As you start to walk on the way, the way appears.
RUMI
Explorer
Explore Varaždin
VARAŽDIN’S HAPPY CORNERS
There are seven seas, seven mountains, and equally – seven happy corners in Varaždin. Explore them all and meet the creative face of the city.
COFFEE AS AN EXPERIENCE
Coffee in Varaždin is far from just coffee. Depending on where you have it – your favourite ritual can always become a memorable experience.
SATURDAYS IN VARAŽDIN
Regardless of when you arrive, every day of the week is well worth a visit to Varaždin. However, the hustle and bustle vibe on Saturdays is an experience you won’t want to miss.
CITY LEGENDS
Events become stories, stories become legends, and legends become a part of every city’s DNA. Discover some of the most compelling legends of Varaždin.
Castles and
mansions
We cannot describe Varaždin as an island, but what we can say is – the city is fully connected to its wider surroundings. An area which boasts many natural and cultural attractions, including castles, fortresses and mansions that stand out as real gems. There are many of these old, magnificent buildings, featured throughout the county, and although not all of them have been renovated to their former glory, each one has its own vibe worth exploring.
Trakošćan
Deservedly, Trakošćan is one of Croatia’s most famous castles. Successfully renovated with a superb museum display, this unique castle is beautifully perched on a hill overlooking a lake, fully surrounded by deep forests. As if taken straight out of a romantic Disney fairytale. Equally, Trakošćan has a real fairytale history, as former owners, builders and tenants unravel the mysteries of whether there is a monster in its dark peaceful lake. A great destination for a pleasant cultural trip, a delicious day-out for foodies or hiking on Ravna Gora – where you can often spot paragliders taking-off to ride the skies.
Interestingly, close to Varaždin you can find several castles named Bela. The most preserved and most accessible is the so-called Bela II, assumed to be built in the first half of the 17th century. Found on the plain of the charming valley of the Bednja River, a ten-minute drive from Varaždin where its whiteness (and size) stand out in bright contrast to the surrounding greenery. Bela II is a delightful destination when exploring the surroundings of Varaždin, especially by bike.
Historic records of the Ludbreg Castle date back to the Middle Ages, owing its current Baroque appearance to the family whose name it bears. Traces of the once impassable defence moat supplied with water from the Bednja River are visible around the castle. An integral part of the complex is the Chapel of St. Cross which hosted a miraculous event due to which Pope Leo X declared Ludbreg as the shrine.
Ludbreg
According to at least two legends, the actual point of the centre of the world is located in the picturesque town of Ludbreg, worthwhile a visit, some twenty kilometres from the centre of Varaždin. In fact, Ludbreg is full of legends including the tale about the origin of its name. The town houses one of the most famous Croatian shrines, a modern ancient museum and the town itself encourages active tourism helping you to explore Ludbreg and its surroundings by cycling, hiking or walking. +Read more
Varaždinske toplice
A ten-minute drive over a hill will lead you to the oldest spa in Croatia. Thermal tourism in Varaždinske Toplice was developed by the ancient Romans who also built “Aquae Iasse”, and a particular aroma will lead you to the excavations of the Roman baths above the most abundant geothermal spring in the town centre. Varaždinske Toplice is widely known as an appealing town with a stretched history, an interesting museum and exciting events. Additionally, worth mentioning is on your way from Varaždin to Varaždinske Toplice there are at least two fabulous restaurants to stop for a tasty bite to eat.
Ivanščica
The highest “Zagorje” mountain is often said to be a kind of Mt. Blanc of north-western Croatia. Forested and covered in a network of marked hiking trails of varying difficulties and lengths, it has a great little mountain lodge at the top with lookouts offering magnificent views in every direction. This great hiking paradise is just a twenty-minute drive from Varaždin.
Nestled at the foot of Ivanščica is the historic town of Ivanec, intertwined with ancient Roman and medieval knightly routes, marked by legends and immortalized in stories. Stop at Friščić’s mill, and in addition to the loud clatter of the mill water wheel, enjoy the sounds of nature and the cascades – small running waterfalls of Bistrica that flow steeply towards Ivanec.
Nearby, you can find the medieval town of Lepoglava, the cradle of science and culture, best known for its unique and protected lace which, proudly has its own international festival unfolding every year.
