Your autumn needs covered!
If nostalgia were a season, it would be autumn, don’t you agree?
And not the bad type of nostalgia that makes you sad and lonely, the nice kind, that makes you appreciate every single one of the ten thousand hues of leaves slowly falling from the trees, the smell of chestnuts, the crispy air at dusk, you know, the good stuff, that some of you might recognise as “Welcome, October” and “Sweater Weather” posts on Instagram, for example.
The stuff is pure poetry, everywhere you look around!
So, the weekend is near, and it looks like Saturday is going to be sunny, so use it and go wander around one of these autumn gems in Zagreb.
1) Mirogoj
Ok, this was a no-brainer. The park-cemetery of the Croatian Pantheon is gorgeous no matter the season, but the spectacular sight of arcades covered in colourful leaves are just glorious on a sunny autumn afternoon. Don’t get spooked by the fact that it’s a cemetery, yes, it is, but gloomy is one adjective that you can never link with Mirogoj.
Hop on ZET buses 106 or 226 from Kaptol and enjoy this wonderful autumn spot.
2) Maksimir
“She’s getting predictable,” you’ll say. Fine, it might be true, but Maksimir, the oldest public park in South-Eastern Europe, covering 1,000 acres and comprising five lakes will keep you occupied for hours. Not to mention that the ZOO is a part of the park, and that one of the best pizza places in town – Duksa – is just a few steps away, perfect for when you get tired and hungry of all the foliage galore.
Trams 4, 5, 7, 11 and 12 (direction Maksimir, Dubrava, or Dubec) will take you there.
3) Zelengaj
Google maps screenshot
A-ha! Bet you didn’t see this one coming. I stumbled upon Zelengaj completely by accident a few years ago and have been in love with it ever since. Located just a few bus stops from Britanski trg, you’ll love the winding roads meandering through the colourful woods.
Hop on ZET buses 103 or 138 from Britanski trg, get off at Bolnica Goljak and enjoy.
4) Tomislavac
Ok, Tomislavac and its stunning surrounding buildings of the Art Pavilion, Hotel Esplanade and the Main Railway Station are never not beautiful, but you can just feel the serenity of people sitting on the benches when you’re there in autumn. Pack a picnic basket, bring a blanket, and soak up the last rays of sunshine at one of the city’s most beautiful parks.
5) Sljeme and Medvedgrad
A medieval tower on top of a mountain overlooking Zagreb? What’s there not to love? The legends about the evil Black Queen will be even eerier during autumn dusk, and, if you’re a coward (like me) and don’t like scary stories, there’s always Sljeme, where you can hike, wander around, and have a great stew when you get hungry.
You can reach Medvedgrad by taking the 102 bus from Britanski trg and getting off at Šestinska crkva, and then walking along the hiking trail No. 12, or taking the 128 bus from Črnomerec, getting off at the last stop, and then walk to Medvedgrad.
You can reach Sljeme from Mihaljevac, by taking the 140 bus that will take you straight to Tomislavov dom mountain lodge.
