Tuesday, 22 September 2020

Works on Sljeme Cable Car Continue Despite Pandemic Woes

September the 22nd, 2020 - When it comes to attractions on offer in the bustling Croatian capital, there's no shortage of things to do. For those of us who live in the city, being in the midst of it all and yet also being surrounded by nature provides an ideal balance. Sljeme, which towers above the city, offers everything from hiking opportunities to skiing in the winter. The Sljeme cable car will be yet another addition under Zagreb's belt.

As Poslovni Dnevnik writes on the 21st of September, 2020, the much anticipated Sljeme cable car is in its final phases of construction, with the new  ‘Sljeme Cable Car’ sign now having being placed at what will more than likely become an extremely popular site for both locals and visitors.

Let us remind you that the Sljeme cable car will be five kilometres long, it will have 84 cabins which will boast ten seats each. 1500 passengers will be able to be transported in one hour, and the ride to the upper station should take 16 minutes, at a speed of 20 km/h. The route of the new Sljeme cable car will be illuminated, covered by video surveillance and an audio system, while the cabins will be equipped with heated seats, lighting, wireless internet (Wi-Fi) and the preparation of installations for video surveillance.

The lower station building will be equipped with underground garages on two floors, with more than 200 parking spaces. The price of the Sljeme cable car in total stands at a massive 535 million kuna, and the price of one ride for citizens will be around 50 kuna. The first rides for citizens are expected from November the 1st, 2020.

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Monday, 21 September 2020

Zagreb Streets Friendly For Feet - It's European Car Free Day Tomorrow

ZAGREB, September 21, 2020 - Residents and visitors to the Croatian capital will tomorrow learn how Zagreb street life was historically, as the city centre banishes almost all vehicles for European Car Free Day

What would Zagreb's residents of the past think of the city if they saw it today? The Croatian capital's boundaries now extend many kilometres into the surroundings, the huge Sava river is no longer any impediment to travel. The people of the city now live on both sides. Skyscrapers score the sky and well over half a million people can be seen on its streets, roads and highways.

Apart from the size and the unfamiliar building materials, the biggest shock would probably be the speed of the city. Buses and cars race down multiple-lane avenues and trams take you into almost every neighbourhood you'd want to visit.

Agram,_Capital_Palace,_with_Maria_Statue,_by_Fernkorn,_Croatia,_Austro-Hungary-LCCN2002710734.jpgKaptol, Zagreb in 1905, when almost every day looked like European Car Free Day

Tomorrow, Zagreb will return to a pace more familiar to former inhabitants as the city observes European Car Free Day. Motor vehicles will be banned from much of the city's centre between 8 am and 8 pm.

The area of the city centre observing European Car Free Day has the following boundaries; Trg bana Josipa Jelačića - Jurišićeva - Palmotićeva (western edge) - Boškovićeva (northern edge) - Hebrangova (northern edge) - Gundulićeva (eastern edge) - Ilica (northern edge) - Mesnička (eastern edge to Streljačka) - Mesnička - Demetrova - Ilirski trg - Radićeva - Trg bana Josipa Jelačića.

These streets form some of the oldest parts of Zagreb. Long have they been trodden by the pedestrians to whom they'll return tomorrow. Those travelling into the centre by car must park on the outskirts and take public transport into the heart of the city. Trams, taxis and buses will operate as normal.

1280px-BASA-142K-1-488-1-Zagreb.jpegCars began to be seen more regularly in Zagreb during the first half of the 20th-century. Not so much a European Car Free Day as a Croatian Tram Free Day - the city's famous tram network wasn't nearly so developed back then. The first city in Croatia to have trams was actually Osijek, who introduced a horse-pulled tram network in 1884.

The observance of car-free days is actually over 65 years old, although originally they were introduced in response to oil crises, not for environmental reasons. The more modern reason for having such days is to return city streets to pedestrians. Car-free days have taken place independently in European nations since the mid-1990s, and it 2000 they became aligned on the fixed date of 22 September. European Car Free Day is also a car-free day in many other countries outside of Europe, although this continent is the only one to currently observe it throughout its boundaries.

