The unique musical organ observation deck in Međimurje a big hit

by croatiaweek
March 24, 2024
in News

(Photo credit: (Photo: Međimurska županija)

At 341 meters above sea level, on Mađerkin Hill in Međimurje, a hill which offers one of the most beautiful views in continental Croatia, an observation deck has been built and has quickly captured the hearts of locals and tourists.

It has become an essential tourist spot in the region, drawing crowds in both summer and winter, where people gather to witness the sunrise and enjoy panoramic views stretching over several countries: Austria, Slovenia, Hungary, and even Slovakia on exceptionally clear days.

The observation deck was erected as part of the grand CycleSeeing Attractour – CSA project, worth €1,463,966.46, becoming a symbol of Međimurje County’s developmental prowess. Since 2017, the county has held the top spot in Croatia for attracting European funds.

(Photo: Međimurska županija)

Mađerkin Hill celebrates exquisite Međimurje wines, and this week, at a ceremonial event, the observation deck also sang.

From the outset, the idea was to equip the 28-meter-high observation tower with an organ, known as the “Goričko sviralo,” a structure operated by the wind.

In 2023, Međimurje County financially supported the installation and tuning of the organ with €66,365.

As of March 22, 2024, the attractive observation deck now carries melodies of Međimurje folk tunes, declared a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.

(Photo credit: Međimurska županija)

The concept of the Goričko sviralo and the Wind Instrument was conceived by the team of architects from Urbia, a spatial planning and architecture company from Čakovec, Bojan and Igor Perhoč, while the construction was carried out by Orglarstvo Škarbl from Rogaška Slatina.

“We present to you the Goričko sviralo and the Wind Instrument, a tourist attraction that is special and unique in these parts but also much beyond,” said Mayor Stanislav Rebernik, who also led the entire program of introducing Štrigova’s new tourist attraction.

At the opening of the Goričko sviralo, County Prefect Matija Posavec emphasized the rapid tourism growth in the region, stating that the large project on Mađerkin Hill is just the beginning of this ascent.

“By building an observation deck at the most famous and beautiful location in the county, on Mađerkin Hill, this place has become a must-visit for all visitors and tourists who come to enjoy the view and natural beauty,” said the prefect, adding that he believes the unique Goričko sviralo in this part of Europe will attract even more visitors who will come to enjoy a place where the land meets the sky.

(Photo credit: (Photo: Međimurska županija)

“We won’t stop here; our next step is the construction of a zipline, as well as an Interpretation Center for visitors dedicated to Saint Jerome, which will complete the story of the modest, hardworking people of the hilly region of Međimurje, a story of rich history and heritage that we have inherited and know how to tell our guests in the most beautiful way,” concluded the prefect.

The observation deck’s location has become so popular that it has outgrown itself and requires additional interventions related to traffic infrastructure. Therefore, Međimurje County has requested the reclassification of the local road to implement appropriate access solutions to this extraordinary place in the foreseeable future.

The Goričko sviralo is a unique instrument, most similar to an organ, located from the ground floor of the observation deck to the visitor platform, at a height of 4 “floors.” It plays in 2 different ways, originally intended for the reproduction of Međimurje folk tunes, included in the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage.

(Photo: Međimurska županija)

The list of songs that can be played on the Goričko sviralo has been expanded to include other appropriate songs. The selection of offered songs is available on the screen menu located at the bottom and top of the observation deck.

The second way to play the Goričko sviralo is to connect a keyboard to it, allowing live playing of the instrument. The Goričko sviralo has a range of 5 octaves.

(Photo: Međimurska županija)

In addition to the Goričko sviralo at the bottom of the observation deck, at the very top, there is a “wind catcher” inside which the Wind Instrument is placed.