Experience the Colours, Scents and Flavours of Autumn in Zagreb
If you are a winter person (well, even if you're not), you are surely waiting impatiently for the official "most wonderful time of the year". However, that's definitely not the only time of the year when magic happens.
Being in nature a lot, I notice all of its changes throughout the year. Nevertheless, autumn amazes me the most. It's the time when everything looks so alive just before it all disappears underneath the white covers.
I will guide you through my number one destination to get lost in all the stunning creations of autumn. So, put on your rubber boots and your favourite coat and let's go for a walk in nature!
Maksimir story
My heart leads me to the park Maksimir. I don't think it's the best destination just because it's situated in my neighbourhood. Maksimir park, usually famous and known for its' zoo, is the perfect place to escape all of your everyday problems and relax your mind and soul. To fully experience the charm of autumn, I will share with you my personal favourite path in Maksimir.
My starting point is the entrance to the park and, obviously, a stroll through the main alley where all the colours come together as if they are welcoming you to the park. A little bit of green standing there to tell the story of the summer that has past, various shades of yellow for the perfect autumn feeling and a bit of red touch to wake up the magic.
Image Credit: Aleta Brattoni
At the end of the alley, I always turn left towards the second lake. The reason why I choose this way is self-explanatory once you see it. It's like walking on a carpet made of yellow and brown leaves, and the best thing is the way it rustles while you walk!
After the lake, I step deeper into the woods until there are only trees surrounding me. The key is to walk slowly so you get the chance to see as many leaves falling as you can. It's the snow of autumn, only better one because it's in colour and it's warm. While walking through the forest, if you look closely, maybe you'll see a few mushrooms as well.
Image Credit: Aleta Brattoni
The path leads me to the third lake where the real magic happens. Every colour gets its reflection in the lake making it so surreal. I always stop right there to take it all in before going home.
However, if you consider parks to be too common and want to discover more places where you can enjoy the picturesque view of autumn, I would recommend visiting the campus of Borongaj (especially if you are a student), park Glogovac, Cmrok, Jabukovac, Tomislavac or just wander through the streets.
I used to think that you can easily get the best picture of autumn while walking the colourful streets of Zagreb. Now I know I was wrong.
It smells like autumn
The Zagreb city centre is beautiful and historical but it doesn't give you much of autumn - or does it? The key is to use all of your senses. Autumn is not only what you can see, but also what you can smell. Can you guess where I'm going with this?
While walking through the centre, the compelling smell of roasted chestnuts followed me everywhere. From the main square of Josip Jelačić to the Flower square and Zrinjevac. You have people selling chestnuts on every corner (and people eating them at every step of the way, as well).
Image Credit: Aleta Brattoni
I took a small portion of chestnuts, but trust me it is better if you immediately take at least the middle one. They are so good that the small one just won't do it (and it's a difference of only 5 to 10 kunas). My fingers are all black from peeling the chestnuts, but it was totally worth it! Whatsmore, when it's cold outside, and you need a way to warm up your hands (as well as your stomach) the chestnuts are the real deal. Except if you love corn more (with extra salt, please). Luckily, where there are chestnuts, there is corn too so you can decide on the go... or just take both.
Another way to warm up your stomach (and still do it autumn-style) is by eating a pumpkin soup. You can find an abundance of recipes online and for the best pumpkin you just need to visit your nearest food market.
To round up my perfect autumn, I have to add just one more thing, one more feeling that goes through the stomach. Make sure you step into a pastry shop and order kesten pire (chestnut puree). It's something sweet for the end of a perfect autumn day.
Image Credit: Aleta Brattoni
All in all, autumn has its creations everywhere you turn, but it is up to you if you are going to stumble upon it. The beauty is really in the eye of the beholder. You can see it and enjoy all the colours of autumn. You can hear it while walking through a pile of leaves, smell it while passing by someone who's selling chestnuts, and taste it while eating pumpkin soup, pumpkin pie or kesten pire. And, of course, you can always feel the warmth in your hands while eating hot chestnuts. So, my advice is: wander around the streets of Zagreb and enjoy every step of the way!
Header Image Credit: Aleta Brattoni
Author: Aleta Brattoni