The rolling green hills of Zagorje hide two of Croatia's finest medieval castles — fairy-tale Trakošćan reflected in its lake and the pentagonal fortress of Veliki Tabor — plus the open-air ethnographic village of Kumrovec.
The Zagorje region north of Zagreb is Croatia at its most central-European — rolling vine-covered hills, baroque pilgrimage churches on every hilltop, and a string of medieval castles that were the strongholds of Croatian noble families for six centuries. The landscape is sometimes compared to Tuscany, but greener.
Trakošćan is the most photographed castle in Croatia — a romantic 13th-century pile perched above its own artificial lake, reflected perfectly in calm morning water. The castle interior is preserved as a museum of 19th-century aristocratic life, with original furniture, weapons and period rooms. A walk around the lake takes 45 minutes through forest.
Veliki Tabor, 25 km further west, is a completely different character — a severe 15th-century pentagonal fortress built for military defence, with massive round towers and a courtyard that contains a legendary story: a Croatian count is said to have had his beloved walled alive into the castle walls when her family disapproved of their relationship. Whether true or not, it makes Veliki Tabor one of the most haunting medieval buildings in the country.
Book in Advance
Popular in summer — we recommend booking 48 hours ahead. Contact us for same-day availability.
Private vehicle departs from your Zagreb hotel heading northwest into the Zagorje hills.
Croatia's most photographed castle — 13th-century fortress above its lake. Walk the lakeshore path, then explore the museum interiors.
Optional 20-minute stop at the Krapina Neanderthal Museum — world-class exhibits on one of Europe's most significant prehistoric sites.
Traditional zagorski štrukli (cheese pastry) and roast meats at a local farmhouse restaurant, surrounded by the green hills.
Remarkably preserved 15th-century pentagonal fortress. Climb the towers, explore the courtyard, hear the legend of Veronika of Desinić.
Open-air museum of 19th-century Croatian village life — original farmhouses, working blacksmith, traditional crafts demonstrations.
Scenic drive back through the Zagorje hills, arriving in Zagreb centre by late afternoon.
Tell us your date and group size — we confirm within 2 hours, 7 days a week.