All uncredited photos lie within the public domain.

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Monday, 21 September 2020

Zinfandel Wine Harvest Held on Terrace of Esplanade Hotel in Zagreb

September 21, 2020 - Do you know any city center hotel in the world that have their own vineyard right on their own terrace? I don't. But I might be mistaken. Anyway, the terrace of the legendary Esplanade Hotel in Zagreb, however, holds a minuscule vineyard and they have proudly presented the first (limited, of course) edition of the 2019 vintage of their very own Zinfandel.

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In fact, they initiated this project a few years ago with the legendary Croatian winemaker Vlado Krauthaker who gave his vines to the hotel as a gift. Last week, a small group of journalists and friends of Esplanade, had the honour and great pleasure to taste the bottles of this precious wine, and to help pick the grapes of this year's vintage.

"I remember the beginning of the collaboration with Esplanade...it started 20 years ago," said Vlado Krauthaker while reminiscing about how it all began when he started selling his highly esteemed wines to the hotel. It is not by chance that Zinfandel is also the name of the hotel's restaurant, one of the best fine dining restaurants in Zagreb, with chef Ana Grgić at its head.

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"It is obvious now that the idea of synergy between the hotel, fine dining, and winemaking was a good idea indeed," said Krauthaker, proudly presenting the bottles.

The 2019 vintage is characterized by deep red colour and great taste of raspberry, ginger, rosemary, and a hint of garlic with the smokey tobacco-like finish. I am convinced that true wine lovers will recognize the quality of this wine. Limited edition of Esplanade's own Zinfandel 2019,  with a specially designed label, will be listed on Esplande's wine list and will be available to the restaurant guests for 430 kuna a bottle.

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"It took years of scientific research and to prove that Zinfandel actually comes from these parts," said prof. dr. sc. Edi Maletić from the Agricultural Faculty, University of Zagreb.

Esplanade's restaurant is called Zinfandel after the varietal that was taken from Dalmatia to the USA a long time ago.

"It is exactly why it represents the interconnectedness of the cultures that meet in this hotel, in this restaurant and in our country, Croatia," said Max Krizmanić, the hotel's general manager, and one of the people most „responsible“ for this project.

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He also said: "We are all extremely happy that it actually turned out to be top-quality wine. There are not many bottles available, but the ones that are, should be tasted and drank as soon as possible. This was also a perfect occasion for the media representatives to taste the new autumn menu created by the Zinfandel's chef Ana Grgić, and it is safe to say that they were more than delighted by the dishes served. They will be on the menu from the 29th of September, and they are nothing but delicious.

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"The autumn menu is inspired by the season – and all the excellent ingredients that it offers – like corn, truffles, chestnuts, mushrooms...but I am also very proud of our own pickled vegetables because we have done it all by ourselves," said chef Ana Grgić.

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All the vegetables come from small farms, but so does the meat like for example duck that comes from the famed Varaždin OPG Orehovec and goat cheese from OPG Moravec. For all who prefer steaks, there will be Kagoshima Wagyu steak on the menu, too. Desserts are numerous and tasty, main ingredients being orange, rhubarb, tangerine, chocolate and exquisite corn ice cream. 

Last but not least, welcome sparkling wine that was served at the very beginning was also Krauthaker's sparkling wine Julia. Official mineral waters for the occasion were Acqua Panna & S. Pellegrino. 

Photos: Esplanade Hotel Archives

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Tuesday, 22 September 2020

Embracing the Great Outdoors: a New Angle for Zagreb Tourism

September 22, 2020 - Sometimes a simple idea changes the perspective entirely: a look at Zagreb tourism and the Great Outdoors. 

This has been the most challenging year ever for tourism globally, and the focus for many tourism officials has been on survival rather than innovation. 

A very notable exception to that, as I have written before, has been the Zagreb tourism strategy, which did much to promote all aspects of the city during lockdown and then in the wake of the devastating earthquake on March 22. 

