Krapina (pronounced [krâpina]; Hungarian: Korpona) is a town in northern Croatia. It is the main town of Krapina-Zagorje County. The town has a population of 4,201 people, and the total population of the area it covers is 11,530. Krapina is located in the Zagorje region of Croatia. It is about 55 kilometers (34 miles) away from both Zagreb and Varaždin.

History

In 1899, on a hill named Hušnjakovo near present-day Krapina, the archaeologist and fossil expert Dragutin Gorjanović-Kramberger discovered more than 800 Neanderthal fossils.

The cave in Krapina was quickly recognized as a globally important scientific site because it contained the largest and most complete collection of Neanderthal remains ever found.

Today, at the location where the Neanderthal fossils were discovered, there is a modern museum dedicated to Neanderthals. The museum also has a large section about evolution, making it one of Europe’s most interesting museums about human development. The museum is surrounded by a park featuring statues of Neanderthals and animals they hunted, such as bears, moose, and beavers, placed in their original locations.

Krapina was first recorded in 1193 by Kalán Bár-Kalán, who was the bishop of Pécs and the ruler of Croatia and Dalmatia. In 1347, Hungarian King Louis I gave Krapina the status of a free royal city.

During the Ottoman invasions of Croatia in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, the Croatian Sabor met five times in the Krapina fortress in the years 1598, 1599, 1600, 1605, and 1607.

Climate

Since 1993, when records began, the highest temperature ever recorded at the local weather station, which is located at a height of 202 metres (663 feet), was 39.1 degrees Celsius (102.4 degrees Fahrenheit) on August 8, 2017. The lowest temperature recorded there was −18.5 degrees Celsius (−1.3 degrees Fahrenheit) on February 10, 2005. At the KL station, the lowest temperature recorded was −22.0 degrees Celsius (−7.6 degrees Fahrenheit) on February 13, 1985.

Demographics

According to the 2021 census, Krapina had a total population of 11,530 people. Croats made up 97.29% of the population, which is the largest group.

The Krapina municipality includes the following settlements:

Administration

The present mayor of Krapina is Zoran Gregurović (HDZ), and the Krapina Town Council has 15 members.

Culture

Krapina is the location of an annual event called the Festival kajkavske popevke (The Festival of Kajkavian Songs), which features music performed in the local Kajkavian language.

A nearby area called Krapinske Toplice (Krapina Spa) is known for its many thermal springs and facilities for spa tourism. Krapina is also where the linguist and language reformer Ljudevit Gaj was born. His former home is now a museum that displays information about his life and contributions to language.

Since 1997, the Franciscan monastery and St. Catherine’s church in Krapina have hosted the Krapinafest, a yearly festival featuring modern Christian music.

Sports

The local group of the HPS is called HPD "Strahinjščica." In 1936, this group had 48 members during the leadership of Josip Kompare. By 1937, the number of members decreased to 35.

Transportation

Krapina is connected to the A2 highway and the D1 state road. The town has a train station located along the R106 route and a bus station that serves as the main center for the bus company "Presečki d.o.o." This company provides transportation links between Krapina and many towns throughout the county and surrounding areas.