Magical Zagreb Sunsets
Watching the sun setting is always an interesting and unique experience. There is truly something magical about all the colours that tint the sky, their rapid change and that moment when day becomes night. Sunsets are different in different weather conditions and seasons – interestingly, in Zagreb, they tend to be more spectacular in winter. Apart from just watching them, sunsets and the so-called golden hour that occurs at the time of sundown are ideal for getting some breathtaking photos.
Whether you are a photographer or just a photo enthusiast, let's go on a sunset hunt around Zagreb. And, since it is, for whatever reason, a very romantic thing to watch, I recommend you to bring someone with you on this little adventure. It doesn't matter whether it is the first or hundredth date, just a crush or truly loved one. Although you could consider it as a cliché, in my opinion, it's not a sleazy thing to do at all. Obviously, it is impossible to catch a sunset at all locations at the same time, so plan a couple of dates! ;)
Ilica street
We will start in the very centre, at the Zagreb main square – Josip Jelačić Square, where Ilica Street begins. At one point, as the sun sets, it offsets the street. Zagreb's life-line, trams and people that pass through it get coloured in shades of the sunset that creates an illusion that the sun is setting at Črnomerec, at the end of Ilica Street.
Zagreb Upper Town
A few minutes walk from the main square is Upper Town – a historical part with many monuments and artefacts of rich and intriguing past. Along the Upper Town, there is a beautiful promenade overlooking the Lower Town and is a good lookout point not just for sunsets but at any time of the day. And if you miss the sunset, there is the observatory where you can watch other interesting phenomena in the sky.
Šestine neighborhood
The next stop is a bit more up the hills of Medvednica mountain - regardless of the sunset, this is one of the prettiest residential neighbourhoods in Zagreb with many luxury villas. So, if the sunset disappoints, you can always enjoy the view of beautiful houses and daydream that one of them will be yours one day. By far the best view in Šestine, and arguably in the whole city, is from Medvedgrad fortress – a medieval castle which has been watching over Zagreb for eight centuries. Nowadays, many events are held there. So check that out, there is a chance that a sunset observation turns into a party!
By the Sava river
In the world of sunsets, there is nothing that can exceed sun reflection off the water. Although many tourists miss the fact that Zagreb has a big river flowing through it, there are several miles of the embankment on each side of the river that people like to use for sports activities – running, jogging, cycling or just walking. And they get rewarded with one of the most amazing sunset views that city can offer.
Airport area
Last stop for sunset watching is the farthest and actually closer to Velika Gorica city than to Zagreb centre. However, it is worth going there. Given the fact that it is an airport area, it is a big flat and empty land and nothing can overshadow the beauty of the sunset. If you are lucky, the sight can only be completed by an aeroplane in departure or arrival. And if you are even luckier, you will be one of the passengers arriving to Zagreb in that golden part of the day.
Header image credit: Luka Krstulović (Commons Wikimedia)
Author: Anđela Ivčević