But one idea, which was so simple and obvious, was launched as a joint effort by the city and county Zagreb tourism boards a couple of months ago - a new platform of discovery for guests called Around Zagreb

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It is probably the most innovative - and simplest - official tourism ideas of the year, and one that is certainly timely in this increasingly socially distanced world. With the reality that we are going to have to learn to live with the virus, tourism activities away from crowds and confined spaces are now much more in demand. Such activities Zagreb has in abundance, especially when the tourism offer is combined with the rich experiences to be found on the city's doorstep, in surrounding Zagreb County. Promote the Zagreb Great Outdoors, both within the city itself and in the green lungs around it. Plenty of healthy fresh air away from the masses with plenty of activities to choose from. 

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(Zagreb Tourist Board - D. Rostuhar)

The idea of looking at Zagreb as an outdoor destination is one that had never really occurred to me before. To me, city visits are about visits to museums, exhibitions, cathedrals, followed by exploring the vibrant nightlife.

But looking at Zagreb as an outdoor destination for a three-day visit, the experience is entirely different, and there is plenty to see and do to get the vibe of the Croatian capital. 

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(Photo credit Zagreb Tourist Board)

Walking tours are an obvious way to discover a destination, and the selection on offer in Zagreb in recent years is exceptional. The historic Upper Town is undoubtedly the most charming part of the centre, small group and private tours are available to unlock its secrets. And there are also various quests now available to keep the interest of the younger generation. From an evening ghost or witches tour to sleeping dragons and other legends, centuries of the city's rich history are revealed. Head back in time to 19th-century Zagreb, to the Nikola Tesla generation of innovation, or learn about the badass historical women, whose incredible contributions in a male-dominated society helped shape the city. 

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You will not be walking around long before you notice the relaxed nature of the way of life here. Indeed, Croatia truly is the lifestyle capital of Europe. And if there is one thing which symbolises the Croatian lifestyle the best, it has to be... 

Coffee. 

And the cafe lifestyle. 

Zagreb's cafes are legendary. Places for socialising, business meetings, curling up with a book, or simply people watching and watching the world go by, the Zagreb cafe experience is an essential part of any visit. And once you have sat down once, it will not be long before you get into the swing of this more gentle way of life. So try it and enjoy - you are on vacation after all!. 

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(Zagreb Tourist Board - J. Duval)

A great place to start if you are looking to find the heartbeat of the city is Dolac Market, just about the main Ban Jelacic square. Here you will find the freshest flavours available, a way of life which has existed for centuries, and rituals and socialising that go far beyond a simple food purchase transaction. 

Zagreb is a very green city, increasingly popular with cyclists, which is a great way to get around. The city's parks are divine at any time of year, but the falling leaves of autumn give them a special aura. Maksimir is a joy to escape the bustle of city life, with the botanical gardens are a natural deilght. Bundek and Lake Jarun are popular haunts to escape the crowds, and for those with less time in the centre, the Lenuci Horseshoe comprising 7 green spaces in the shape of a horseshoe, is an excellent way to explore the lungs of city life. 

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You have heard of a treasure hunt, but have you ever been on a planet hunt? One of Zagreb's more unusual (and popular!) attractions is the Zagreb Solar System and its Grounded Sun and Nine Planets. The Grounded Sun installation has been a Zagreb feature for almost 40 years, but the sun got some galactic company back in 2004, when Denis Preis decided to install all the planets according to their relative size and distance from the Grounded Sun, all at different angles, to reflect them revolving around the sun. Even if we gave you the addresses of each, they are not all easy to find due to their size. Where else in the world can you discover the entire solar system without leaving a city?

A good first day exploring, now reward yourself with a terrace view in a cafe, wine bar of craft beer bar, sit back and enjoy that gorgeous lifestyle. The Zagreb region has excellent wines (the city itself has a small wine road), and the Croatian craft beer revolution is exploding. Your waiter will be more than happy to make the appropriate wine and craft beer recommendations. 

