It's Picnic Time! Here Are Top 5 Places in Zagreb for Having a Picnic
Winter is gone, days are warmer and longer, it’s picnic time! Nature is awakening and waiting for you to enjoy the newly sprung leaves and flowers on the trees, freshly mowed grass, bird’s chirping and smells of spring. Even though Zagreb is a concrete jungle, there are many beautiful places where you can enjoy nature in all its glory. For the places that I’m going to write about, you’ll have to ensure comfortable clothes and bring enough food and water because you’ll want to spend your whole day there. Places are reachable by public transport or a car, or you can take a long walk if you feel like walking. Come with me, I’ll show you the top 5 places in Zagreb for having a picnic!
1. Medvednica Mountain
Medvednica Mountain is a beating heart of Zagreb. Visiting it will be your best decision ever because it’ll leave you speechless! There are many marked trails which will guide you to all the best places for having a picnic. You can start with Queen’s Well, the first and the most visited place as it is the closest one to the foot of the mountain. There you’ll find the most charming little lake and a well with freezing cold water. My advice to you is to drink the water because it tastes absolutely amazing. Also, there is a mountain cottage with a restaurant where you can eat traditional Croatian food at fair prices. Or, if you really want a picnic, there are many places around to have one.
If you are a history buff, you should visit Medvedgrad, an ancient fortress located on the south slopes of the mountain where you’ll have a spectacular view of the city. My friends and I went there last year and, I must say, this is my favourite place. I was so thrilled to see something so glorious! And if you decide to reach the peak of the mountain, Sljeme, you’ll have an even better view of the city and several large meadows to have a picnic on, like Cinovnicka and Hunjka meadow. There is also a mountain cottage with a restaurant if you decide to let someone else cook for you and have a totally relaxing day in nature.
Image Credit: Tajana Pran
2. Cmrok
Cmrok is a name of the park on the hill located in the northern part of Zagreb, on the Medvednica hillsides. Cmrok is a popular excursion site and it's surrounded by Tuskanac and Jurjevska Street. It is a part of Gornji Grad – Medvescak district. It is usually used as a ski resort in the winter, but during the spring it becomes a perfect place for having a picnic. Large meadows surrounded by trees are calling you to spread your blanket and enjoy. When you get bored, try to explore the woods around it, maybe you’ll be lucky enough to find some hidden secrets in it!
3. Zrinjevac & Tomislav Square
Zrinjevac and Tomislav Square are the most popular parks in Zagreb, located just a few blocks from the main city square. These parks are absolutely charming, as they are well-kept, surrounded by magnificent historic buildings, and always full of people during warm days. Take your blanket, sit on a freshly mowed grass and enjoy urban nature in the middle of Zagreb. Maybe you'll meet some new friends there!
Image Credit: Tajana Pran
4. Dotrscina & Maksimir
Dotrscina is one of the largest parks in Zagreb, located between park Maksimir and Medvednica Mountain, in Maksimir district. My advice to you is to have a picnic in park Maksimir first, and then to go to Dotrscina for a second picnic. Why? I would like for you to try this combination to see which park is the best place for you. Park Maksimir is a great picnic spot, but sometimes it can get noisy and crowded since many people go there. On the other hand, Dotrscina is calm and quiet, as it is kind of hidden from the usual routes people take to spend their free time in Zagreb’s nature. Let me know which one is your favourite!
5. Sava Embankment
If you’re in Zagreb, you can’t miss the Sava river. It is a remarkable river that separates the old part of the city from the new one, Novi Zagreb. Sava embankment follows its entire length, and it has become a synonym for recreation, walking, and cycling as it is regularly maintained. There is a large meadow with great picnic spot between the embankment and the river itself. Also, on the Novi Zagreb's side of the embankment, near Jadranski Bridge, there is Lake Bundek which is also a great place for having a picnic. It doesn’t matter which place you choose because you’ll have a great time either way. I’m sure you’ll come back as soon as you can!
Image Credit: Tajana Pran
And there it is, you have 5 beautiful picnic spots in Zagreb. Make sure you clear your schedule, as it will be hard for you to make yourself go home after enjoying these remarkable places. I hope you have a great time!
Header Image Credit: Tajana Pran
Author: Tajana Pran