9 Must-See Parks in Zagreb, Croatia

As much as we love the old walled cities of Croatia, there is often little green space – and we really enjoy spending time outdoors in nature. One of the fabulous things about the capital city, Zagreb, is that the region is lush with nature parks. All reachable on foot or by tram, we discovered 9 Zagreb parks that cured our craving for nature. 

 

9 Best Parks in Zagreb, Croatia

Highlighted below are the best parks in Zagreb, Croatia. For each of the Zagreb parks, we include a link to more information and direct location. At the end of the post, we provide a useful map of all the parks in Zagreb. 

Looking for more Zagreb activities? Check out our complete list of Things To Do in Zagreb!

 

#1 Maksimir Park

Maksirmir Park Zagreb is just a short tram ride east of city center Zagreb. The park was opened in 1794 – making it the oldest of all the parks in Zagreb, Croatia. In addition to the numerous trails, there are five lakes and a zoo at the Zagreb Maksimir Park. Map | Info

 

#2 Mirogoj Zagreb Cemetery

Not our usual idea of spending time in nature, however Zagreb’s cemetery is lush with vegetation and magnificent architecture. Designed by one of Zagreb’s famous architects, Herman Bolle, it was opened in 1876 as a cemetery for all religions and includes expansive burial grounds, arcades and monuments.

Some of Zagreb’s most famous people have been laid to rest at Mirogoj Cemetery, including the first president of the Republic of Croatia. Map | Info

 

#3 Jarun Lake Park

Southwest of the city center, near the Sava River, visitors will find Jarun Lake Zagreb and the surrounding park. The lakeside paths attract joggers, bikers and roller bladers. Looking for a Zagreb beach? The southeast and northwest portion of Lake Jarun has a pebbly shoreline for sunbathing. There are numerous cafes found along the stretch of beach where families and friends gather on sunny Zagreb weekends. Map | Info

 

#4 Medvednica Nature Park

Medvednica Mountain is on the north side of Zagreb and encompasses an area of 88 square miles of forest. Within the park, there are several hiking trails, which are easily accessible via public transportation. The tallest peak at Zagreb Medvednica Park, Sljeme, is an impressive 3,396 feet. Map | Info

 

#5 Strossmayer Promenade and Gric Park

Nicknamed Strossmartre because it exudes a Parisian flair, Strossmayer Promenade is a pleasant escape from the bustling city of Zagreb. Occupying the space where ancient walls once stood, the southwestern portion of the promenade features some of the best Zagreb views, leafy trees and benches. At the western end is the romantic Gric Park. Complete with a lovely fountain and planned gardens, the small park is a true retreat from the city. Map | Info

 

#6 Dubravkin Put Zagreb

We literally stumbled on this path, Dubravkin Put, that west of the Zagreb Gric Tunnel and part of the Tuskanac Forest Park. The 2km trail runs through a forested park north of the city to Cmrok.

There is a theater and restaurant near the city…and trekkers who want to loop back through neighborhoods, can use these directions. Map | Info

 

#7 Green Horseshoe Zagreb

Just south of the historic Zagreb city center, a series of eight squares in the shape of a horseshoe combine to create one of the best parks in Zagreb, Croatia. Each one unique, some feature fountains and statues – but they are all surrounded by excellent architecture, once the mansions of Croatia’s wealthy.

Not-to-be-missed is Zrinjevac Park, which features two ponds, a fountain and gazebo (and is the closest to the city center). The pleasant Zagreb Botanical Garden sits on the southwest corner of the horseshoe and has a picturesque lily-pad lake, which is filled with turtles and crossed by a red footbridge.

Our favorite Zagreb park, however, is King Tomislav Park, which features his statue at the southern end, the yellow Art Pavilion at the north end, a fountain in the center and an expansive green lawn that is ideal for lounging. Map | Info

 

#8 Ribnjak Park Zagreb

Located behind the Zagreb Cathedral (to the east), Ribnjak Park is the perfect quick nature retreat. Named for the fishing ponds that were once found in the area (but have long been filled in), the nature park features tall shady trees, a small pond, a playground and a few memorials. After a day of Zagreb sightseeing, it’s the perfect spot to relax (and is ideal for a picnic, too!). Map | Info

 

#9 Bundek Lake Zagreb

Located in Novi Zagreb and near the banks of the Sava River, Bundek Park is a favorite Zagreb park for both locals and tourists. In addition to the crisscrossing trails through the park, there is a man-made lake with a big beach. (Yes! Another Zagreb, Croatia beach!) Map | Info

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Zagreb Parks Map

Use this link to Google Maps for the online version of our Zagreb map. 

 

Before You Go To Zagreb

• Zagreb is a walkable city…but only if you have the right travel shoes! Don’t forget to pack a pair of lightweight and comfortable walking shoes for your trip. I (Sarah) have traveled with these shoes by Columbia, Skechers and Reef. Kris prefers wearing these shoes by Merrell and Sanuk.
• We’re certain you’ll be snapping tons of photos during your trip. Rather than relying on your mobile phone to capture the sights, upgrade to an actual camera for higher quality photo. We travel with a Canon Rebel (which takes amazing photos, but can be a bit clunky) and a Canon PowerShot ELPH (which takes beautiful pictures, is slim and lightweight).
• It’s easy to get turned around in any foreign city…even Zagreb! Make sure to have a good city map and/or guidebook before arriving and your favorite Day Bag to carry everything on your everyday essential travel list!
• If you haven’t already obtained travel insurance for your trip, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.

 

Start planning your trip to Croatia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing!  Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning page for more information and tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides page!

 

Planning A Complete Croatia Itinerary? Great! Be sure to read our detailed guides to Rovinj, Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar, Makarska and Sibenik! Looking to do some Croatian Island Hopping? We’ve got you covered for the best things to do on Hvar, Korcula, Vis and Brac!

 

 

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