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(Zagreb Tourist Board - J. Duval)

Ask a Zagreb local where they go for the Great Outdoors, and they will point you to the north - Sljeme. The mountain offers some astonishing views over the city and is a cycling, hiking (and, in winter) skiing paradise. Escape the summer heat in those cooler climes, and if you really want to turn native, follow the locals into the forest and take part in a much-loved activity - mushroom hunting. There are some great restaurants on Sljeme with large terraces, the perfect place to recuperate after your physical exertions while trying the freshest local seasonal produce. 

This, perhaps, is as far out of Zagreb as tourists might have gone in pursuit of the Great Outdoors, but the new Around Zagreb website gives a wealth of new opportunities, some of which I was completely unaware of after writing about Croatian tourism for almost a decade.

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(Zagreb Tourist Board - J. Duval)

Truffle hunting just outside Zagreb? Seriously? 

Not only truffles. The Green Ring around Zagreb has a treasure trove of authentic experiences and insight into the traditional way of life of yesteryear. Never been to a pumpkin festival? Croatian communities like to celebrate what they grow, and food festivals creatively promoting the local speciality are common in Croatia.  Head to Ivanic Grad, for example, for the annual pumpkin festival in September, accompanied by the local grape variety, Srklet, which is considered a rising star in this land of 130 indigenous grape varieties. I never expected to be drinking a pint of pumpkin beer, for example, as I did on my last visit to the festival. It was delicious. 

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Bird-watching, horse riding, nature parks, golf, wine-tasting, hiking, cycling - there is an activity and magical experience in the Green Ring to satisfy every visitor. And as you head back in the city for an inevitable cafe stop for a coffee, beer or glass of wine, stop by and pick up some roasted chestnuts to warm the soul and inhale the aroma of Zagreb in autumn and winter. 

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(Zagreb Tourist Board - M. Gasparovic)

Wonderful flavours, experiences and sights. And we haven't been inside once!

To learn more about Zagreb, the Great Outdoors destination, learn more of what you can get up to in and around the capital on the official Around Zagreb website

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(Zagreb Tourist Board - J. Duval)

This article was sponsored by the Zagreb Tourist Board

Monday, 14 September 2020

Minor Earthquake Jolted Zagreb on Sunday, EMSC Said

ZAGREB, Sept 14, 2020 - A minor earthquake jolted Zagreb, measuring 1.9 on the Richter scale, shortly before midnight on Sunday, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said.

The earthquake occurred at 11.55 pm and had its epicenter eight kilometers northeast of Zagreb, the EMSC said.

The Croatian Seismological Service later said that the earthquake measured 2.2 on the Richter scale.

This was yet another in a series of minor tremors that had occurred since March 22 when a magnitude 5.5 quake struck the capital, leaving extensive property damage and fatally injuring a girl.

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Monday, 14 September 2020

Flights to Croatia: British Airways Cancels Zagreb in October, TAP Portugal Returns to Capital

September 14, 2020 - The latest news for flights to Croatia as British Airways cancels Zagreb in October, TAP Portugal returns to the capital in 2021, and Lufthansa operates 14 fewer flights than in August.

Croatian Aviation reports that British Airways has made changes to its flight schedule for October, and there was a further reduction on the London Heathrow - Zagreb line.

As announced earlier, British Airways operated its last flight on the London-Zagreb route on September 6 and withdrew all flights until the end of this month. Until a few days ago, the company again offered daily flights on this route from October 1, though passengers were advised to wait to purchase tickets on these flights because they could be canceled, which has now happened.

British Airways has canceled all flights until the end of October on this route, and the company will not operate to Zagreb for the rest of this year's summer flight schedule.

However, a change has been made that leaves the possibility of returning to the winter flight schedule. Namely, from Sunday, October 25, the company offers direct flights on the London Heathrow-Zagreb line four times a week, every Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Flights on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays are in the afternoon, while the flight on Fridays is announced in the morning. A320 aircraft have been announced on the route.

Regular aircraft traffic on this route will depend solely on the booking status and the yield itself. British Airways offers return tickets on this route from the end of October for less than 700 kuna, and just a year ago, it was almost impossible to find a direct flight between Zagreb and London for such an amount.

