DISCOVER: 10 Unmissable Day Trips from Zagreb
While Zagreb’s cobblestone streets and coffee culture could keep you contentedly occupied for weeks, the city’s central location makes it the perfect launch pad for exploring Croatia’s gems further afield. From waterfall-studded national parks to baroque towns that feel frozen in time, these day trips from Zagreb offer everything from world-class nature to under-the-radar wine regions.
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls or hunting for truffles, here’s where to point your compass when the Croatian capital’s charms have you itching to explore further.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Sixteen lakes cascade through Plitvice National Park, connected by a series of waterfalls impressive enough to have earned the area UNESCO status. A network of wooden boardwalks leads you through the heart of it all, taking you over, under, and sometimes through the falls themselves. And yes, be prepared to get a little damp if you want the best views. Arrive early in the morning or opt for the shoulder season to dodge the crowds, and don’t make the rookie mistake of skipping the upper lakes either.
Zagorje
Rolling hills dotted with vineyards and fairy-tale castles are Zagorje’s speciality — a region where winemaking traditions stretch back centuries. Make Veliki Tabor castle your first stop as this 12th-century fortress comes with more legends than we can list. Then, wind your way through family-owned wineries where you’ll find the region’s signature Špricer (wine spritzer) and platters of local cheese and štrukli, a decadent pastry that’s worth the trip alone.
Kumrovec
Kumrovec preserves its 19th-century houses exactly as they stood when this was just another Zagorje village – albeit one that produced Yugoslavia’s most famous son. Tito’s birthplace may be the big draw for history buffs, but the Old Village Museum is well worth a fly-by for a snippet of rural life (think blacksmith workshops, traditional cottages, and demonstrations of forgotten crafts). The surrounding hills also hide excellent wine producers – seek out Prekratić just to the north if you’ve got the time.
Rijeka
Croatia’s principal seaport city is having a moment, and it’s about time. Post-industrial spaces have been transformed into cultural venues, while the grand Hapsburg architecture remains as impressive as ever. Start at Peek&Poke, a charmingly geeky computer museum, before climbing the 561 steps to Trsat Castle (or take the bus – we won’t judge). The reward? Sweeping views of the Kvarner Gulf and a fascinating sanctuary that’s been drawing pilgrims since the 13th century.
If you’re visiting by car, end the day at Nebo by Deni Srdoč — one of only 11 Michelin-starred restaurants in Croatia.
Varaždin
If Vienna and Zagreb had a baby, it would look something like Varaždin. Croatia’s former capital wears its baroque heritage like a well-tailored suit, all spires and pastel facades that hide courtyard gardens. The cemetery, oddly enough, is a must-visit – it’s more park than graveyard, with topiary masterpieces that would make Edward Scissorhands jealous. Time your visit for late summer’s Špancirfest, when street performers and musicians transform the old town into one giant stage.
Samobor
Just a stone’s throw from Zagreb, this pocket-sized town has been luring city folk to its hills since the 19th century. Most come for kremšnite — a vanilla and custard cream cake that’s achieved near-mythical status — but stay for winding hiking trails of Žumberak Nature Park nearby. Stop by Slastičarnica for your top-up of all things sweet, then walk it off with a climb to the romantic ruins of Samobor Castle.
Ljubljana
Yes, it’s another country, but Slovenia’s capital is closer to Zagreb than most of Croatia’s coastal cities. This pocket-sized city proves that good things come in small packages, with its dragon-decorated bridges and riverbanks lined with cafes. Let architect Jože Plečnik be your guide — his imaginative touches are everywhere, from the triple bridge to the covered market.
Grab lunch at local institute Baščaršija (or head south to Landerik if you’re looking for something more modern), then take the funicular up to the castle for sunset views.
Medvednica Nature Park
Zagreb’s own mountain playground sits just 30 minutes from the city centre, proving you don’t have to go far to get far away. In winter, locals swap their city shoes for ski boots atop Medvednica’s highest peak Sljeme, while summer brings hikers and mountain bikers to its web of trails.
Take the cable car up if you’re feeling lazy, or earn your lunch with a hike through beech forests that turn golden in autumn. The mountain huts serving hearty portions of bean stew and apple strudel aren’t to be missed. Our recommendation? Head straight to the open-air terrace atop the unmissable TV Tower for panoramic views and the occasional falconry display; otherwise, take in Zagreb’s best 1033m above sea from any of Sljeme’s lush meadows.
Karlovac
Known as the city of four rivers, star-shaped Karlovac may be most famous for its military past, but its present offers something uniquely refreshing — beer. The city’s been brewing since 1854 and Karlovačko doesn’t show any signs of stopping yet. Time your visit for summer’s Beer Days festival, or simply paddle board down the Mrežnica River before cooling off with a pint at one of the riverside bars.
Krapina
Some of Europe’s oldest Neanderthal fossils were unearthed in Krapina, making this modest town an unlikely pilgrimage site for anyone curious about their family tree. The Krapina Neanderthal Museum makes the most of its 125,000-year-old remains with state-of-the-art exhibits inside a modernist building burrowed into the discovery hillside.
For lunch, follow those evolved taste buds to Vuglec Breg, where soups loaded with mushrooms and bacon proves Croatian cuisine has come a long way since the Stone Age. Save time for the 13th-century Trakošćan Castle in the afternoon too.
