In Zagreb, you might easily spend a day or two learning about the local customs, history, and nightlife. But after you’ve seen everything the city has to offer, venture outside to explore the other sights this region of Europe has to offer. The finest day trips from Zagreb are nice because they don’t all take place in Croatia, so you may also see some of the bordering nations. Without further ado, these are the top day trip destinations from Zagreb.
1. Samobor
The little city of Samobor, located in the Žumberak Mountains’ foothills, is only a short journey from Zagreb. Samobor is easy to visit and relaxed back, making it a bit of a haven from the hustle and bustle of Zagreb. Take a stroll starting at the central King Tomislav Square and continuing into the heart of the city along the Gradna River. Take a break for some coffee and kremšnite cake while taking in the city’s vintage charm. After that, stroll up to St. Anastasia Parish Church, which has a yellow tower protruding above the rooftops of the city. There’s also a wonderful vantage point over the city center. Retracing your steps, follow the river through Wiesner Livadic Castle Park and you will eventually arrive at the Samobor ruins.
2. Trakoscan Castle
The Plitvice Lakes are unquestionably among the top tourist destinations in Croatia and are a favorite of tourists. Once you reach the national park, descend to the thunderous Veliki Slap waterfall. Located at the base of the park’s sixteen tumbling lakes, this is the biggest waterfall at Plitvice Lakes. After there, you can begin to follow the woodland pathways or boardwalks that connect the Lower Lakes until you get to Lake Kozjak. You can get a unique viewpoint of the landscape by taking a boat ride over Kozjak, the largest of the Plitvice Lakes. You can then tour the surrounding area of the Upper Lakes’ remaining lakes.
3. Trakoscan Castle
There are several castles in Croatia, but Trakoscan Castle might be the greatest. You have the chance to see this stunning castle and the surrounding park on a day trip to Trakoscan. Although the castle was initially built in the thirteenth century, its current appearance is the result of 19th-century restorations. There are now exhibits about the history of the castle and the surrounding area at the museum housed within the castle. The views of the lake and the gardens that you may enjoy from the castle are not quite as impressive as the view that faces the castle itself.
4. Ljubljana
There are several castles in Croatia, but Trakoscan Castle might be the greatest. You have the chance to see this stunning castle and the surrounding park on a day trip to Trakoscan. Although the castle was initially built in the thirteenth century, its current appearance is the result of 19th-century restorations. There are now exhibits about the history of the castle and the surrounding area at the museum housed within the castle. The views of the lake and the gardens that you may enjoy from the castle are not quite as impressive as the view that faces the castle itself.
5. Rastoke
The surrounding Plitvice Lakes frequently cast a shadow over the village of Rastoke, but it’s still a worthwhile day trip destination. Situated near the meeting point of the Korana and Slunjčica rivers, Rastoke is a community of traditional wooden cottages on the outskirts of Slunj. The numerous streams of the Slunjčica river that flow directly through Rastoke and create over 20 waterfalls are what distinguish this once milling community. Homes and mills are situated on little islands of land connected by footbridges, surrounded by streams and waterfalls. The waterfalls range in size from modest cascades to powerful avalanches, such as those at Hrvoje and Vilina Kosa.
6. Osijek
Osijek is a place worth visiting if you’re seeking for somewhere else than Zagreb to experience vibrant city life and stunning architecture. Due to its proximity to the Serbian border, this Eastern Croatian city suffered significant damage during the 1990s conflicts. Although most of Osijek’s more attractive buildings have now been renovated, the buildings nevertheless retain the scars of the troubles. Osijek is home to numerous impressive art nouveau and baroque structures. In addition to touring the Old Town and the charming Drava River seafront, the Habsburgs constructed the Tvrđa castle in the eighteenth century. Like many university towns, Osijek is home to a sizable student population and is brimming with cafes and bars.
