The town of Vrbovec lies to the north-east of Zagreb, either along the highway A4, and then D10 expressway or by the old state road, Zagreb — Dugo Selo — Bjelovar, and by train through direction Zagreb — Vrbovec - Koprivnica - Hungary.
Population
In the 2011 Croatian census, the total population of the administrative territory of Vrbovec was 14,797, in the following settlements:
City government, court, police, health and postal services are the part of infrastructure of Vrbovec. From 2001 to 2005 the mayor was Zlatko Herček. He was succeeded by Vladimir Bregović in 2005. After 12 years in office Mayor Bregović was succeeded in 2017 by Denis Kralj. Kralj won the highest number of votes in the second round elections since the introduction of direct elections for mayor in Vrbovec.
History
Vrbovec was first mentioned in written documents dated April 21, 1244. The document today lies in the Archbishop's archive in Zagreb, in serial Privilegialia. It was published by Croatian-Hungarian King Bela III, where feudal field was given to the countman Junk, the son of Izak from Ravno, whose right are confirmed from the Koloman. The countman Junk was the higher officer at Križevci's county. A mid-air airplane collision occurred near Vrbovec on September 10, 1976.
Economy
The main industries in Vrbovec are the production of meat and meat products. The most importact local employer is Meat Industry PIK Vrbovec, which employs 1600 people. As a part of the conglomeration ForteNova group, it has become a very important producer of meat in Croatia. Other companies are PosPlast, Bravel, Oprema-group, smaller companies which are growing at the old industrial zone, as followers of ex-companies such were it: Šavrić/Pevex, Gradip, and Oprema. There is the society of small Private entrepreneurs of Vrbovec, too. Their production are mostly for parts for different European's industries. A large co-operation around Vrbovec at the agriculture fields are continuing to exist in the modern times, despite of the depopulation of the local villages and less interest of young people forthe work in fields.
Notable buildings in Vrbovec include the Mausoleum of family De Piennes in the local cemetery. the Tower of Petar Zrinski in Vrbovec, the castle of Patačić in Vrbovec, the castle of Lovrečina Grad, and the church of Saint Vitus in Vrbovec.
Education
The first elementary school was founded in 1669. Today Vrbovec has two elementary schools named 1st. and 2nd. Vrbovec school, and one high-school, which includes large choice of education from classical gymnasium to the industrial orientation. In Vrbovec is active Pučko Otvoreno Učilište, where additional education is possible to be obtained. Different courses helps to the local community in change of own wishes for the knowledge. The university doesn't exist in Vrbovec, mostly students are going naturally to Zagreb. Reach by train or bus, its half-to-one-hour travel to the University in Zagreb.
Culture
Vrbovec has got a local small cinema, culture-art society HKUD "Petar Zrinski", a library, a radio station Vrbovec, and the people's university of Vrbovec. There is no local TV station, theatre or university. People travel to Zagreb as the centre of these activities. "Kaj su jeli naši stari" is the main traditional annual event in Vrbovec. Usually, last week-end of August, this manifestation is a chance to see whole town at one place. Another important date is June 15, the town day, and the celebration of Saint Vitus, the protector of Vrbovec. Vrbovečka udruga mladih is an organisation very popular among the younger people of Vrbovec.
