Summary:
The Croatian capital possesses a remarkable wealth of history, architecture, and culture, vividly manifesting in enchanting cobblestone streets, lively markets, and Baroque cathedrals. This historic city features captivating sights and UNESCO-listed landmarks; however, some of the most remarkable attractions are situated just outside the city limits.
Surrounding Zagreb are pockets of natural beauty, encompassing lakes, waterfalls, lush forests, and magnificent castles nestled within the rural countryside. The diverse range of attractions around Zagreb is impressive, leaving visitors with abundant options for day trips.
Below are some of the most notable day trip destinations to inspire your exploration.
1. Plitvice Lakes
Home to 16 breathtakingly beautiful lakes, meticulously maintained by the authorities to protect their pristine beauty, Plitvice Lakes serve as an extraordinary day trip for individuals seeking respite from the landlocked capital. Within a few hours, visitors can immerse themselves in the crystal-clear waters adorned with waterfalls that flow year-round.
Particularly popular during the summer months, these lakes provide a natural retreat for those desiring relaxation in a sunny environment while exploring the national park. Several lakes are complemented by scenic forest walks along their shores, while others offer splendid views of turquoise waterfalls, ensuring that the Plitvice Lakes cater to all nature enthusiasts.
Recommended tour: Rastoke & Plitvice Lakes National Park Tour from Zagreb
2. Kumrovec
Located near the Slovenian border in northern Croatia, Kumrovec serves as an exemplary day trip for both visitors and locals seeking insights into traditional village life within the Zagorje region. Surrounded by lovely vineyards and flourishing farms, the village’s heart features an open-air ethnographic museum known as Kumrovec’s Old Village Museum.
This venue presents a blend of political history centered on communist leader Tito, numerous charming exhibits illustrating the lifestyle of traditional peasant farmers, and stalls showcasing incredibly fresh local produce.
Suggested tour: Kumrovec, Trakoscan Castle, and Varazdin Tour from Zagreb
3. Samobor
Known for its hiking trails and delightful culinary offerings, Samobor is a picturesque Croatian town recognized as one of the most favored day trip destinations from Zagreb for both locals and tourists. Visitors can stroll through enchanting cobbled streets lined with vividly painted Baroque buildings, as well as an array of exceptional restaurants specializing in locally sourced game.
Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the excellent hiking conditions found in the wooded hills surrounding Samobor, allowing them to either build an appetite or simply immerse themselves in nature. Regardless of your choice, it is nearly essential to indulge in the town’s renowned cream cake known as samoborska kremšnita.
4. Osijek
Located near the Serbian border, the city of Osijek has witnessed a surge in popularity due to its distinctive Baroque architecture, which is undoubtedly among the most noteworthy outside the capital. Situated in the easternmost part of the country, Osijek features well-kept, paved roads, grand squares, and impressive structures.
The central citadel of Tvrda, overlooking the River Drava, is a must-see landmark in the city, alongside the Church of St Peter and St Paul, which showcases a remarkable fusion of Gothic grandeur with striking spires.
5. Lake Bled
Lake Bled, Slovenia’s most sought-after mountain retreat, can be easily reached from the Croatian capital within a single day. This idyllic location offers a stunning mix of alpine peaks, beautiful lakes, castles, and churches. Nestled in the Julian Alps, Lake Bled presents a perfect destination not only for those seeking romantic landscapes but also for outdoor adventurers.
With its canyons, lakes, and mountains, there are endless opportunities for hiking, canoeing, and climbing around Lake Bled, attracting a diverse array of travelers, including locals and backpackers.
Available tour: From Zagreb: Ljubljana and Lake Bled Tour
6. Dakovo
The tranquil town of Dakovo is distinguished by its expansive cornfields. Visitors can easily spend the day uncovering these landscapes before venturing into the charming architecture that adorns Dakovo. Nonetheless, the primary draw is the stunning Dakovo Cathedral, characterized by its soaring towers and appealing red brick masonry.
Throughout the year, several folkloric events take place, providing an ideal small-town escape from the bustling city of Zagreb.