Once again, the company failed to achieve satisfactory business results on this line in September. The question arises about how this will then be possible in the winter flight schedule when demand is significantly weaker than the summer months. Thus, further flight cancellations on this route and the complete withdrawal of British Airways from Zagreb by the spring of next year is possible.

Furthermore, Croatian Aviation reports that the Portuguese national airline TAP has announced its flight schedule for the 2021 summer season. The Lisbon - Zagreb line is being re-introduced!

Namely, TAP Portugal has announced its new routes for next year's summer flight schedule, and Zagreb is among several destinations. The company already operated regularly on the line Lisbon - Zagreb, but it was discontinued in March 2016.

Flights on the line Lisbon - Zagreb have been announced since the beginning of the summer flight schedule, on March 28, 2021, and will operate three times a week, every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Tickets are already on sale on the airline's website.

Departure from Lisbon is planned for 8 am, with arrival in Zagreb 2 hours later. A319 and A320 aircraft with a capacity of 144 and 174 seats, respectively, have been announced on the route.

Croatia Airlines operates seasonally on this route, but this year, due to the pandemic's impact, the route was not in operation. TAP Portugal is the first airline to announce a new route to Zagreb Airport for next year's summer flight schedule.

Finally, Croatian Aviation reports that German Lufthansa has reduced traffic to four Croatian airports, and the same number of flights was retained only to Zagreb. We bring you the current flight schedule for September.

Lufthansa will continue to operate to five Croatian destinations until the end of September; Zagreb, Pula, Zadar, Split, and Dubrovnik, but certain departures were canceled on almost all routes. Compared to August, the company will have 14 fewer flights a week to Croatia.

The Frankfurt - Dubrovnik line will operate twice a week until the end of September, on Saturdays and Sundays, one flight less per week than August (flight canceled on Wednesdays).

The Munich - Dubrovnik line operates 4 times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The flight was canceled on Saturday.

The Frankfurt - Split line operates 3 times a week, every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. The flight was canceled on Friday.

The Munich - Split line will operate 4 times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, until the end of September, while the flight is canceled on Fridays.

The Frankfurt - Pula line operates 2 times a week, on Fridays and Saturdays. The flight was canceled on Monday.

The Munich - Pula line operates once a week, on Saturdays. The flight was canceled on Sunday.

The Frankfurt - Zadar line operates twice a week, on Saturdays and Sundays. The flight was canceled on Wednesday.

The Munich - Zadar line operates once a week, on Saturdays. The company retains the same number of flights as in August on this route.

The Munich - Zagreb line operates 5 times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Lufthansa kept the same number of flights on this route as in August.

The Frankfurt - Zagreb line is not in operation, and the company does not plan to launch it until the spring of next year. On this route, flights are operated by Croatia Airlines, and Lufthansa has them on sale thanks to a code-share agreement between the two companies.

The Frankfurt - Zadar line operates twice a week, on Saturdays and Sundays. The flight was canceled on Wednesday.

The Munich - Zadar line operates once a week, on Saturdays. The company retains the same number of flights as in August on this route.

Until the end of September, Lufthansa will offer 48 flights a week on its nine routes to Croatia, or 14 fewer flights than in August this year. The company has not yet finalized its flight schedule for October, but it is to be expected that there will be further cancellations on the routes to the mentioned airports.

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Monday, 14 September 2020

The Garden Brewery Celebrates Sale of 3 Millionth Can

September 14, 2020 – Zagreb craft ale specialists The Garden Brewery celebrate the sale of their 3,000,000th can with a competition to win a year's supply of brilliant beer

Summer hasn't quite gone as planned for anyone in 2020. Some of The Garden Brewery team expected to be spending much of the season on the coast in Tisno. Set up in part by the team that ran The Garden Festival, for them, it should have been another summer of music, dancing, and welcoming thousands of international visitors to the many festivals they host on their site near Murter island. But, all of the festivals were cancelled.

