From national parks to quaint old towns, with even some glimpses into prehistory, the options for day trips from Zagreb are varied and fascinating. Escape the city to these five spots just a short car ride away, and enjoy some of the most scenic day trips Croatia has to offer.
Krapina
Quaint and relaxing, the town of Krapina is 55km from Zagreb. The 45-minute car journey is a pleasure itself, as the roads lead you through the Zagorje region of rolling hills and green fields. The town, meanwhile, is best known for its prehistoric attractions. A great number of fossils were discovered here in 1899, understood to be around 130,000 years old. Some are displayed at Krapina’s Neanderthal Museum, offering a unique insight into our extinct cousins – complete with timelines and dioramas – that is sure to be a hit for all ages.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
This stunning wonder in central Croatia scarcely needs any introduction. Covering nearly 300 square kilometres, Plitvice looks its best in winter, when an icy sheen glitters on the terraced lakes connected by picturesque waterfalls. The pedestrian pathways are impeccably maintained and blend subtly into their surroundings, crowded in summer, comfortably negotiated out of season. The national park was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1979 – discover why by making the two-hour drive from Zagreb or booking one of the many tours offered in the capital.
Rastoke
Located in the Slunj area of Croatia, some 90 minutes by car from the capital, this watermill town is a stunning testament to human ingenuity. Aside from its quaint beauty, with little cascading waterfalls and rushing rapids weaving around and beneath the settlement, Rastoke offers a fascinating glimpse into an old way of life. Here, the power of the flowing water was used for pretty much everything, including doing the laundry.
Samobor
The classic Zagreb getaway, the neighbouring destination of Samobor is a must, and only 30 minutes away by bus or car. With its charming town centre, pretty pathways, excellent cycling infrastructure and enticing hiking opportunities in the surrounding forest, this historic settlement has something for everyone. Proximity to Zagreb means that it's particularly popular on Sundays, when visitors can indulge in Samobor’s famous kremšnite cream cake at a leisurely pace.
Varaždin
About an hour’s drive from Zagreb, easily accessed by bus, the city of Varaždin sits on the Drava river, towards the Slovenian border. Its Baroque Old Town warrants a leisurely stroll, along with its centrepiece fortress, once a noble estate. Its scenic villas, houses and churches are connected by beautiful cobbled streets, where you’ll find a number of lovely cafés to relax in after your morning's exploration.