Dear competitors, coaches, and guests, welcome to Zagreb! The capital of Croatia is one of the greenest cities in Europe, and you can find an oasis of nature in every part of the city. Nature is the best environment to take a break from competitions, a place where you can breathe deeply and slow down for a moment.
Botanical Garden
In the very center of the city lies the Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb. Located near the Main Train Station, it is the perfect place to seek a moment of peace, inspiration, or simply enjoy the beauty of nature. Today, the Garden is home to around 5,000 different plant species. Of the Garden’s total area of 4.7 hectares, the largest part is taken up by an arboretum, built in the landscape or so-called English style, which contains woody plants from different parts of the world. Conclude your exploration of Zagreb’s Center with a visit to the Botanical Garden!
Bundek Lake
From the Liberty Bridge to the Youth Bridge, you will find a lake, meadows, and forests, a favorite destination for the people of Zagreb. At Bundek, you can enjoy various recreational activities such as walking, rollerblading, barbecuing, sunbathing, or fishing. The park covers an area of 545,000 m², with Bundek comprising the Great Lake and the Small Lake. The shore of the Great Lake, measuring 10,000 m², is equipped with lifeguard and medical services during the summer season to ensure the safety of swimmers. The water quality is regularly monitored during the bathing season.
Jarun Lake
When it comes to sports, whether recreational or professional, the Jarun and Mladost recreational-sports centers are further proof of how much sports are valued in Zagreb. Jarun is a place for relaxation and recreation, built in 1987 when Zagreb hosted the Universiade, an international sports competition for youth. The clear lake and beach offer refreshment in summer and early autumn. If you prefer active relaxation, you can bike, use the running tracks, or play mini-golf, and Jarun features one of the best rowing tracks in Europe.
Maksimir Park
Maksimir was the first public promenade opened in southeastern Europe and one of the first European parks designed according to 18th-century plans. At that time, Zagreb was much smaller, but the introduction of the horse-drawn tram in 1892 significantly increased Maksimir’s popularity. Since 1925, the Zoo has been part of the park. A romantic walk by one of the five lakes, pavilions, and summer houses will captivate you at first sight.
Medvednica Nature Park
The Medvednica mountain range is covered with dense forests of beech, oak, chestnut, and fir. Medvednica is the most beloved excursion spot for the people of Zagreb and its visitors. There are many walking trails on Medvednica, both “easier” ones equipped with benches and educational content and more challenging ones for physically fit hikers. Medvednica also hides other attractions, such as gorges, caves, waterfalls, old mines, and picturesque churches. The Medvednica Nature Park hides numerous beauties, so after a walk in the sunlit expanses of this protected area, descend underground and visit the bat’s home, the Veternica cave, which deserves your visit for many reasons. With more than seven kilometers of branched channels, Veternica is the sixth-largest cave in Croatia, and its length is constantly “growing” thanks to the exploration efforts of diligent speleologists.
Medvedgrad
One of the most popular destinations for visitors to Medvednica is the medieval fortress of Medvedgrad, located on an elevation in the middle of a dense forest, just a half-hour walk from the last city houses. In the mid-15th century, the notorious Counts of Celje, who spread fear and terror among the inhabitants of then-Zagreb, lived in the Medvedgrad fortress located on the southern slopes of Medvednica. Countess Barbara of Celje was especially terrifying. Although historical records mention her as the wife of the Hungarian-Croatian king Sigismund of Luxembourg, folk tales refer to her as the wicked Black Queen, around whom many terrifying legends are associated.
Ribnjak Park
Ribnjak Park was arranged in 1829 at the initiative of Bishop Alagović, and until then, bishop’s fishponds were located in that area, along the eastern walls of Kaptol. It covers 40,000 square meters and is a true green oasis where you can take a break, walk, or have a picnic after a stroll through the city center.
Zrinjevac
In the very heart of the city lies Zrinjevac, a romantic, green, and floral promenade in Zagreb. Use your walk through Zrinjevac to check the weather forecast, as the meteorological column provides current weather data and statistical weather data over the years, which is particularly interesting to study. Don’t forget to bring a blanket; the green lawn will surely entice you to organize a spontaneous picnic.
Whether you choose to surround yourself with nature in the city center or decide to go a bit outside the center, you won’t go wrong. Let nature inspire you in your sports challenges.
Content provided by the Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ) – https://www.htz.hr/en-GB