Zagreb, Croatia’s vibrant capital, sits at the heart of a green inland region dotted with medieval castles, spa towns and rolling wine hills. Unlike the Adriatic coast, Central Croatia feels more Middle European, think baroque town squares, wooden country houses and forested hillsides. Yet, it’s just as rich in history, culture and good food.
Base yourself in Zagreb and it’s easy to explore the wider region on relaxed day trips by car, bus or organised tour, from fairy-tale Trakošćan Castle and baroque Varaždin to the Neanderthal heritage of Krapina and the café-lined streets of Samobor.
One of my favourite Central Croatia day trips was driving out from Zagreb to Trakošćan Castle, winding through small villages and green hills that felt a world away from the city. Walking around the castle and its lake, I was surprised by how peaceful it was and how well-preserved the interiors were, almost like stepping into a quiet, fairy-tale version of Croatian history.
Zagreb & Central Croatia at a glance
Central Croatia is Zagreb’s green backyard, a region of castles, spa towns and vineyards that feels worlds away from the busy coast, yet is usually less than two hours from Zagreb.
- Best for: Castles and baroque towns, countryside day trips, thermal spas, food and wine, year-round city breaks.
- Where to base: Stay in Zagreb for the best choice of hotels, restaurants and transport, then explore nearby towns on day trips or short overnights.
- Highlights: Trakošćan Castle, Varaždin Old Town, Krapina Neanderthal Museum, pretty Samobor, spa towns and the green hills of Hrvatsko Zagorje.
- Trip length: 2-3 days in Zagreb plus 1-3 days for day trips is ideal for most travellers.
- Good to know: Prices in Zagreb and inland towns are generally lower than on the Dalmatian coast, and the region is easy to explore by car, bus or guided tour.
For a broader overview of the country, including the coast and islands, see our main Croatia Travel Guide.
Why visit Zagreb & Central Croatia?
If you only know Croatia for its islands and beaches, Central Croatia shows you a different side of the country. Here you’ll find baroque architecture, storybook castles, rivers and forests, thermal springs and small towns where life still moves at a gentler pace.
Zagreb itself is a lively, café-filled capital that makes a great base, while the surrounding region is packed with easy day trips, from castle-hopping in Hrvatsko Zagorje to tasting local wines and traditional dishes in family-run restaurants.
I like to combine Zagreb with the countryside by spending 2 days in the city (Upper Town, museums and Dolac market), then adding 1-2 days exploring nearby favorites like Samobor, Trakošćan Castle and the rolling vineyards of Plešivica. That way you get cafés, culture and street life first, then slow it down with short scenic drives, small towns and wine-tasting in the hills before heading on to the coast or Plitvice Lakes.
Best places to visit in Central Croatia
Zagreb
Croatia’s capital is the natural starting point for exploring Central Croatia. Wander the cobbled streets of the Upper Town, ride the tiny funicular, visit museums like the Museum of Broken Relationships and and enjoy the park-filled Lower Town and its café culture.
Use our dedicated Zagreb attractions guide, plus practical pages on Zagreb travel information and day trips from Zagreb, to plan your stay.
Samobor & the Žumberak Hills
Just west of Zagreb, the small town of Samobor is my favourite local escape with pastel-coloured houses, a ruined hilltop castle and the famous cream-cake dessert, kremšnita. From here you can head into the forested Žumberak hills for hiking, viewpoints and quiet villages.
Varaždin & Trakošćan Castle
North of Zagreb lies elegant Varaždin, often called “Little Vienna” for its baroque palaces and charming Old Town. Nearby Trakošćan is one of Croatia’s most photogenic castles, perched above a forest-ringed lake and surrounded by walking trails.
On one of my own visits, I spent a day combining Varaždin’s baroque old town with an afternoon at Trakošćan, touring the castle interiors and then walking the trail around the lake. It wasn’t for a specific festival, but the mix of elegant city squares in Varaždin and the storybook feel of Trakošćan’s castle-on-a-hill made it one of the most memorable day trips I’ve done in northern Croatia.
Hrvatsko Zagorje & Krapina Neanderthal Museum
Hrvatsko Zagorje is the hilly region north of Zagreb, known for vineyards, traditional wooden houses and thermal springs. The standout attraction is the modern Krapina Neanderthal Museum, which brings prehistoric life to vivid, family-friendly life, paired with an important archaeological site in the surrounding hills.
Spa towns and vineyards of Zagreb County
Zagreb County wraps around the capital and is dotted with small spa towns, vineyards and pilgrimage sites. It’s ideal if you want an easy countryside escape with leisurely walks, local wine and hearty traditional food, all within comfortable driving distance of Zagreb.
Highlights of Central Croatia
- Storybook castles: Visit Trakošćan Castle and Varaždin’s Old Town for fairytale towers, moats and baroque palaces.
