Watermills driven by the power of rivers and streams have been carved into the landscape of Varaždin County since ancient times. Their powerful wheels were turned by strong water currents, enabling the grain to be turned into flour. This milling technique enabled local communities to produce their own flour for bakery products and other needs.

Watermills as the heart of the community and an important food resource

Watermills were the heart of the community and an important food resource. Traditional mills were often central places in the rural areas of Varaždin County, around which the inhabitants of the surrounding villages and hamlets gathered to grind their crops and obtain flour. These mills were not only essential for nutrition, but also often served as centers of social life where stories and news of the day were exchanged.
Today, almost all watermills in our area have been shut down, but the tradition of milling still lives on through the few remaining mills. Together, they have become cultural monuments and tourist attractions, symbols that remind us of the rich history of this area.

Renovated Friščić's watermill - a famous tourist and cultural attraction

In order to preserve the valuable milling tradition and prevent its oblivion, enthusiasts and lovers of cultural heritage took care of its revitalization. The Ivanec watermill trail with interpretations of all the mills along the Bistrica River additionally helps in preserving the memory of the past.

The most striking symbol of the former milling industry is today proudly presented in Friščić's watermill. In its vicinity, two exceptional sculptures made by the artist Dragutin Jamnić "Dragec" from Lepoglava stand out. Visitors will be attracted by the magnificent three-meter sculpture of the miller Andrija, who carries a basket of flour on his head, as well as the sculpture of the miller’s wife with braids, carrying jugs of water.

Today, Friščić's watermill is an outstanding tourist attraction that attracts many tourists and hikers on their way to Mt. Ivančica. Next to the mill, visitors can fill their bottles with spring drinking water known as "Jamnićka voda", which further enriches this picturesque location.

Watermills used to be centers of social life. Around twenty wooden watermills used to stand along the river Bistrica. The initiative of the Ivanec Tourist Board to restore these mills revived the cultural heritage.

Preserved documents from the late 19th and early 20th centuries provide insights into the hydrogen potential of that time. Even the dignitaries of that time expressed an interest in milling. That is how Božidar the noble Kukuljević got a concession for the use of water rights on the river Bistrica.

The watermills along the river Bistrica played a key role in the economy, but they were not only important from that aspect, but were an indispensable link of social life. Those mills were especially famous for the traditional preparation of pumpkin seeds for the production of pumpkin seed oil, which further boosted the local economy and food tradition.

Stories, daily gossip, political news and legends were also exchanged here. Some of these myths included stories of "coprnice" (witches) who, according to legend, gathered at the mills around midnight.

Grain was transported with the help of carts, baskets, and sacks. Pust's mill was the largest and famous for the production of snuff and was later converted into a roller mill. Over time, electrification and water supply led to a reduction in the operation of the old watermills.