Refreshing Corners of the City
Just the thought of it could lead you to conclude that it could be better to skip the city of Zagreb this August and go straight to some other place in Croatia where you can cool off. Let me stop you right there! Whether you prefer water, deep shade, or even a hike in the mountains, Zagreb has you covered.
For example, if you associate summer refreshment with swimming as I do, Zagreb has two lakes - Jarun and Bundek. If you come on a weekend, you will have a good time surrounded by the locals. Come on a working day, and you will have the lakes all by yourself. You will forget you are in a proper city. Cherish those moments, as you will miss them if your next destination is somewhere on the touristy Croatian coast.
Croatian Public Health Institute has tested the water quality several times throughout this summer. Most of the swimming locations around the lakes are of excellent quality. If you prefer adventure over the calmness of the lakes, there’s a treat for you, too. An old story says that a giant catfish patiently awaits at the bottom of the Jarun lake to drag the careless swimmers to its depths.
There’s room for everyone in the Jarun Lake: beach-goers, lily flowers, even the legendary Jura the catfish.
When an average local family wakes up on a weekend morning without big plans, there’s a little discussion over breakfast. What should we do today? How about Maksimir, someone finally pops the question. The conversation is over - everyone is in.
The beautiful park forest Maksimir has been a perfect getaway from the busy city life for more than two centuries. A day in Maksimir is a day well spent. Its lovely landscape architecture, lakes, streams, bridges, park ornaments, forest pathways, and the city ZOO make a perfect setting to recharge our batteries.
When we don’t have big ideas or plans for the weekend, we go to Maksimir - it never disappoints.
And finally, there’s Sljeme! Sljeme is the peak of our Mount Medvednica, but you will never hear a Zagreb local say: “Let’s go to Medvednica!” We colloquially call the whole mountain Sljeme. “Let’s go to Sljeme!” is more likely to be said (even if we’re not going all the way to the top). Our mountain is the symbol of Zagreb and a great place to cool off from the Summer heat.
Zagreb families take their children by car to Sljeme when they’re still babies. Then they start hiking shorter distances when they’re only a few years old. Most of the Zagreb college students regularly go to Sljeme as a part of the physical education curriculum. Going to Sljeme is simply a part of life in Zagreb. There are many places to explore: the medieval town of Medvedgrad and some ruinous forts, several urbex hotspots such as an old hospital, and of course, natural gems. Mountain lodges are a great place to try typical local dishes. Visiting mount Medvednica is one of the most authentic experiences that Zagreb has to offer. So why not spend a day in the woods above the city?
Rewarding view from the ski-slope just under the peak of the Zagreb mountain
Sljeme, Maksimir, and lakes Jarun and Bundek are the most popular choices for locals to find refreshment in the summer months. They are certainly not the only ones, though. One look at the map of the city will show you many green areas all around the city. The green surroundings are full of treats, as well. There are plenty of choices that make this city an unexpectedly pleasant summer destination. This summer, don’t miss out on Zagreb!
Photos by: Iva Silla
Author: Iva Silla