The Ultimate Guide to Zagreb's Parks

MAKSIMIR

When talking about parks in Zagreb, sprawling Maksimir park with its 5(!) lakes, the myriad of walkways, bicycle tracks and lakeside charm cannot go unmentioned. Whether it's for an afternoon run or a leisurely Sunday stroll, this park just east of Zagreb's city center is ideal for all sorts of light sports activities and always worth a visit.

If entering or exiting Maksimir through its southwestern entrance, you will most certainly pass the statue of the falcon (Sokolska Mogila). Apparently, objects of Croatian cultural heritage, important books, newspapers and magazines of the societies of the Falcon, that participated in the erection of the mighty statue, are stored in its foundation. How cool is that?

The statue superseded the "Kišobran" (umbrella) pavilion that used to stand in its place on the thousandth celebration of the Croatian kingdom, and is one of many interesting sights on your adventure, such as the Švicarska kuća (the Swiss chalet), the Obelisk, the romantic arbor on the shore of the fourth lake, the Spruce Tree valley and the three 'Poezija prostora' rocks. The latter were created in 1980 respectively 1981 by artist Milena Lah, and the winding lines that were carved into the stone are meant to embody the 'erosion' of time.

If you're just after a quick workout, fear not! You will find not only one but two street workout spots in this sprawling park!

How to get to Maksimir: Trams 11, 12, 4 and 6 will get you to the tram stop 'Park Maksimir' and let you off directly in front of the massive front gate.

Things to see in Maksimir park: Švicarska kuća, the Obelisk, the romantic arbor on 4th lake, spruce tree valley, Sokolska Mogila, Poezija prostora rocks

KRALJEVAC & DUBRAVKIN PUT

These three are ideal for a workday evening! You kind of want to relax and recharge, but all of the other places involve jumping on a bus or train? Fear not, there are loads of green oases in Zagreb center as well!

Two of them being Kraljevac and Dubravkin Put. Alright, Kraljevec might involve a tiny little bus ride if you don't want to walk through Dubravkin Put first, but I promise, it's not far!

Dubravkin put can get a bit busy, but most of the time, people don't bother following the trail all the way up to where Kraljevec starts. Dubravkin put starts right next to Kino Tuškanac, just off Ilica street, and will take you through a wonderland of the flora this country, and specifically Zagreb, has to offer. Especially in springtime, you can find nettles, blossoming elderflower and wild berries along the trail.

As you follow the path, you will be spit out at a widespread field that seems the ideal spot for some Frisbee (or a blanket and a good book) to spend the summer evenings with the smell of fresh cut grass tickling your nose.

Kraljevec lays right behind that field. It offers a lovely forest walk, and, if you are up for it, you can start your ascend up to Sljeme from here, too!

How to get to Dubravkin Put/Kraljevec: From the tram stop 'Frankopanska', walk through the passage leading to Kino Tuškanac. From there, turn right and follow the boardwalk to the restaurant 'Dubravkin Put', where your trailhead starts.

SUSEDGRAD

BUNDEK

Bundek, with its man made lake, stage for summer festivals, outdoor movie screenings and its bicycle and rollerblading track is the ideal little evening tour after work. It can get rather busy during weekends, so if you're not desperate for a really quick nature fix, there are a couple other options with less foot traffic.

Nonetheless, for chilling - and more importantly - grilling, Bundek is the perfect spot. Whether you're winding down from jogging along the riverbank or just want to have a moment alone in nature beneath the trees, Bundek is a great go-to for an hour or two spent next to a water body. If you are trying to have a BBQ here, be warned: You will have to get up very early to get one of the coveted BBQs out here, but if you do, you and your friends are in for a lovely BBQ day with a lovely sunset over this green pearl.

How to get to Bundek: From Lisinski, take bus number 229 to 'Mala Mlaka' or take tram number 6 to 'Most mladosti' and walk along the riverbank for 5-10 minutes.

GRAD MLADIH & GRANEŠINA

NASIP

The two walkways on the banks of the Sava river, connected by 3 bridges, are probably the most sought-after walking, cycling and running spots in Zagreb. And with good reason: They are easy to reach from all corners of the city, they offer fresh air, nice views and proximity to water (which we all know is essential). Have I mentioned the art sculptures such as the two curvy legs in stockings that protrude from the grass, along the way?

Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll or a workout, the Nasip is an ideal spot to spend the after-work hours. It also gets the most sun hours, as there are no buildings towering above the banks.

There's also many festivals happening along the river bank, such as the Green River Fest and Trnjanski kresovi, the Trnjan Bonfire. It is held on the bank of the Sava, close to the Freedom Bridge, and is an important symbol for anti-fascist values ​​and for social equality, emphasizing the rights of women, the LGBT community, migrants, national minorities, economic equality, and labor rights.