- Prehistoric heritage: Learn about early humans at the Krapina Neanderthal Museum and its nearby excavation site.
- Café culture & nightlife: Enjoy Zagreb’s busy squares, streets like Tkalčićeva and a full calendar of events and festivals.
- Green hills & spa towns: Relax in thermal spas, stroll vineyard-covered slopes and explore quiet villages just outside the city.
- Easy day trips: Base in Zagreb and use the excellent network of buses and roads to reach most highlights in under two hours.
When to visit Central Croatia
Central Croatia is a genuine year-round destination. Spring and early summer (April-June) bring mild temperatures, green hills and fewer crowds, making this an excellent time for sightseeing and countryside day trips.
July and August are warmest and busiest, especially in Zagreb during major events and open-air festivals, but you’ll still find peaceful spots in the surrounding hills and spa towns.
Autumn (September-October) is ideal for vineyards, harvest events and colourful foliage around castles like Trakošćan and towns such as Varaždin and Samobor.
Winter can be cold, but Zagreb’s famous Advent in Zagreb transforms the city into a festive destination with markets, lights and ice rinks.
Money & prices: You’ll generally find better value for accommodation and dining here than in popular coastal resorts. Coffee in local cafés, set lunches and simple hotel stays can be noticeably cheaper than on the Adriatic, especially outside peak summer. Prices do change, so always check current rates when booking. As a rough guide, everyday costs in Zagreb and inland towns often feel 10–20% lower than in the busiest Adriatic hotspots, especially outside peak summer.
How to get to Central Croatia
Zagreb Airport is the main gateway to Central Croatia, with regular flights from many European cities. From the airport you can reach the centre by taxi or the frequent airport shuttle bus to the main bus station.
Zagreb is also Croatia’s main transport hub, with excellent bus connections and train services to other Croatian regions and neighbouring countries.
Getting around the region
For maximum flexibility, renting a car in Zagreb makes it easy to link several castles and towns in one trip, using the modern motorways and well-signposted local roads.
If you prefer public transport, many popular destinations can be reached on day trips by bus from Zagreb, or as part of organised tours that combine sites like Trakošćan Castle and Varaždin.
Within the city, an efficient network of trams in Zagreb and local buses connects the main bus and train stations with the centre and residential neighbourhoods.
Top 5 things to do in Central Croatia
- Castle Trakošćan - Explore one of Croatia’s most beautiful castles, set above a forested lake with walking paths all around. Inside you’ll find period-furnished rooms and a small museum; outside, the views from the ramparts are fantastic.
- Krapina Neanderthal Museum - Discover one of Europe’s most important Neanderthal sites through immersive, modern exhibits that are ideal for families. Combine the museum with a short walk around the nearby excavation area in the surrounding hills.
- St Mark’s Church in Zagreb - Admire the colourful tiled roof and historic square in front of Zagreb’s most iconic church. It’s easy to visit while exploring the Upper Town and nearby attractions in our St Mark’s Church guide.
- Old Town Castle of Varaždin - Wander the moat and grassy ramparts of Varaždin’s Old Town and step into a baroque Old Town that feels frozen in time. The city is especially lively during festivals and summer events.
- Špancirfest in Varaždin - Time your visit for this popular street festival and you’ll find music, performances and stalls spilling through Varaždin’s streets, making the most of its elegant historic backdrop.
Zagreb & Central Croatia FAQ
Is Zagreb and Central Croatia worth visiting?
Yes. Zagreb offers lively café culture, museums and historic streets, while the surrounding region is full of castles, spa towns and green hills. It’s also generally less crowded and more affordable than the coast, making it perfect at the start or end of a Croatia trip.
How many days do you need for Zagreb & Central Croatia?
Plan at least 2-3 full days in Zagreb, plus 1-3 days for day trips into the countryside. That gives you time for the main city sights, one castle-focused day (Trakošćan and Varaždin) and one more relaxed day around Samobor, Krapina or a spa town.
Do I need a car to explore Central Croatia?
A car gives you the most flexibility, especially for smaller villages and spa resorts, but you can still see a lot by bus or organised tour. Popular places like Varaždin, Krapina and Samobor can be visited on day trips using public transport or guided excursions from Zagreb.
What is the best time of year to visit?
Spring and autumn are ideal, with comfortable temperatures and colourful countryside. Summer is great for festivals and long evenings but can be hot in the city, while winter is all about Advent in Zagreb and cosy spa breaks in the surrounding region.
Is it cheaper than the Croatian coast?
In general, yes. Accommodation, everyday meals and drinks in Zagreb and inland towns often cost less than in popular Adriatic resorts. You’ll also find good-value local restaurants and traditional taverns once you head into the countryside.