Day trip to Croatian Zagorje from Zagreb

Kumrovec – Ethnological Museum ”Old Village” Kumrovec is a protected rural area. It is an open-air museum ”in situ” with preserved authentic farmhouses from the 19th and 20th century. There are around 40 preserved objects with historical and ethnological exhibits. Entering the village, it feels like stepping into history. Part of the village is also the birthplace of Josip Broz Tito, Yugoslavian president, one of the leaders of the Non-Aligned Movement. Although the houses are part of the museum, surrounding residents give the home village the vibrancy and a sense of the past in the present.

Krapina – A city whose history dates back to 130 000 years ago. It was celebrated by a famous paleontologist Dragutin Gorjanović Kramberger by finding Neanderthal remains which located Krapina on the world map. The city was built under the medieval fortress with a rich history. It was often named as the favorite city of Croatian kings. Every place in Zagorje has its own legend and Krapina is associated with the legend of Čeh, Leh and Meh and glorious trilikum.

Trakošćan Castle – the moment your eyes see the white walls and towers surrounding the castle you will think that you are a part of a true fairy tale and you will anxiously climb up to the castle entrance. The castle was built in the 13th century as a part of the defense line against the Osman Empire and with time became an architectural pearl of this area. It is still a mystery how it got its name – was it a Thracian fortress named Arx Trachorum or was it the ownership of the Drachstein knights. Today it is a museum containing original castle furniture and armory collection.

Veliki Tabor is one of the best preserved medieval and renaissance fortified towns in Croatian mainland. The architectural forms, techniques and methods of construction prove that Veliki Tabor originates from the 15th century. It is not clear whether the Counts of Celje built Veliki Tabor, but it is known that they possessed it in the mid-15th century. Family Rattkay built a part of the castle during the 16th century and it remained in their possession until 1793.g. There are many legends associated with the castle and the most popular are those related to Veronica Desinic.

Kumrovec – Ethnological Museum ”Old Village” Kumrovec is a protected rural area. It is an open-air museum ”in situ” with preserved authentic farmhouses from the 19th and 20th century. There are around 40 preserved objects with historical and ethnological exhibits. Entering the village, it feels like stepping into history. Part of the village is also the birthplace of Josip Broz Tito, Yugoslavian president, one of the leaders of the Non-Aligned Movement. Although the houses are part of the museum, surrounding residents give the home village the vibrancy and a sense of the past in the present.