To get the full value of joy you must
have someone to divide it with.
MARK TWAIN
In love
Winter
romance
The Varaždin Advent Festival could also be called “Advent as it once was”. From the many Advent festivals throughout Croatia, Varaždin manages to add the romance and diversity, yet still remain not overly crowded. Unlike the bustle of concerts and other winter-themed experiences perfect for selfies and aromas wafting from endless food stalls, at its core Advent in Varaždin is an intimate romantic event, free of the unbearable crowds and tailored to really enjoy the charms of a Varaždin winter.
Advent
Everlasting love
As you know on your travels, Europe has romantic places where you can “lock your love” with a padlock – symbolising the everlasting bond between two people in love. You can also do this in Varaždin. However, here you are doing something more. With these small locks you are building something more than hope for the longevity of your love. Your everlasting love becomes a piece of art called Krinolina ljubavi (Crinoline of Love), hidden in the very centre of the city.
Intimate promenades
The small intimate area of Varaždin’s historic core is adorned with a surprisingly large number of parks, gardens and promenades. The greenery facing the colourful Varaždin facades is simply perfect for a relaxing wander. Nevertheless, during one of the many Varaždin festivals and events, the deep shade under the trees transforms into a feel-good party zone – where literally anything is possible!
Hidden spots
The public life on city streets also has its hidden side. These are the intimate spaces of Varaždin’s city courtyards, once hidden behind the large doors of entrance lobbies, and nowadays often open for exploration. City courtyards are places where the public life of the city meets the intimacy of its inhabitants, and modern Varaždin revives them as spaces for relaxation, socializing and creativity.
Hidden spots
In the middle of Kranjčevićeva Street is the most famous hidden corner of the city. Julian’s Garden is also a place for socializing, a drink or two and hosting small events, as well as an intriguing mini-museum of old memorabilia and furniture, which perfectly complements the enthusiastic spirit of the owner.
Revealed behind the monumental street door of the Varaždin County Palace is a large and well-kept courtyard – kept under close watch by an elegant bust of Empress Sissi. The yard is always beautiful, but during some of the frequent events it hosts, most of which have a gastronomic flavour to them, it really takes on a special glow.
In the middle of Kranjčevićeva Street is the most famous hidden corner of the city. Julian’s Garden is also a place for socializing, a drink or two and hosting small events, as well as an intriguing mini-museum of old memorabilia and furniture, which perfectly complements the enthusiastic spirit of the owner.
Revealed behind the monumental street door of the Varaždin County Palace is a large and well-kept courtyard – kept under close watch by an elegant bust of Empress Sissi. The yard is always beautiful, but during some of the frequent events it hosts, most of which have a gastronomic flavour to them, it really takes on a special glow.
Museum of Angels
As you walk through Varaždin, pay close attention to the little things – you won’t regret it. It is not easy to look up at all the city’s beauties, but it certainly pays off. In all sorts of unexpected places, you can spot small, cute, well-meaning creatures. We are talking about magical and sweet little angels who look at you favourably from hidden places under the rooftops, from the windows as well as from a real Angels’ Place (Anđelinjak). Look for them yourself! Interested in why angels chose Varaždin as the place they go to sleep? Visit the Museum of Angels where the magic will be revealed.
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Gastro
To što možda niste čuli za „varaždinsku gastronomiju“ samo je dokaz da ljudi ovdje u hrani toliko uživaju da ne stignu pričati o njoj. Varaždin se nalazi u središtu područja poznatog po finim, zasitnim i moćnim jelima s puno mesa, umaka, raskošnih priloga i sezonskih namirnica, a gastro užici nisu potpuni bez izvrsnih, uglavnom bijelih, vina iz okolice koja uključuje i Međimurje. Varaždinska gastro scena razvija se u smjeru iskonskog hedonizma, bez obzira tražite li kutak za romantičnu večeru ili mjesto za nešto „ozbiljniji“ gablec.
Klipič
Varaždin’s klipič (with “č”), at first glance, a rather “ordinary” bread stick made of soft leavened dough. This is actually an indispensable, everyday part of Varaždin’s identity. Whether enjoyed on the way to work, on the way home, with coffee, breakfast or as an evening snack, klipič is as much a part of Varaždin as the Old Town, the City Hall or Špancirfest. Enjoying klipič is the first step if you really want to feel like a local in Varaždin.
Grofica Marica (Countess Marica) cake
The famous operetta “Countess Marica”, with one of her most famous musical numbers which mentions Varaždin, inspired the decoration of the cafe of the same name on Varaždin’s central square called Korzo. That’s not all. It also inspired the creation of an authentic Varaždin cake. The cake is somehow even more delicious, having a bite on the terrace overlooking Korzo.
Coffee with a view
The people of Varaždin choose their cafe not only based on the quality of their coffee, but also on their terrace view. The spectacular view of the Old Town in Miljenko Stančić Square, the view of the elegant City Hall tower on the Korzo Square or the view of one of the palaces in Franciscan Square (Franjevački trg) make enjoying coffee (with klipič or something sweet) a true Varaždin experience.
Klipič
Varaždin’s klipič (with “č”), at first glance, a rather “ordinary” bread stick made of soft leavened dough. This is actually an indispensable, everyday part of Varaždin’s identity. Whether enjoyed on the way to work, on the way home, with coffee, breakfast or as an evening snack, klipič is as much a part of Varaždin as the Old Town, the City Hall or Špancirfest. Enjoying klipič is the first step if you really want to feel like a local in Varaždin.
Grofica Marica (Countess Marica) cake
The famous operetta “Countess Marica”, with one of her most famous musical numbers which mentions Varaždin, inspired the decoration of the cafe of the same name on Varaždin’s central square called Korzo. That’s not all. It also inspired the creation of an authentic Varaždin cake. The cake is somehow even more delicious, having a bite on the terrace overlooking Korzo.
Coffee with a view
The people of Varaždin choose their cafe not only based on the quality of their coffee, but also on their terrace view. The spectacular view of the Old Town in Miljenko Stančić Square, the view of the elegant City Hall tower on the Korzo Square or the view of one of the palaces in Franciscan Square (Franjevački trg) make enjoying coffee (with klipič or something sweet) a true Varaždin experience.