How to get to the Nasip: Either start at Savski Most tram stop, right next to the Freedom Bridge, or on the opposite side, at tram stop Borovje.

STRMEC

The ultimate retreat for highly sensitive people! Rolling hills, chirping birds and trees swaying in the soft breeze. Strmec is one of the most peaceful places I have come across and not only soothes its visitors but also serves as a protected nature area for birds and plants! Yup, Strmec is a bird reserve - right outside Zagreb! If you take your time and observe your surroundings with a hawk's eye, you might get to spot some rare bird species such as:

• Peregrine Falcons

• Black-tailed Godwits

• Spotted Ptarmigans

• Kingfishers

• Bee-eaters

• spotted Woodpeckers

• small Nightingales

• Black vultures
  

You can lose yourself in the reserve for as long or as little as you like, either just doing a small loop or crossing over all the way to the opposite riverbank of the Sava. Either way, your time is well-spent here! Only downside? If you don't have a car or bicycle, you'll have to walk quite a bit to reach the bird reserve.

How to get to Strmec:
By train: Take the Harmica train from the main train station towards Zaprešić & get off at 'Podsused', cross the bridge and follow the foot path for about 30-40 minutes.

SAVICA LAKES

RAKTIJE

OREŠJE

If you, too, love castles and forts, a visit to Susedgrad is the perfect half day activity for you! Within a mere 15 minutes train ride, you will be spit out at the city's west end and get to dive deep into history. The park in Podsused is super close to the train stop and equipped with a few street workout pieces but, more importantly, is covered in pine trees and, in February, snowdrops and jonquils.

The only regret is the noise from the main street down under, but with a pair of headphones (or by choosing the pathway to the right-hand side across the bridge), you get to fully dive into the nature experience and follow the trail up, up, up for a mere 5-10 minutes to the remains of Susedgrad.

The former king and owner of Susedgrad was not known for his mercy and kindness. He treated his peasants so horribly, that they banded together and wanted to take back the castle. Their attempt ended badly and most of them were killed. They did get their revenge years later, however, when the they seized the castle and burned it down - and their oppression with it.

The ruins can be explored, but be advised that there are some mean vines lying around there, eager to loop around your ankles, so watch your step. Especially in February, the ruins are dotted with hundreds if not thousands of snowdrops, which is just absolutely beautiful! Please make sure to not step on them!

If you're not ready to turn around just yet, why not sit down on one of the benches in the park or up here and enjoy the view of Žumberak in the distance? This is also the ideal park to bring a good book to and enjoy the sun on a balmy day out.

You can also follow the educational trail further along and visit St. Martin's church, before returning to the foot of the park, and even cross into a hiking trail up to Sljeme, if you want a true hiking experience.

How to get to Susegrad: Take the "Harmica" train from the main train station into direction 'Zaprešic' & get out at 'Stajalište Susedgrad'

PARK MLADENACA

Alright. You are in Novi Zagreb and are keen to get away from that loud, busy main street, and quick! If you are an hypersensitive person like me, everyday situations can be really overbearing, and a green spot in the midst of chaos - however small it may be - is pure bliss!

Park Mladenaca is a tiny little park that is ideal for a short loop or to spread out a blanket and read a book in the shade of the mighty trees towering over the area.

If you are looking to work out in the midst of trees, this is the park you want to turn to, as it offers a wide variety of outdoor gym constructions and fitness trail-like machines. If you are looking for a long walk in nature, however, you might want to check out one of the other parks around.

How to get to Park Mladenaca: Take tram 7 or 14 to 'Trnsko'. The park lies on the opposite side of Zagreb University.

JELENOVAC

A peaceful oasis that is only a stone's throw away from the center? Jelenovac makes it possible! A mere 15 minutes walk from Franjo Tuđman square, the forest park Jelenovac is the ideal after-work nature spot you've been looking for!

Especially during springtime, when the first green cusps of the trees peek out and the forsythia, apple trees and flowering quinces beguile visitors with their perfume, this park is one of my favorites to frequent to get my nature fix.

Benches along the way invite you to sit down and marvel at this green oasis located in the very heart of the city. If you pay close attention, you can spot interesting birds such as the Eurasian jay nesting and hearken their song, especially in the southern part of the park. Pure bliss!

Once you've completed the loop, make sure to follow the paved street to the left of the entrance for about 5 minutes to get onto the forest walkway that eventually merges with a hiking trail.

How to get to Jelenovac Forest Park: Take a tram (11, 1, 6) to 'Park Dr. Franje Tudmane' and follow the street 'Vinogradska', then turn right onto 'Kosirnikova'.