7. Lonjsko Polje
The expansive Lonjsko Polje nature reserve comprises marshland stretching alongside the Sava River. This area includes a series of traditional villages, encompassing 50,000 acres and representing the essence of rural Croatia. Among these, Krapje stands out, showcasing typically designed wooden houses that line the riverbanks.
This area not only serves as a cultural phenomenon but also boasts an impressive variety of bird, plant, mammal, and fish species, thanks to its rich habitat. Visitors can admire the ecological diversity by following various well-marked hiking and cycling paths.
8. Sljeme
Sljeme serves as Zagreb’s premier skiing destination, frequented by elite athletes. During the summer months, it transforms into a picturesque green retreat following the melting snow. Within Medvednica National Park, this hilly area, adorned with lush pine forests, features numerous chalets and eateries, providing enjoyable rest stops for hikers exploring the invigorating slopes.
The skiing opportunities cater to all skill levels, making it an ideal day trip for novice skiers or travelers wishing to experience this alpine region of Croatia.
9. Ljubljana
The capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana, is a mere couple of hours from Zagreb, offering a rich tapestry of cultural and historical attractions that merit the journey across borders. The city is densely populated with an array of stunning Baroque buildings, many of which are UNESCO-listed and primarily found in the enchanting Old City center.
The Art Nouveau ambiance is captivating, encouraging visitors to explore the streets in wonder, with magnificent sites like the iconic Triple Bridge conveniently nearby.
Available tour: Full-Day Ljubljana & Postojna Cave Tour
10. Krapina
Krapina, nestled in the hilly terrain near the Slovenian border, is well-known for its plethora of estates from the aristocratic era, accompanied by various beautiful cathedrals and castles. In addition to wandering through the charming streets of Krapina, visitors should also make time for the Krapina Neanderthal Museum, dedicated to the significant discovery of early human remains in the surrounding area, attracting curious individuals each year eager to explore this facet of history.
11. Kopački rit
Situated in the Slavonian countryside, the Kopački rit nature park boasts beautiful wetlands formed by the confluence of the Danube and Drava rivers. Visitors can admire the park’s pristine condition, which has been preserved due to its relative inaccessibility. This unspoiled natural landscape teems with majestic deer, wild boars, and an array of bird species.
While it’s possible to access the park by car, exploring via boat is the more favored and enriching method.
12. Varaždin
Once the capital of Croatia over two centuries ago, Varaždin is a proudly Baroque city located near the borders of Slovenia and Hungary. The architectural richness serves as the main attraction, with its opulent style evident in the castles, churches, and other remarkable structures found throughout the city.
These ornate buildings frequently host a variety of musical events and cultural festivals that celebrate Baroque artistry, rendering Varaždin one of the most culturally enriching day trips from the capital.
Suggested tour: From Zagreb: Varazdin Baroque Town & Trakoscan Castle
13. Risnjak
Located less than two hours from Zagreb, Risnjak National Park presents a stunningly alpine and beautifully preserved mountainous region known as Gorski Kotar. It encompasses a vast expanse of forested hills where numerous wildlife species, including bears and lynx, thrive. The hiking opportunities here are exceptional, with landscapes reminiscent of the Swiss Alps featuring everything from snow-capped summits to pine-covered foothills.
14. Zagorje
The northern region of Zagorje, though in close proximity to Zagreb, presents an entirely different pace of life, harboring some of Croatia’s most picturesque and cherished national parks within its mountainous terrains. Aside from the exceptional hiking opportunities offered by its unspoiled natural preserves, the region is also rich in cultural attractions.
Zagorje boasts the highest density of castles in Croatia, an impressive feat considering the nation’s extensive architectural heritage, with notable examples including Veliki Tabor and Trakošćan, two of the largest in the country.
Suggested tour: From Zagreb: Varazdin and Zagorje Castles Private Tour
15. Rastoke
The road leading to Plitvice Lakes conceals a hidden gem known to few travelers yet cherished by locals seeking a serene escape from the city: the striking watermill village of Rastoke. This historic village, established over 300 years ago, is situated by the water’s edge at a junction where the Slunjčica river transforms into cascading waterfalls.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the scenic harmony of nature and human creativity by wandering the picturesque surroundings and photographing the traditional mills, some of which date back to the 1600s.
