Central Croatia

Central Croatia is the area lying in the valleys of the rivers Sava, Drava and Mura. Visiting it means getting to know the continental character of the country, see the lowlands that are so ideally complemented with mellow hills and mounts the slopes of which are mostly covered with vineyards, walk the forests of oak, beech and other deciduous trees, visit medieval burgs, castles and manor houses.

Have you always longed for a holiday away from the summer heat and the vibrant atmosphere of the Mediterranean in an idyllic, green and hilly environment with ancient woodlands, vineyards and rivers? Do you favour the tranquil and soothing atmosphere of the mainland, where romantic medieval towns, summer homes and manors dot the countryside? where thermal springs, health spas and places of pilgrimage beckon? In that case, you should set out to the north of Zagreb and enjoy the blessings offered by Central Croatia.

Heritage

Central Croatia is a region of romantic medieval fortresses, pilgrims’ monasteries and castles where the most famous is Trakošćan – which today has been turned into a museum. Asides from being the most baroque town in Croatia, Varaždin with its carefully arranged parks and important monuments of garden architecture, there is also the Varaždin graveyard whose white cedar trees are shaped as partitions and arcades, and were influenced by Versailles in Paris. Ludbreg is also in this region, which has the famous Eucharist “proštenište Predragocjene krvi Isusove” [Sanctuary of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus], and a little further away there is the Croatian Marian sanctuary of Maria Bistrica. The town of Lepoglava is a place that is equally famous for its lace and Pauline order who built a monastery and church with wonderful frescos.

Gastronomy

Start with cow’s cheese and cream, then have some traditional Podravina cheese called Prge together with a slice of Samobor salami and spicy Samobor mustard. Then for your main dish eat a plate of turkey and pasta tatters. In Zagorje, try “hajdina kaša” [buckwheat mash], “kukurznu zlevku” [corn cake], “vrbovečka pera” [cheese pastry] and “Varaždinske klipići” [Varaždin rolls]. The most famous sweet of this region is without a doubt the Samobor kremšnita [custard cake] that goes very well with the Samobor bermet liqueur whilst the Graševina and white Pinot wines are very good.