This hiking holiday takes place in and around the Medvednica Nature Park just North of Croatia’s capital Zagreb. The park offers excellent hiking opportunities with many popular and well-marked routes.
Croatia is one of the top outdoor destinations in Europe. You’ll be able to do many charming hikes through Croatian nature and admire stunning views over the countryside, all at your own pace.
Also, Zagreb itself is a beautiful place to visit: a large city which managed to stay romantic and safe. There are many possibilities for visiting music and theatre events, art exhibitions, museums, sporting events and enjoying pleasant walks, interesting architecture, plentiful parks in the centre of the city, pedestrian zones and the atmosphere.
Accommodation in Medvednica Nature Park
Accommodation is located on Kamenitih Svatova Medvednica Nature Park, the birth place of August Senoa, a Croatian writer of short stories, poems and essays. Also there is a Croatian folk tale of a “Stoned nuptial”. According to a legend the nuptial is turned into stone by the grooms mothers curse who thought the bride was too poor for her son. The legend became famous thanks to the famous Croatian romantic writer August Šenoa who turned it into the poem called “Kameni svatovi” (“Petrified Nuptial”).
You are able to reach the top of Kamenitih Svatova from the accommodation by foot. It is approximately 45 mins. to the highest point by marked route. Along the way you can collect wild mushrooms and chestnuts, enjoy pure fresh air, nature and wildlife.
You’ll be staying in a charming 3 star hillside chalet with a view over the mountains of Medvednica Nature Park. The chalet is self-catering with a twin-bedroom, living room, kitchen, bathroom, balcony and games-room with snooker table. There’s a communal swimming pool you can use as well (depending on the season). Included in this holiday are evening meals and breakfast.
Walking in Medvednica Nature Park
Medvednica is a unique example of an almost fully preserved natural environment just out the back door of a large city. The mountain massif is covered by dense forests of beech, oak, and chestnut. It has a great history dating from prehistoric times when first human settlements appeared, and is a favourite destination for the citizens of Zagreb and their guests.
Clothing-wise, make sure you take light alpine equipment with you (appropriate low or high boots, soft-shell clothing, windstopper in case of bad weather, food and water).
In spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) there is a possibility of rain and wind but generally it’s very nice. In spring the nature is waking up in hundreds of colours while in autumn it is wrapping up in soft warm colours.
In Summer (June to August) it’s warm so shorts and a T-shirt are generally enough.
Medvednica Nature Park walking holiday itinerary
The itinerary below is an example only. Your host can make further recommendations based on your wishes and interests.
Day 1: Arrival – On arrival pickup can be arranged or alternatively hire car can be booked at the rate of approximately 20 GBP per day plus insurance – no mileage charge.
Day 2: Kamenitih Svatova – A relaxing stroll up the Kamenitih Svatova mountain to settle in. You can reach the top of the mountain from your accommodation by foot in about an hour. Along the way you can collect wild mushrooms and chestnuts, enjoy pure fresh air, nature and wildlife. From the top there are beautiful wide views across the surrounding countryside and often you meet a wild deer on the way as well.
Day 3: Sljeme – Sljeme is the highest peak (1033 metres) of the Medvednica mountains. The peak Sljeme (summit) is often used to refer to the entire mountain. The name Medvednica can be translated as “bear mountain”. It takes 2-3 hours by foot from the centre to reach the top. The walk back down should take about 2 hours. Enjoy the views and traditional restaurants on the way back (cheap too). Great views from the top on a clear day you can see the Alps very far into Slovenia and even the mountains into Hungary and towards the Adriatic coast. Sljeme is also a home to Veternica cave, a Croatian geomorphologic monument of nature. It is the longest cave in northern Croatia, inhabited by many faunal dwellers, including bats. An area in Medvednica is known as “Miner’s Garden” due to an abundant system of man-made corridors, dating from 15th century. Named after influential counts of Zrinski Family which financed them, these mines are 150 meters in length. Today, they are used as an underground museum of medieval mining, featuring dozens of worker statues. The atmosphere is also achieved by sounds of water dripping and pick blows which can be heard through the mines.
Day 4: Marija Bistrica – Marija Bistrica a town famous for its shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary and an attraction for pilgrimages both local and international for hundreds of years. People come here to pray, to listen to their hearts or to just take a break from everyday life. No matter if you are religious or not, this place will make you serene and peaceful. There is an “outdoor” church and behind the church is the Way of the Cross, a path leading up Calvary Hill, with 14 stations marked with works by Croatian sculptors. There is local regular transport by bus to Marija Bistrica (cost from 36Kuna to 58Kuna and takes about 40 minutes) on weekdays, reduced service on weekends.
Day 5: Plitvice Lakes and Waterfalls – Transport and guided tour can be arranged. Explore the biggest and, according to many, the most beautiful National park in Croatia. Graded as one of the top 5 waterfalls in the world, they consist of 16 lakes, all of which are connected to each other by many waterfalls. Enjoy hiking between lakes, beneath waterfalls and admire always changing colours of water. The biggest waterfall in Croatia Big Waterfall (78 metres) can also be found here. Approximately 1 hour drive from Kamenitih Svatova. During the high season it’s best to visit the lakes on a week day.
Day 6: Rest day – Explore the area around on foot or stay around the house to take a break.
Day 7: Samobor – About 20 minutes drive by car from Kamenitih Svatova – famous for Kremsnita cake and Bermut (similar to vermouth). Here you can do several short roundwalks: The pyramid at the top of Japetić, to the walls of the old town Okić, to the old town Tuščak, and from OŠ Rude (Primary School Rude) to Rudnik Sv.Barbare (the Mine of Saint Barbara) and then to Botanički vrt Suban (the Botanical Garden Suban).
Day 8: Departure
Dates and Availability
This self-guided hiking holiday is available from March to November and can start any time, subject to availability.
Please contact the holiday provider, through the contact form, for more information.