ROKOV PERIVOJ

Need a real quick fix? Rokov Perivoj is the place for you, then! By following the 185 stairs that rise up right in front of Kino Tuškanac, Rokov Perivoj offers views, peace and a beautiful statue. The ancient trees up here imbue this small green spot with a certain magic and while there's usually always someone else with you in the park, the hanging willows and evergreens provide privacy to breathe, relax and listen to the silence in the midst of the bustling city.

Ideal for a little break in nature, if you don't have the opportunity to get out of the center and still need a moment on the grass, with a good book in hand and the sun on your face.

How to get to Rokov Perivoj: Follow the staircase right in fron of Kino Tuškanac, just off Ilica street

The water castle of the city! The lakes of Savica are a stone's throw away from 'Most Mladosti' and even easier to get to if you have a bicycle. I love this stretch along the Sava that leads to the lakes because it's mostly car free and there's only a few souls out here whenever I visit.

Whether you visit the lakes on a foggy November day or a sunny summer evening, the lakes Vrbovec, Ciganska, Plavac, Pltika, Veliko Jezero, Mazutara, Labude an Hawai make for a perfect spot to wind down and get in touch with nature. On the northwestern side of the water body you'll find the ornithological station Savica. An ideal little loop for a Saturday walk or bicycle adventure.

How to get to Savica lakes: Take tram number 6 to 'Borovje' and follow Miševečka ulica for approximately 30 minutes.

Alright. You've been to the places within the city's borders. How about we venture out just a tiiiiny little bit ? Like, 1 bus stop more, let's say? I promise, it will be so worth it!

Rakitje is a beautiful lake (or should I say lakes?) just outside Zagreb, more specifically, in Sveta Nedelja. Before you panic: There is a way to get there that does not involve a whole day of cycling (although it is a cool day trip, and yes, you will be able to read about it on here, soon)! There are buses and/or trains going towards the general direction of Rakitje.

Rakitje consists of 5 lakes that, depending on how high the water is, flood the islands and dry spots dividing 'Finzula', 'Nadolez', 'Jus', 'Kec' and 'Votok' when tide is low. If it rains, the islands disappear (and so does the crossing in the middle of the lake). So, there is a bit of an exhilarating bit to it all (minimally, but hey, it counts!).

You can either just walk parts of the massive area, take shortcuts if the walkways aren't flooded or do a full loop around that will take you approximately 1 - 1.5 hours. The views around the lake are spectacular and you are allowed to bring your fishing rod here (please make sure you follow the regulations and fishing periods and get your license, though).

I love bringing a picnic and a good book here and just soak up the sun. If you fancy something warm to munch, make sure to visit Kemp Zagreb's pizzeria on the northern shore of the lake. They have an outside seating area, serve coffee and other drinks and will also serve you a yum pizza! Have I mentioned that you'll feel like a queen (or king) when sitting on those deck chairs overlooking the lakes?

How to get to Rakitje:

By train: Take the Harmica train towars Zaprešić & get off at 'Podsused', cross the bridge and follow the foot path for about 20-30 minutes.

By bus: Check departure times for Samoborček and ride the bus from 'Zagreb AK' to 'Rakitje'.

This list wouldn't be complete without my favorite little pond!

Just across the street of Rakitje lakes lies a quiet, peaceful and small little lake with clear water, waving ferns and lots of tall trees surrounding the water.

A little loop around Orešje is balm for the soul! The tiny little islands that dot the center of this small lake are the cherry on top!

And if you feel like going a bit further, simply follow the trail leading north towards Strmec and get to observe birds in the local ornithological reserve.

Cool little extra? There is a pump track next to the lake so you can have fun with your bike (or skateboard).

Only few things are better than a nice nature walk in the sun. If you are a nature freak with a taste for city-living, Zagreb is the perfect place for you to live. With its many parks, outdoor gyms and green spots dotting the city, it's easy to see why Croats like to spend their free time outdoors (and not just for sipping coffee). This guide covers some well-known parks and their features, and hopefully also will make you aware of a few nature pearl that you didn't know about yet.

Okay, let's cut to the chase: This area is great if you're up for seeing something new, have access to a bike or are okay with using a bus, and are looking for a sweet little(!) walk with the chance of a little workout - nothing more and nothing less.

Grad Mladih is a small park on the eastern slopes of Sljeme. The hilly region is ideal for a relaxed afternoon walk, and the beer garden-like seating area of the restaurant at the top make this the perfect little spot to calm down for an hour and then have a coffee or beer in the sun.

If you are big on basketball, this is the place for you! There is a basketball court amidst the pine trees.

Right across the street from Grad Mladih sits Granešina lake, a lush little oasis that begs you over for a stroll and enjoy the fishermen spending their days out here. The walk around the pond is brief, but the view of Sljeme from here is spectacular and the area is ideal if you are looking for a moment of peace and quiet.

Likewise, if you are looking for a outdoor workout with a view, Granešina is the place for you. Make sure you check their opening times before setting out!