicacies, various dishes and refreshing craft beer and wines from Zelina
Surprise musical performance!
Free mushroom talk
From 10am: Free scoop of chestnuts for the first 200 people who reach Kladeščica on foot
12pm – 2pm: “Games Without Screens”– outdoor activities and games for children and workshops on the theme of autumn fruits
10am – 6pm: Hunting stew competition organised by Hunting Society Srndać
10am – 6pm: Socialise with the Moto and Off-Road Club of Sveti Ivan Zelina