Krapina (pronounced [krâpina][2]) is a town in northern Croatia and the administrative centre of Krapina-Zagorje County with a population of 4,482 (2011) and a total municipality population of 12,480 (2011).[1] Krapina is located in the hilly Zagorje region of Croatia, approximately 55 km (34 mi) away from both Zagreb and Varaždin.
Krapina is a home to yearly Festival kajkavske popevke (The festival of kajkavian song) sung in the local Kajkavian dialect.[3]
At the site where the Neanderthals remains were discovered there is now a state-of-the-art Neanderthal museum which also includes an extensive segment on evolution, making it one of the most interesting evolutionary museums in Europe.[4] It is surrounded by a park with many statues of Neanderthals and their game, a bear, a moose and a beaver set in the actual locations.
There is also a nearby municipality of Krapinske Toplice (Krapina spa) with numerous thermal springs and spa tourist infrastructure.
Krapina is also the birthplace of the linguist and language reformer Ljudevit Gaj. His home is now a museum where visitors can learn about his life and work.