Central Croatia

Where to go ?

Continental Croatia as region is an oasis of tranquility, with gentle hills , age-old forests, vineyards and the Sava, Drava and Mura rivers. In northwest part is region Zagorje you can find medieval towns with a rich history and striking architecture, such as Koprivnica or Varaždin, countryside manors such as Trakošćan Castle and thermal spas on water springs with healing properties, perfect for restoring your energy. Wooden toys are recognizable traditional products from this region and are part of the UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage, as well as “Licitar” - gingerbread craft from Northern Croatia, also part of UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage.

One of the most beautiful castles in Croatia for sure is Trakošćan Castle Built in the late 13th century, it is a cultural heritage, protected as a historical entity, which consists of the castle, park and forest park with a lake. In Zagorje, you can find the castle and the park Bežanec , built at the end of the 17th century and settled in unique environment which was recognized by the most eminent nobility years ago. Today is in function like an exclusive hotel where you can experience high-quality relaxation. The fort of Veliki Tabor is one of the most important cultural and historical monuments of secular architecture in continental Croatia, with a unique monumental and authentic fortification structure. Situated at 333 meters above sea level, it has dominated the Zagorje area for over half a millennium. The impressive view from Veliki Tabor stretches over the entire Zagorje area and part of Slovenia. This zero-category monument, today a museum, is one of the most recognizable identities of Zagorje but as well as of Croatia. Worth to see it!

A must see destination in the North of Croatia is town of Varaždin , located on the southern bank of the River Drava is the city of the baroque, music, flowers and bicycles. „Little Vienna“ with parks, town palaces, splendid churches, artistic and cultural heritage. In town of Krapina, you can visit an unique Krapina Neanderthal Museum , located near one of Europe’s most important paleontological sites where you can see exhibition about the Neanderthals and the history of the Earth. Nearby is Marija Bistrica , place of pilgrimage visited by hundreds of thousands of pilgrims every year that has an old Marian shrine of the Black Madonna.

Amaze yourself with the intense flavours of traditional dishes from Zagorje like the buckwheat mash Hajdina kaša, the Kukurzna zlevka corn cake or typical turkey with mlinci pasta. Zagorski štrukli is local strudel-like specialty. Štrukli can be savory or sweet, cooked or baked, filled with cheese, apple, pumpkin, poppy, millet and others. This northwest wine region is an area where wide plains intertwine with mountainous vineyard covered with woods and medieval fortresses. Numerous vineyards on the wine roads of this region offer delicious local specialties along with enjoyment in excellent wine. Experience and memory of it will surely stay with you for a long time.

Part of Central Croatia region is Međimurje, located in northern Croatia. You will be amazed by the green hillocks with thousands of vineyards, the river Mura’s and Drava’s sandbars, fertile fields, forests and colorful meadows. Nickname of this region is Hortus Croatiae or Croatian garden due to many flowers that is growing across this region. A beautiful country side for bird-lover, fisherman, photographer or cyclist. Main attractions to visit in the biggest town of this region, Čakovec are: Secession Palace , Zrinski Park, park architecture monument with its centuries-old trees, and Čakovec Castle or Zrinski Castle, located in Zrinski Park, built in the 13th century and today is a home to the history Museum of Međimurje.

Explore the traditional cuisine of Medjimurje –specialties like pretepena juha (thick cream soup), Turoš cottage cheese, temfani picek (chicken in a cream sauce), žljičnjaci (type of pasta), and for the dessert, međimurska gibanica (layer cake), together with Međimurje’s excellent wines, since winegrowing production and cultivation of grapes in Međimurje dates back to the Antiquity.

All Central Croatia region is a jewel of nature and from all the nature beauties in this region, to explore Lonjsko Polje Nature Park can be highlighted since it is the largest protected wetland area not only in Croatia, but in the entire Danube basin, with excellent conditions for birds and spawning of fish. Perfect for birdwatching, since the park is a habitat to 243 various bird species. In Zagorje, there is a forest Kamenjak , rich in biodiversity, which indicates a healthy ecosystem with interesting historical and educational trail, and Međimurje’s highest mountain is Ivančica , excellent for hiking and with two panoramic sites at the highest point with beautiful view on Varaždin and Međimurje. Visiting Central Croatia - Zagorje and Međimurje region, it will be an extraordinary and memorable experience!