If you are planning to extend your visit while at the Dentum clinic in Zagreb, there are many different options for day trips. Getting out of Croatia’s capital is easy and there are many transport options.

In this first blog post, we will present some of the options for a great day trip in continental Croatia!

Samobor

Samobor, a small but important historic location is situated just 20 km away from the Croatian capital of Zagreb. During winter, the Samobor Hills (Samoborsko Gorje) is inviting for mountaineers, sleigh riders and skiers. During the summer, mountain springs and pools attract anglers and swimmers, while the fragrant meadows entice hikers and walkers.

The hills of Žumberak and Samoborsko Gorje were declared a protected area in the category of a nature park by an Act of the Croatian Parliament in 1999. A nature park is a vast wild or partly cultivated area of countryside and is ecologically valuable at the international or national level, with important tourism and recreational resources.

For those who like sport during the holidays, seven bike routes have been designed, from easy on-road routes to demanding mountain routes, which lead you on a tour to get to know the attractive, interesting sites in the town of Samobor.

When talking about gastronomy, the Samoborska kremšnita, a custard cream slice, is definitely a must. This dessert is the reason why everyone is always happy to come to Samobor, and it is almost unthinkable for anyone to visit and not try the delicate, pale yellow custard between thin crispy sheets of pastry. It is reason to wait in the line. Our recommendation is to try it in the U prolazu pastry shop.

Last but not least, we have to mention a famous event taking place in February. The Samobor Carnival is one of the oldest carnival festivities in Croatia and one of the largest tourist events in continental Croatia.

Before visiting Samobor, take a virtual tour to see the beautiful scenery of this town.
Samobor virtual tour

Varaždin

Next on the list of must-see cities in the Zagreb surroundings is certainly Varaždin.
Varaždin is the city of Baroque, young people, music, flowers and bicycles. Known also as Little Vienna with a rich natural legacy interwoven in parks, it is located in northern Croatia on the southern bank of the Drava River, just an hour’s drive from the capital.

The preserved Baroque historic city core is rich in monuments and artistic heritage and a walk through the city streets reveals numerous palaces, villas and the oldest city hall in Europe. If you are a lover of sacral art and architecture, Varaždin will reveals the richness of its 11 churches, three monasteries and its cathedral. A good guide is the “The Path of Angels’’ Brochure. The Strossmayer Promenade, Vatroslav Jagić Promenade, Pope John Paul II Park, Youth Park and the inevitable Varaždin Cemetery are a green intermezzo whilst walking through the town.

On this tour, take a break and enjoy Varaždin’s culinary delights on one of its squares, try the ‘Varaždin Klipič’, the Countess Maria Cake (from the Grofica Marica Coffee Shop) or any other of Varaždin’s desserts. Treat yourself to a real Varaždin feast with some of the local dishes from one of the many restaurants.

Varaždin also hosts several magical events; the most famous ones are Špancirfest - a summertime feel-good Street Festival, and the Varaždin Baroque Evenings - an autumn classical music festival that celebrates music, the Baroque architectural legacy and authentic instruments.

Krapina

Krapina is the cultural, political and administrative centre of Krapina-Zagorje County situated in northern Croatia and just 50 km from Zagreb. The historical centre of the town has been preserved to the present day. It encompasses Gaj Street, Ljudevit Gaj Square, Magistrate’s Street and the Croatian Cultural Revival Promenade. This area is an important contribution to the ambience of this small town, having preserved urban and architectural elements of historical significance. Many of the Classicist facades have been renovated and ornamented with flowers, and some also feature details from the Secession/Modernist period. After Trsat and Marija Bistrica, Krapina is the Croatia’s third most important pilgrimage site.

If you are a foodie and a wine lover, Zagorje County is definitely the place to go. The Zagorje wine road path is a magical and unforgettable route, running over the tops of the hills, and offering breathtaking views. It is also inspiring, composed of sunny green vineyards, wooden huts, calloused hands and welcoming smiles. Moreover, one should not miss trying the succulent roasted turkey with carefully cultivated wine cards. Watch this video and fall in love with Zagorje.
Zagorje-video

When visiting Krapina, you should not miss visiting the Neanderthal Museum. The Krapina Neanderthal site at the Hušnjakovo locality is the first natural paleontological monument in Croatia and is one of the most significant paleoanthropological localities worldwide. This museum occupies the newly built facility nestled between two small hills and covers a total surface area of around 1,200 m2. The Neanderthal Museum takes you on a multimedia journey back to the time of the Neanderthals and the origins of our species. Check out this virtual tour :)
Neanderthal Museum

Now we invite you to keep on reading the second part of day trips from Zagreb.
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