Varazdin is one of Croatia's most beautiful cities, within easy reach of Zagreb for an ideal day trip. But how to get there?
Reading about an amazing tourist destination is one thing, but actually going to visit it is quite another, especially if you are a backpacker on a limited budget and with not so much time.
So many travel blogs talk about fantastic places without explaining how easy – or how hard – they are to reach.
One of the most popular day trips from Zagreb is the former Croatian capital, and gorgeous Baroque city, of Varazdin, which is about an hour from Zagreb, a short distance to travel for those looking for a little extra. If you are with car or organised tour, combining it with majestic Trakoscan Castle is an idyllic introduction to Varazdin County.
But how easy is it to get there without an organised tour? Surprisingly easy, and very affordable.
The quickest way of course, is by car, and if you have the luxury of your own transport, getting to Varazdin from Zagreb could not be easier. Simply follow the motorway signs east to the A3 motorway for Slavonski Brod and head out of Zagreb. After a few kilometres, you will see a turn to Varazdin. Follow it (it will include a motorway toll of 28 kuna) and 70km later, you will hit this delightful Baroque town.
Those without independent transport have the option of bus and train, and while there is a certain romance in train travel, if you want to spend the day sightseeing in Varazdin, the bus is the better option, as it is considerably quicker.
There are ten buses a day, and the journey time is about one hour and 40 minutes, along the old road, which runs close to the new motorway – also an option by car of course), and ticket prices vary from 59 to 81 kuna. The first bus leaves at 08:00.
There are considerably more buses going in the opposite direction, with the last two leaving at 20:00 and 22:45, providing ample time to get the most out a day in Varazdin. Varazdin Bus Station is a three-minute walk to the centre of the old town.
For some, however, the allure of the train is something to be experienced. The good news is that there are seven trains daily from Zagreb to Varazdin before midday. The bad news is that they take almost an hour longer than the bus on average. Check out the timetable via http://www.bahn.de/. Trains seem only to operate in the morning, with the last return train scheduled to leave Varazdin for Zagreb at 12:13, so if the train interests you, perhaps the best way is to arrive by train at your leisure, then take the faster bus home.
