by croatiaweek
September 5, 2026
in
(Photo. Demjan Rožman)
JAŠKOVO, 5 September 2026 — The picturesque village of Jaškovo near Ozalj has once again become a meeting place for Croatian gastronomy, culture and tradition as Štrudlafest got underway, with this year’s edition bringing new attractions alongside its much-loved celebration of the traditional Croatian strudel.
One of the opening highlights was the presentation of the Golden Grandma of Štrudlafest title, awarded this year to Ana Vujaklija.
(Photo. Demjan Rožman)
(Photo. Demjan Rožman)
The special award, organised in cooperation with the Zora Foundation, celebrates the knowledge and skills passed down through generations, particularly the traditional art of preparing pastry and strudel.
Vujaklija impressed both the jury and visitors with her craftsmanship and dedication to preserving culinary traditions.
(Photo. Demjan Rožman)
This year’s festival has introduced a number of new activities, with Dvorišće tete Marice serving as one of the main creative hubs.
(Photo. Demjan Rožman)
(Photo. Demjan Rožman)
Visitors can take part in workshops dedicated to traditional crafts, including ceramics, decorating strudel plates, making licitar hearts and creating trška lace known as jalba.
(Photo. Demjan Rožman)
The programme also includes a Tesla Corner, organised in cooperation with the Nikola Tesla Experience Centre Karlovac, bringing an element of science and innovation to the traditionally focused festival.
Food remains at the heart of Štrudlafest, with organisers introducing what they describe as the most creative competition yet for the best strudel in Croatia.
(Photo. Demjan Rožman)
Held in cooperation with Medvedgrad Brewery, the competition challenges participants to create both sweet and savoury strudels featuring beer.
Beer-themed gastronomy workshops are also part of the programme, alongside family-friendly activities including the Rally Kids Corner and the Štrudlomanijak picnic.
(Photo. Demjan Rožman)
The festival is also looking back into Croatian culinary history with a presentation of a historical strudel associated with Dragojla Jarnević, organised in cooperation with the Karlovac City Museum.
(Photo. Demjan Rožman)
(Photo. Demjan Rožman)
Štrudlafest is also positioning Jaškovo as a base for exploring the wider Ozalj and Karlovac region.
Visitors can join the Štrudla by Kayak adventure on the Dobra River near Grdun or take part in guided Štrudla Step by Step walking tours.
(Photo. Demjan Rožman)
Other attractions include a ranch featuring Highland cattle, the long-established Žganjer restaurant, which has more than 50 years of tradition, and the traditional Žitna lađa boat in Brođani.
Nearby Aquatika – Freshwater Aquarium Karlovac has also joined the festival programme, offering visitors discounted admission and a prize game called 100 Somova.
(Photo. Demjan Rožman)
The cultural programme is another major part of this year’s event, with a record number of cultural and artistic associations (KUDs) taking part.
(Photo. Demjan Rožman)
Music will provide a further highlight, with Croatian band Daleka obala performing the evening concert MARICA zna.
The festival will also mark another first with popular singer Laura, who will become the first female performer to appear at Štrudlafest.
Held in Jaškovo, recognised for its picturesque rural setting, the festival combines Croatian food heritage, traditional crafts, music and outdoor activities into a weekend event designed to showcase the region beyond its famous strudel.
This year’s Štrudlafest is supported by the Croatian National Tourist Board, Kupa Tourist Board, Karlovac County, the City of Ozalj, Žganjer restaurant and the Zora Foundation.