Race registration begins at 9:00 AM every Saturday, with the start scheduled for 10:30 AM, and the course winds through the distinctive natural and cultural landmarks of the Samobor region. The first leg, centered at the Pavlin Winery, partially follows an educational trail in the Otruševec area, Croatia's first such trail, opened in 1990 at the initiative of the Samobor Ecological Society.
Who sings means no harm. Who runs...
The second leg starts and finishes at the Župančić Winery, amidst the vineyards, offering a magnificent view of the Samobor Hills, Zagreb and Mount Medvednica. The third leg, starting and ending at the Philipecz Winery, leads through the Tepec and Stražnik Forest Park, passing the Samobor Old Town and the Chapel of St. Anne. The chapel is famous as the filming location for one of the most iconic scenes in Krešo Golik’s film One Song a Day Takes Mischief Away (Tko pjeva, zlo ne misli), where Mr. Fulir meets Ana Šafranek.
For the Bermet Run, it was important to us that each stage has its own unique story. The routes traverse diverse landscapes and locations, so the race offers not only a sporting experience but also the chance to discover different parts of the Samobor region, said Igor Paulić, one of the organizers, while presenting the Bermet Run 2026.
Bermet Seeks a Broader Audience
Alongside the race, the inaugural Samobor Bermet Days were also unveiled. It is a festival featuring a program focused on the production, presentation, and tasting of Bermet, as well as its potential applications in modern gastronomy and mixology. Antun Filipec, a winemaker, co-organizer and one of the hosts of both the Bermet Run and Samobor Bermet Days, emphasized the need to introduce Bermet to a wider audience through a variety of activities.
Its gastronomic potential and its suitability for inclusion in modern hospitality offerings are significant. The goal is to showcase the various ways bermet can be presented and introduced to new guests and consumers, said Filipec regarding this aromatized wine, which was first mentioned in 1755.
An Old Remedy for Stomach Ailments
Back then, the pharmacist at the Samobor Franciscan monastery recorded the recipe for producing bermet, which he considered a remedy for stomach ailments. During the 19th century, bermet began appearing in municipal records, and its production was carried on through generations, including the Filipec, Župančić, and Pavlin families.
Today, Samobor Bermet holds a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status. According to the product specification, it must be composed of at least 70 percent wine, with the remaining ingredients consisting of fruit and herbs. Bermet must be aged for a minimum of three months in wooden barrels and, upon completion, must have an alcohol content of at least 11.5 percent by volume.
Mayor: We Must Enrich Samobor's Tourism
Samobor Mayor Petra Škrobot attended the presentation held at the newly renovated premises of the Brenta Samobor Winegrowers' and Winemakers' Association. She highlighted the importance of developing new offerings that further enrich and link Samobor's tourism and gastronomic experiences.
A masterclass for hospitality professionals was part of the presentation for Samobor Bermet Days. Sommelier Darko Lugarić discussed the practical application of Bermet in the hospitality industry. In addition to serving it as a standalone drink, he showcased it in two simple cocktails designed for easy preparation in everyday hospitality settings.
Bermet shines solo and in two cocktails
The first version combines Bermet with orange juice and ice, while the second mixes it with sparkling wine, mineral water, tonic, ice and a slice of dried lemon. Bermet has a very distinct character, so there is no need to overcomplicate things. We demonstrated three different preparation methods so that hospitality professionals could gain concrete ideas and immediately incorporate them into their offerings, said Lugarić.
