Zagreb and its surroundings are the endless source of myths and legends that are ideal for writing an imaginative movie script.
When in Zagreb, everything is close to you!
On the Slopes of Medvednica Mountain
Zagreb leans along the Medvednica Mountain which is covered with forest. You can climb to its highest mountain peak called Sljeme (1035 m) starting at the pedestrian walkway that begins in the city’s central square. The western mountainside of Medvednica that covers 228 km was declared a Nature Park in 1981. Within Medvednica you can find hotel accommodation, mountain huts, hiking trails and an alpine center which offers refreshments and board. Amongst its natural highlights is one of the largest caves in Croatia called the Veternica cave.
During winter, the Medvednica Mountain is a popular ski and sleigh resort where ski events are organized, whereas during the summer season it becomes an area of refreshment as temperatures fall to six degrees less than in the city. A walking stick, sleigh or skies are a must, and dreams and stories stay the same: it was here in Sljeme, that the most famous Croatian skier of all time and the Olympic winner Janica Kostelić along with her brother Ivica, winner of the World Championship in slalom in 2003, made their first ski steps to becoming world champions!
On the Banks of River Sava
A great value to modern Zagreb is certainly Jarun, the so called ‘Zagreb’s sea’. This large recreational and sports center, situated on the left bank of the river Sava is in the immediate proximity of the metropolis. Conveniently enough, from the main city square it can be reached by a tram in 20 minutes. The sports center was built for the needs of the ‘Universiade’ - World University Games in 1987. On its 235 hectares, there are 2 lakes and 5 islets interconnected by bridges and 2,500 pebble beaches, kilometres of winding paths, cycling trails, green meadows and the impressive 2,250 metres long regatta lane upon which numerous international and world championships are organized. Throughout the year Jarun attracts many citizens and their guests, but the liveliest season is summer when a stage is set up at the Lake - hosting many theatre performances, open-air concerts, fashion shows, fireworks and other events.
Only 20 minutes drive from downtown Zagreb, there is the city’s first Golf and Country Club. It spreads on 90 hectares of the perfect green and attracts not only golfers but also business people and their guests. The Club is a popular spot for hosting various happenings and events.
The Baroque Town of Varaždin
Close to Zagreb is the baroque town of Varaždin, also known as ‘the little Vienna’, the city of music…Despite its stormy past, Varaždin has managed to preserve its unique Old Town and many other admirable buildings and monuments among which are: the theatre built in 1861, galleries, museums, an archive building as well as a parkcemetery, said to be the most beautiful cemetery in Europe.
The world famous and greatly appreciated classical music event - Varaždin Baroque Evenings and the Špancir-Fest, a well-known street festival where people walk along city streets viewing legends and old customs from the city history come alive, are held in Varaždin every year.
The Green Necklace
Zagreb surroundings is a beautiful and interesting area, rich in historical monuments and a great place for recreation and gastronomy. A favorite spot for Zagrebians and their guests is the town of Samobor; known for its beauty, wine region on Plješivičko gorje as well as for a famous and tasty cake called samoborske kremšnite.
History has been scrolled in these areas for centuries. In Hušnjakovo near Krapina, human foundings dating from the Paleolithic period can be seen. To the north - the region of Hrvatsko Zagorje will lure you with its numerous protected monuments of culture; churches, castles and manors built in the period from the 16th to 18th century. Among the most famous are the beautiful Miljana, Veliki Tabor and Trakošćan.
The past without any influence from modern-day civilization has been preserved in the ethnovillage of Kumrovec, offering you a chance to stop the clock for at least a few hours. During popular church festivities which are organized on numerous church holidays, hospitable villagers will offer you colorful licitari, lottery, honey liqueur and even ferris wheel rides can be arranged - a combination of old and new.
Let’s Move On!
Less than two hours away is Opatija, a popular summer and winter resort whose tourist history goes back to the middle of the 19th century. The first hotel was the Kvarner Hotel, opened in 1884. At the end of the 19th century, Opatija was ranked one of the top rehabilitation centers within the whole Austrian Monarchy. Almost every member of the Austro-Hungarian royal family, including the emperor Franz Joseph, visited Opatija.
With its splendid Art Nouveau palaces and parks, hotels and classy restaurants serving excelent sea food, Opatija is truly an interesting place to visit. Here you can find plants and trees from all over the world and it has the unique 12 km long promenade along the sea.