Photo: MariaK / inlandia.com

Nature park so close to the Zagreb Center

Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia, is proud of having a protected area on its doorstep – Medvednica Nature Park. There are not many capitals with this privilege.

A green Medvednica Mountain with its fortress Medvedgrad and 1.030-meter high peak Sljeme is watching over Zagreb. It is just half an hour from the city center away. 

The nature park is heavily forested. The diversity of forests on Medvednica is incredible. It resulted in as many as eight special forest vegetation reserves: sessile oak, hornbeam, sweet chestnut, beech, Pannonian beech, fir, maple, ash, and pubescent oak. There are 91 strictly protected plant species. On the location of Krumpirište, there is an impressive yew tree over a thousand years old.

The animal world used to be a lot more diverse in the past, but today there are roe deer, wild boar, and smaller carnivores such as wildcats, foxes, martens, and weasels. 24 bat species are living in the park, and seven of those are listed as Natura 2000 species.

On Medvednica we recommend visiting the Cave Veternica, one of the longest caves in Croatia with over 7km of discovered channels. The first habitants were present here 45 thousand years ago when the cave was used by the Neanderthals.

Another tip to visit is the Zrinski Mine, a Middle Ages silver mine located in Miner’s Garden, close to the Mountain Lodge „Grafičar“. The mine started to operate in the 16th century and was owned by the Croatian noble family Zrinski. It is the only mine in Croatia open to the public. The legend speaks of secret passages connected with Medvedgrad Fort and St. Mark’s Church in the Old Town of Zagreb.

There are many mountain creeks on Medvednica with really freshwater.

The highlight of Medvednica is, of course, Medvedgrad, a medieval fortified town above Zagreb built on a hill 593 meters above sea level in the 13th century, providing a spectacular view of the capital city.

Recommended accommodation and activities on the slopes of Medvednica:       Aparthotel Snow Queen

Hiking tours:

1. Horvat's 500 Stairs Hiking Tour | Length 20 km | Difficulty level: challenging | Duration: 10 hours. | The most beautiful hiking trail on Medvednica. Very attractive because of stone stairs made by human hand, many small caves, chasms, and impressive viewpoints.

PRICE: 49 € per person.

2. Brestovac Sanatorium Hiking Tour | Length 6.5 km | Difficulty level: moderate | Duration: 7 hours. | Hear the tragic story about the curse sanatorium - a place that is 'besieged' by the souls of slain soldiers and one beautiful lady from the beginning of the 20th century.

PRICE: 42 € per person.

3. Leustek Hiking Trail | Length 6 km | Difficulty level: easy | Duration: 7 hours. | The trail is named after forest ranger Albin Leustek who wanted to make a hiking trail accessible to everyone.

PRICE: 42 € per person.

The price includes a licensed hiking guide who has an excellent knowledge of Medvednica Mountain.

Minimum persons to start the trip: 2.

What to bring: water, proper hiking shoes, rain jacket in case of cold weather, hiking poles (optional).

Would you like an individual hiking tour in the company of an experienced hiking guide? Contact INLANDIA. We will be happy to organize an unforgettable hiking experience in Medvednica Nature Park!