Central Croatia
Rural Quiet and Relaxation
Continental Croatia is an oasis of tranquility, with gentle hills home to age-old forests, vineyards and the Sava, Drava and
Mura rivers sheltering the local towns from the summer heat.
A mere stone’s throw to the north and northeast of capital Zagreb, the region is dotted with romantic medieval towns such as
Koprivnica or Varaždin, countryside manors such as Trakošćan Castle and thermal spas perfect for restoring your energies,
leaving you revitalised and full of life.
Where to go
Kalnik
Kalnik is situated at the borderline between Zagorje, Prigorje and Podravina, some 80 km from Zagreb. Here visitors are welcomed by picturesque forest life, an educational trail and the remains of two old fortresses.
Lonjsko polje
The abundant waters brought by the River Sava down from the Alps and the Dinaric Mountains flood the meadows and forests of the Lonjsko Polje, creating excellent conditions for birds and for the spawning of fish.
Medvednica
This forest-covered mountain rising above Zagreb offers kilometres of hiking trails and the Sljeme skiing centre. Among its attractions are its caves: the most interesting being Veternica, with its passes, waterfalls and karstic features.
Daruvar – A Wellness oasis
In addition to the famous Daruvar spa, the town has managed to maintain its image as a green town. It is decorated by flower filled parks and centuries old trees, and has inherited and preserved its values and beauty.
Ecomuseum Mura
The ecomuseum Mura offers an exceptional mosaic of biodiversity under UNESCO protection, and natural and cultural diversity, traditional knowledge preserved by the hospitable locals.
Krapina Neanderthal Museum
The unique Krapina Neanderthal Museum opened in 2010 and is located near one of Europe’s most important paleontological sites. The museum features exhibitions about the Neanderthals and about the history of the Earth, from its origins to modern times.
Ludbreg – Centre of the World
It is true that many of the world's cities sit on concentric circles where the centre is precisely in Ludbreg.
Marija Bistrica
Marija Bistrica is the largest Marian shrine in Croatia, located in the Croatian Zagorje only 30 kilometres from Zagreb.
Samobor - A paradise for gourmets
Besides the carnival, Samobor is known among gourmets for its custard pastry (kremšnita), a sweet cake made of cream foam.
Sisak Fortress
This well-preserved medieval fortress is an interesting memorial to turbulent times, and is also attractive due to its appearance and location on the banks of the Kupa and Sava rivers, surrounded by wide meadows.
The old Roman town of Andautonia
The old Roman town of Andautonia was located in the present village of Ščitarjevo between Zagreb and Velika Gorica, formerly a commercial, economic and cultural center on the Roman national road...
The Old Village Museum in Kumrovec
This interesting open-air museum contains well-preserved village homes dating to the turn of the twentieth century and features exhibits on the traditional way of life in the River Sutla area at the time, including themes such as Zagorje weddings, hemp, cloth, pottery and bread.
Trakošćan Castle
Trakošćan Castle is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful castles in Croatia, and certainly the most romantic.
Varaždin
Varaždin is the centre and the headquarters of the County of Varaždin. It is a city museum, a city of exhibitions, fashion, pupils and students, a city of modern life.
Veliki Tabor
It is located in the municipality Desinić in the Croatian Zagorje. There is a famous legend linked to Veliki Tabor about Veronika Desinićka and Fridrih Celjski, whose love story ended tragically.