Right at the start of the Coronavirus outbreak, the Garden Tisno festivals faced the unknown and some tough decisions. By mutual agreement with the site, it was decided to put the health and safety of visitors and staff first and cancel all of 2020's events. But, The Garden Brewery is no longer reliant on festival-goers to buy their beer. Just four years into their beer-making operations in Žitnjak, Zagreb, the beer is now exported to 26 countries on three continents. In the past week, they have sold their 3 millionth can of beer.

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Despite the hit of Coronavirus, their business has actually grown by 40% in the past year, necessitating the expansion of their production facility in Zagreb (they are installing a new canning line to aid capacity). They currently have over 20 full-time staff at The Garden Brewery – mostly Croatian - and have so far made over 80 different kinds of beer. In 2019 the brewery was named 'Best EU brewery' by Beer 52, a UK-based home delivery subscription service for craft beers. It's the largest of its kind in the world and over 400, 000 public votes were cast in the competition.

To celebrate the milestone of its 3millionth can, The Garden Brewery is giving ale fans the chance to win a year's supply of beer for them and a friend. 24 beers will be delivered each month, for 12 months, to the winner and their nominated friend. To enter the competition, you just need to sign up for The Garden Brewery's monthly newsletter here

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Friday, 11 September 2020

Act on Post-earthquake Reconstruction of Zagreb and its Environs Passed

ZAGREB, Sept 11, 2020 - The Croatian parliament on Friday adopted the act on the post-earthquake reconstruction of Zagreb and of Krapina-Zagorje and Zagreb Counties, with 124 parliamentary deputies supporting the legislation.

A total of 138 parliamentary deputies participated in the voting, and ten abstained from it, while four voted against.

In the 151-seat parliament, apart from deputies of the 76-strong ruling majority, also some of the Opposition lawmakers voted for the act.

Four parliamentary deputies who are self-isolating voted via video link, which happened for the first time in the Croatian legislature.

Under the act, the government will provide 60% of the funding for the structural reconstruction of private buildings, while local government units and owners will each contribute 20%.

Property owners whose monthly income does not exceed HRK 4,000 and those whose property was worth less than HRK 200,000 on the day of the earthquake will also be entitled to free reconstruction. This will also apply to disabled Homeland War veterans, disabled persons, and welfare beneficiaries who receive maintenance support.

The owners of the property which will be reconstructed under this scheme are not allowed to sell it within five years upon the rebuilding.

The government is supposed to inform the parliament once a year about the process of reconstruction under this act.

26,000 buildings damaged in the 22 March quake

The March 22 earthquake has been the most destructive in the last 100 years and it claimed the life of a young girl in downtown Zagreb.

The damage caused is estimated at HRK 86 billion, which is about 60% of the state budget and surpasses anything Croatia has experienced.

Some 25,000 buildings were damaged in the City of Zagreb, 510 in Zagreb County, and 409 in Krapina-Zagorje County, or nearly 26,000 buildings in total. About 1.5% of them are public buildings and 98.5% are privately owned.

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Thursday, 10 September 2020

Anniversary of Croatia's Worst Airplane Crash over Vrbovec in 1976

Thursday, 10 September 2020 – On this day in 1976, the explosion above Vrbovec was not just Croatia's worst airplane crash, it was the deadliest mid-air collision the world had ever seen

That summer there had been a heatwave. Although European holidays were not as standard as they are now, some of the 54 passengers on board the British Airways Hawker Siddeley Trident from London were no doubt looking forward to extending their good summer on this trip south to Istanbul. For the passengers of the other plane, 108 mostly-German tourists en route from Split to Bonn Cologne on a Douglas DC-9, this was the end of their vacation. They were headed home after rest on the Dalmatian coast. But, neither set of passengers would that day reach their destination.

The explosion above Vrbovec, just north-east of Zagreb on Thursday 10 September 1976 was not just Croatia's worst airplane crash, at the time it was the deadliest mid-air collision the world had ever seen. All 176 people aboard both aircraft were killed.


English language news footage taken in the aftermath of Croatia's worst airplane crash

The fault of the collision was a severely overworked, ill-equipped and understaffed Zagreb air traffic control. The ineffectiveness of their procedures that day had harrowing consequences.

