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Go on a sightseeing tour of Zagreb and the surrounding area and if there is enough time head towards the region of Zagorje, a tame undulating region famous for its castles which are truly worth visiting. While you’re there taste some of the traditional specialties or Prigorje or even Zagorje cuisine, enjoy a glass of wine but do not skip dessert. The surrounding area of Zagreb offers you an interesting twist of tourist attractions and you can familiarize yourself with the area through castles and manors, through nature that changes with the seasons but is always rich and magnificent, or through the gastro offer which illustrates the riches of nature. Places like Vrbovec are indicative of the excellent gastro offer of this region while strolling through Zumberak will enable you to relax your eyes and your soul as they dive into the greenery and the peacefulness.
General information
- Geographical location: continental Croatia
- Climate: Mediterranean
- Average summer temperature: 20° C
- Average winter temperature: 1° C
Gastronomy
During your stay in this region do not miss an opportunity to try some of the local specialties which will surely appeal to you. For starters we recommend a delicious and hearty soup or perhaps a light stew, followed by meat delicacies which are often served with roasted potatoes or vegetables. We also suggest you try the some of the local pastries and desserts such as orehnjaca and makovnjaca (rolled dough with a walnut or poppy filling with either raisins or chocolate) or sweet pies made with cheese. When in Samobor you simply must taste their kremsnite.
If this all sounds a bit “heavy” or sounds like it could put on a strain on your figure there are restaurants that offer light meals of either domestic or international cuisine. And finally, we have the famous strukle, a dessert made from puffed pastry and fresh cheese which can be served either cooked or baked, with sour cream or without. Although it may sound minimalistic trust us when we say that they are extremely delicious.
The area surrounding Jastrebarsko is well known for its fine wines and a Wine Road that takes you on a journey of the enological offer of this region.
to topSport
In the area surrounding Zagreb there are plenty of opportunities for engaging in sports and sport-related activities and the green hills and fresh air are an open invitation for talking long walks. There are also several bicycle trails near Sv. Ivan Zelina, Velika Gorica and Pisarovina and this is a great way to explore the area from a different perspective. Should you decide to visit this region in the summertime you will have several swimming pools at your disposal, in Sveta Jana, Sv. Ivan Zelina and in Samobor and if matches on the court are your game there are tennis courts located near the swimming pools.
There are many walking trails perfect for trekking, and the cliffs are perfect for sport climbing. And finally, for a touch of glamour – near Krasic, is the “Dolina Kardinala” Golf Club where you can play a few holes of this elegant sport.
to topFun and night life
There is always something happening no matter what time of year it is. In the spring and summer there are various folk festivals that are usually tied to the patron saint of the town where the festival is being held. During these events, the citizens of the towns and their guests gather together in the streets and enjoy concerts by various folklore groups, people are dressed in national costumes and booths are set up that offer local specialties which can be tasted on the spot or even purchased and enjoyed at home.
Martinje is celebrated in the fall and signifies the celebration of new wine and usually involves a lot of singing. People often have roasted chestnuts with new wine, fruits of the fall season and it truly is a delicious combination. All these festivals and saint’s days are the perfect opportunity for partying all night long.
Should you seek a more modern way of having fun, there are several clubs near Zagreb where you can have a good time on weekends.
to topHow to get there?
- By car: Berlin 1434 km, Bratislava 397 km, Budapest 372 km, London 1678 km, Ljubljana 135 km, Milan 672 km, Paris 1574 km, Prague 949 km, Vienna 371 km
- By plane: www.croatiaarilines.hr
- By bus: www.akz.hr
- Vlakom: www.hznet.hr
What to see?
Museum Court Veliki Tabor-Desinic
This late Gothic, Renaissance burg in a truly beautiful way decorates the surrounding picturesque and undulating region. Art lovers stop and carefully examine every detail of this building which is unusually shaped however even if you are not an expert on art or history it is still an object of admiration. Along with this burg is the sad love story of the beautiful Veronica Desinic. It appears that the castle is unwilling to unveil the secret behind the legend however anyone with a curious streak will take great pleasure in the legend.
Andautonija, Turopolje Museum - Velika Gorica
Scitarjevo was established in ancient times and was formerly known as Andautonija. Today the village has partially covered the old traces of Andautonija. Andautonija was an important link between Sisak and the surrounding areas and at that time was the governing, political and cultural center of that area. In the 20th century, archeological research began revealing all these historical traces, however scientists have continued their research and the Archeological Park, which is open to visitors, is due to expand its perimeters.
Horse farm - Klostar Ivanic
In this little town not far from Zagreb, where the inhabitants are mainly involved in agriculture, we should definitely point out the horse farm. The population of the town realized the potential for breeding these noble and strong animals and there is even an Association of Breeders of Posavina Horses. The breeders here are making great efforts to preserve and develop this autochthonic Croatian breed. An exhibition of horses and reins is held in July.
Samobor
The medieval town near Zagreb is only 20 kilometers away from the capital, and some 5 kilometers from Slovenian border. It has always been a favourite daytrip spot of Zagreb inhabitants because of its rich historic legacy, its well preserved historic town centre, good restaurants and attractive surrounding area. If you visit Samobor, be sure to taste the cake called "Samoborske kremšnite" ("Samobor Creamcake") which is a famous Samobor delicacy.
to topWhere to go on a trip?
Dugo Selo
This line of villages is located in the Martin Breg area, 23 kilometers distance from Zagreb. The locals grow wine, and this was a good starting point to build touristic offer. It is definitely interesting to visit Dugo Selo, which can be reached by car or by local train. The train ride lasts about twenty minutes. If you decide to visit Dugo Selo, don't miss wine exposition, and make sure to taste a good glass of wine, which can be definitely found there. If you arrive in November, it will be jolly and merry because the locals celebrate St Martin's Day, local saint protector, wine is tasted, people dance and sing. However, it is not all about wining and dining. There are also car races taking place in Dugo Selo, and in spring and summer there are dog exhibitions taking place. Peaceful scenery, nice houses, gardens, orchards and wineyards are nice invitation cards for a day trip.
Vrbovec
The hilly area around Vrbovec lives mainly on agriculture, and the hospitality is usually shown in showing numerous delicacies which show that this area has fine food and enjoys it. So is the feast "Kaj su jeli naši stari" ("What did our ancestors eat") a good opportunity to taste good meals of old times. The feast is taking place in September, and then you will be able to feel the spirit of old times. However, Vrbovec is not behind the time. There are also posibilities for you to taste healthy, organic food. But let's not exaggerate, it is not all about food. The locals also oragnise semi-marathon, and the local gallery is worth the visit as well.
Plesivica and Jastrebarsko
The town of Jastrebarsko is some 10 kilometers away from Zagreb, on the hill of Plesivica. This area can be reached by car or by train. Beautiful scenery, but great offer of wines of local wineyards are a good reason to visit this area. The castle of the Erdödy family, next to the beautiful park, is also worth your visit.
Zumberacka gora and Krasic
19 kilometers west from Jastrebarsko there is Krasic, next to the river Kupcina. There is an oak wood in the near area, and the town preserved the spirit of old times. So you will find old wooden houses, yards and a peaceful atmosphere. Therefore the place was named "Peace Valley". Krasic was the native town of Alojzije Stepinac, famous cardinal, who was a communist martyr. This is the reason why many worshippers visit this place and thus show respect for the martyr. Zumberak is known for its natural beauties, and we suggest you to visit Vranjac waterfall and Vranjac cave, which can be reached through a small path. This is a mixture of nature and culture in an ideal proportion.
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