Croatia Guide: All you Need to Know about Zagreb’s Medvednica Mountain
In the last couple of years, Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, has joined the ranks of Europe’s most popular cities to visit. And, it is the way Zagreb lives outdoors that makes travelers fall for it. It could be a simple pleasure of lounging at a city park and dining alfresco, or joining a buzzier city strip with festivals rolling in all year round. But what Zagreb separates the city from other “urban” areas is its proximity to the Medvednica Nature Park, just north of the center: a perfect spot for adventurers.
Medvednica Mountain guards Zagreb, like a fairy godmother. Throughout the centuries city folk thrived on its abundance of spring water, firewood and food from nearby villages. Today, the mountain is about leisure, not livelihood. For locals, hiking is a favorite weekend pastime, but also the essence of their identity. The nature park, which covers nearly 70 square miles and is criss-crossed with hiking trails. The central part around Sljeme hilltop (3,395 feet) teems with mountain huts known for excellent home cooked food and great views.
Zagreb’s quick and easy access to the Medvednica forests is a luxury few capitals have. But it is also why people rarely spend there longer than half a day. Still, with many nature and manmade landmarks the mountain merits at least an overnight trip.
Natural Wonders
The defining feature of Medvednica is its verdant and exceptionally diverse forests. The thick centenary woodland begins at the foot of the mountain. You’ll be transported completely by the time Sljeme hilltop comes into view. Most trails are lined by the beech trees with smooth glittery bark. But many other species are sprinkled between, such as oak, chestnut, hornbeam, linden and yew.
Water is another natural gift on Medvednica. There are springs and streams around every bend. Though hikers are usually advised to bring water, locals love to fill their bottles at the springs. One of the nicest water displays on the mountain is Sopot Waterfall where Vrapcak brook spumes and cascades from a 20-foot rock.
This western side of Medvednica also hides one of Croatia’s most unique paleontological sites: Veternica cave. Today, the cave is known as home to 18 species of bats which hibernate inside its canals. But during a visit, a licensed guide shares more stories of its intriguing past. Bones and fossils found on site are proof that a cave bear, a cave leopard and other beast once lived here.
Some 1,200 feet of Veternica’s length is lit with atmospheric yellow lamps. But for city people, the top experience is witnessing complete darkness. This happens when the guide turns the lights off to demonstrate how bats use echolocation to move around.
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