In 1976, Vrbovec was known for its industry, its surroundings rich in agriculture. At the time of the crash – around 11.15am in Croatia - those working in the fields would have been thinking about coming inside to escape the glare of the sun and take lunch. The skies above them exploded before they could take that journey. Debris rained down over an area of 10 square kilometres.

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Plane wreckage, photographed by the Croatian media shortly after Croatia's worst airplane crash

Over 1000 locals were engaged in the fruitless search for the victims. All were dead. Small comfort could later be taken from learning that most had died instantly, at the moment the planes depressurized. The last five metres of the DC-9's left wing had cut through the Trident's cockpit and the front of the passenger compartment.

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The British Airways plane involved in Croatia's worst airplane crash © Mike McBey

Vrbovec was soon the destination for hundreds of journalists from around the world, not least Britain and Germany. News of Croatia's worst airplane crash had been reported within an hour of the incident. German families waited nervously at Bonn Cologne airport for relatives who would never come. The story had reached Germany. Their plane had not arrived. It took airport authorities another four hours to confirm that, sadly, it never would.

Near the town of Vrbovac today, in a countryside that remains very similar to that searched for survivors 44 years ago, a lasting memorial stands surrounded by trees, a permanent reminder of Croatia's worst airplane crash.

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A memorial to some of the victims, at Zagreb's Mirogoj © SpeedyGonsales

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Thursday, 10 September 2020

VIDEO: Zagreb and Zagreb County Developing Tourism with Destination Campaign

September 10, 2020 - Zagreb and Zagreb County are developing tourism with a new destination campaign and promotional video titled "Around Zagreb."

Two months ago, the Zagreb Tourist Board and the Zagreb County Tourist Board launched an excellent partnership, jointly promoting the capital and Zagreb's 'Green Ring' through a unique destination campaign under the slogan "Around Zagreb".

HRTurizam writes that as part of the destination campaign "Around Zagreb", a special promotional film was released that emphasizes greenery, staying in nature, recreation, and the rich cultural and gastronomic offer of the capital and Zagreb's green ring.

The producer of the film is Martina Milicevic, whose video "Zagreb Wine Story" / "Winetasting Path Home" won third place in the international video competition of the highest-circulation wine magazine Wine Spectator. It is a great step forward that the film was made in English with subtitles in Croatian, as well as that in the completed segments, the film's actors are foreign nationals, which cleverly and indirectly emphasizes that it is a modern and urban European city with more than interesting surroundings - and it wants to attract tourists from around the world. 

In the film, the narrator is again American Rob Reider, a five-time Emmy Award winner for his shows and music compositions, with whom TZGZ has already had a great collaboration in the film "Zagreb Loves You." 

"In the summer period of the campaign, notable results were achieved, so most visits to www.aroundzagreb.hr came from Croatia (40%), but also from the market where the campaign was conducted - from Slovenia (35%) and Austria, Germany, and BIH (25%). It is interesting to note that we are also recording the interest of Americans, although no special promotion has been done in this market. This certainly shows that the topics of nature and outdoor activities and active tourism are obviously of interest to the US market and represent a kind of guideline for future activities," says the Zagreb Tourist Board.

The joint campaign "Close to the city, Close to the heart" was created to create a year-round platform to promote the rich offer of the capital and its surroundings. In this sense, it is planned to address important markets throughout the year, and now represents an attractive autumn offer of Zagreb and its ring.

Explore the entire tourist story of Zagreb and Zagreb County at www.aroundzagreb.hr.

This is an interesting web presentation of the tourist offer, which consists of a simple and modern web solution, with ideas for excursions, calendar of events, gastronomy, ideas for excursions, and stories about what to do for three days… and all, of course, in several languages. There is also the Around Zagreb video series, which brings various stories about tourist facilities in Zagreb and Zagreb County and gives a personal note and extra motive for experiencing Zagreb County. 

This is a win-win, both for Zagreb and for Zagreb County. After all, tourists, like tourism, do not know our invisible borders of municipalities, cities, and counties.

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