Nature Park Medvednica & Zagreb Old Town

Duration / level / type: 1 day / moderate / guided

Location: Medvednica Nature Park, Old Town of Zagreb

Price: 40,00 EUR per person (discounts for groups of 4 or more)

Highlights

Green forests of Medvednica Nature Park

Views to NW Croatia from Sljeme peak

Medieval Medvedgrad Castle

Old Town of Zagreb

From the Old Town of Zagreb, across medieval Medvedgrad castle to Sljeme peak 1031m (Medvednica Nature park), we shall learn about the story of Zagreb, hike through green forests of Medvednica, drink fresh water from mountain streams and taste local mountaineering cuisine. In the end, we will flavour it all with some great views to northwest Croatia from the top od Medvednica hill. A day of activity & variety on 2 feet!

Itinerary / 1 day

Meeting at the main Ban Josip Jelacic square at 08:00h in the morning. After a short introduction to the rich historical heritage of Zagreb town, dating back to 11th century, we head north towards Medvednica Nature park, making several short but interesting cultural stops on the way.

Our hiking goal of the day is Sljeme peak (1031m) – highest peak of Medvednica, situated some 4h-5h of moderate hiking from Zagreb center. On the way up we will learning about geology of the park at ‘Miroslavec Educational Trail’, taste fresh waters of Kraljevec mountain stream, feel the serenity of Medvednica forests and learn about flora and fauna of the park. We will also get a chance to absorb the historical vibe of Medvedgrad – a picturesque medieval castle, built in 13th century, after devastating Tatar invasions to the area.

Last part of the ascent takes us to Sljeme peak 1031m, from where we can enjoy some amazing views to the hills of northwest Croatia and sometimes even to the Alps of Slovenia! A sort of a ‘cherry on top’, before taking a local bus back to Zagreb. Of course, you will have a chance to taste some traditional food of the region in one of the huts & restaurants near the top.

Let’s hike & learn together!

Walking profile

Number of days walking: 1
Level: easy to moderate
Distance and duration: 14 km (8,7 miles) / 6h-7h (including cultural stops)
Terrain: occasionally steep but soft ground paths & some asphalt (Old Town)

WHAT'S INCLUDED
OPTIONAL SERVICES
ADDITIONAL INFO

INCLUDED
- Expert hiking guide (available in English, French, German & Croatian language)
- Daily public transport ticket (bus & tram at return)
- ‘Croatian energy pack’ – Croatian seasonal or dried fruits, nuts & chocolate
- Advice on purchasing sports & outdoor equipment in Zagreb, prior to the tour
SCROLL_TEXT

NOT INCLUDED
- Optional lunch at one of the restaurants near Sljeme peak
- Full guided tour of Old Town of Zagreb (after hiking program)
- Visit Dolac Greenmarket before the tour
- Rental of hiking poles & other outdoor equipment
For more info on prices see under ‘OPTIONAL SERVICES’.
- Full guided tour of Old Town of Zagreb (after hiking program) – 80,00 EUR (overall price divided among members of the group)
- Optional lunch at one of the restaurants near Sljeme peak – 8,00-15,00 EUR per person, depending on your preferences and dietary requirements (more info on request)
- Visit to Dolac Green market (07:15h-07:45h) with our guide, before the tour – a chance to buy some fruits, vegetables, cheese and other local products for the hike = 5,00 € per person
- Rental of hiking poles: 5,00 EUR per person
Eating & drinking
All breakfasts are included throughout. This program will give you a chance to taste the gastronomical variety of different Croatian regions – from the light Mediterranean cuisine in Biograd na moru and Starigrad to the strong cuisine of the green Croatian continent – everything from the sea and river fish, calamari and squids to the lamb and veal meat, potatoes, cheese, local grown vegetables and fruits.

Vaccinations and Visa
Visas are not required by the following nationalities: British and other EU countries, Nationals of Australia, New Zealand, United States and Canada. Other nationalities should check with the relevant authorities. There are no specific health risks.

Holiday style
This program is dedicated to nature lovers who like to do medium difficulty walks, usually up to a 12-13km distance, with an altitude difference of a maximum of 750m (mostly up to 500m). Trails vary from rugged rocky limestone terrains to dense forests and easy paths following the lakes and rivers of the national parks.

Some hiking experience is desirable, although anyone with a reasonable level of fitness can do the program.

If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us

Walking profile

Guides:

This is a self-guided holiday but if you want our expert local guide please contact us for details. More about our guides on https://vmd.hr/eng/about-us/our-guides/

Weather & seasonality
This tour takes you from the capital of Zagreb to the seaside through 3 National parks. 3 different climates will offer something for everyone. If you like green forest paths, or rocky mountains, beautiful beaches or walks in the big cities in this program you will find everything. Climate can be various but our tours are run in periods when the weather is usually stable, be sure to be ready for sun & rain. Warmer clothes for the Plitvice lakes and National Park Paklenica (depend on the date of traveling), but also a hat and sunglasses for the strong Adriatic sun.