Tag: Croatia

Samobor day trip

Post author By sean
Post date July 6, 2009

Take it easy

If you’re looking for a break from the faster-paced (but still pleasant) activities in Zagreb, take the bus or drive about 30-40 minutes to the small town of Samobor. There is a regular bus service every half-hour or so to and from Zagreb all day, and it is well worth the trip for the food and the walking paths. The town is situated in the middle of the mountainous Samoborsko Gorje. Because of this, Samobor offers visitors numerous hiking opportunities in lush forests and beautiful views at the top.

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What you’ll see

The town of Samobor recalls the Baroque period, and it has a long tradition of tourism. Boasting several covered bridges, a trickling brook and red-roofed houses, this pleasant little town is a great day venture. Samobor does become very popular and crowded in mid-February during its famous carnival, so if you’re planning on visiting then, make arrangements ahead of time.

What you’ll taste

While visiting, tourists should definitely taste some of the authentic dishes from the region. Order Rudorska greblica, which is a type of cheesecake prepared according to an ancient recipe. Another good option for a treat is Samoborske kremsnite, a flaky and custardy pastry cake. Traditional meals are also a good bet in Samobor. Try Pri Staroj Vuri near the main square and order Samobor’s famous sweet wine, Bermet, before your main course. Cafe U Prolazu and Café bar Ara are two establisments that come recommended. If you’re in the mood to cool off, try an Kaffe Eis (Ice Coffee), which is more of a milkshake, with whipped crème and icecream over espresso. Not the healthiest of choices, but you can burn off those extra calories with some hiking.

Where to stay

One day is certainly enough time to explore Samobor, but there are a few hotels and private accommodations available, and the price is reasonable compared to hotels in Zagreb. Hotel Lavica is a famous 3 star hotel on the outskirts of the city, while Hotel Livadic is a pleasant hotel in the town center. Garni Hotel Samobor is a comfortable and well-furnished two-star hotel in town.

Where to go

Visit the tourist office in the town square for a map of the area, and get lost in the peaceful forests across from the square. While hiking, you might happen upon the baroque church of the Ascension of the Virgin Mary, with beautiful baroque altars.

Castle ruins

Visitors might want to check out the ruins of the Samobor Castle, easily accessible by hiking a short distance from the town square. Supporters of Bohemian king Otokar Pøemisl II built the castle around 1271 on the hill above the town. In the year 1274, the castle was taken over by duke Ivan Okiæki. After that, the castle changed hands often, and the struggle for ownership and privileges lasted for three hundred years. The castle continued to deteriorate throughout this time, and in 1902, the town of Samobor bought the ruins. It is definitely worth the hike not only to see the ruins but also for the stunning view of the town and surrounding area. For those eager for even more information about Samobor’s history, the  Museum of Samobor is located in the Livadic mansion.

Though it touts plenty of natural beauty, Samobor also has a significant amount of ruins and artifacts from ancient times. The oldest artifacts found originate from The Stone Age, while more was dug up from Bronze Age, Iron Age and from the age of the Roman Empire. The area of Samobor was populated by Illyrian tribe of Iapodes. There are several other archeological sites in Žumberak hills, near the villages of Budinjak, Bratelji and Gornja Vas.

Tags Croatia, Samobor, Travel, travel guide

Croatia travel guide

Ancient castle ruins

Post author By sean
Post date July 6, 2009

Castle ruins in Zagreb

Among the many things to do and see in Zagreb, visitors can have an enjoyable few hours exploring the crumbled ruins of ancient castles. Hundreds of medieval castles are scattered across Croatia, and most are fairly decrepit. From Zagreb, you don’t have to travel far or pay a cent to find them—in fact, there are a few that are right beside the city. Most of the castles in this area were built to protect the city’s inhabitants from the Mongols. Later, most were expanded and renovated in order to defend against the Ottoman Turks. However, technological advances made the castles mostly useless by the 17th century. Some were destroyed during battles, and others were abandoned, but the castle ruins still provide visitors with a chance to see a slice of Croatian history. Many of the castles sit high on hilltops, providing tourists with a nice forest hike and a rewarding view at the top.

Medvedgrad ruins

Just north of Zagreb on the slopes of the Medvednica mountain range, visitors can explore two castle ruins within the city limits. Medvedgrad is visible from downtown about a third of way up the slopes of Sljeme Mountain.

Getting there

Visitors can reach the castle by driving, but if private transportation isn’t available, it is just as easy to take a bus. On bus number 102, visitors should get off at the “Blue Church” stop in Šestine. Walk along the paved road that runs up past the church cemetery towards the mountain. If walking, you’ll pass a restaurant on the right and follow signs for trail number 12, which will take you up to the forest and right to the castle. The hike up from the bus stop takes 35 – 45 minutes and is moderately steep in places. You can also drive to the castle in about ten minutes on the paved road. There’s a café in the restored section of the castle if you get a bit thirsty or need a snack. In the front, a monument dedicated to the fallen Croatian soldiers is worth a look. Walk around, enjoy the woods and maybe try a Kaffe Eis (Ice coffee).

Importance in history

The Medvedgrad fortress was built in the 13th century. The fortress was in a strategic location, and it was easily defendable during wartime. It took about 70 years to build, and over time, acquired several owners, including noble families. Croatian king Béla IV, who ruled from 1235-1270 was also one of the many owners, and was in power when the Mongols first invaded the area. Though defeated, he retook the castle when Ghengis’s son, Ogodei, died soon after the battle.

Susedgrad ruins—getting there

Susedgrad is another castle ruin in the city of Zagreb. It is located on the western edge of Zagreb on a low hill, and is 12 km west of the main square, Trg bana Josipa Jelačića. Visitors can reach the stop, Podsused, by following Ilica, the main east-west avenue. Many city buses also take you there, as well as the trams 2, 6 and 11—just get off at the western-most stop. Once you reach Podsused turn right off the highway right before you approach a VW dealer. Behind the dealer is the trail, which climbs through a wooden park. To reach the top of the low hill with the ruins, hike about 10 minutes. These ruins are less spectacular than Medvedgrad, but their proximity to the town square and the pleasant hike makes it worth the little journey. And if you’re in the market for a Volkswagon, well, you now know where to find one in Croatia.

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