Are you a history fan? Want to know more about Croatian culture? How about experiencing the mystery and magic of Croatian Castles and going on a fairytale journey filled with medieval and Renaissance fortresses, Baroque estates, and historical castles? This is a unique way to immerse yourself in rich Croatian history and culture and travel 500 years later!
So, let's start this magical journey together and get lost in the most beautiful places in continental Croatia! We will start from a Baroque gem of northern Croatia, Varaždin, and end up in the heart of the Kopački rit Park. Trust us, these castles will steal your heart.
Trakošćan Castle
Location: 12 km northeast of Krapina, 30 km southwest of Varaždin, and 1-hour drive from Zagreb.
Located in the idyllic hills of Zagorje, not far from Varaždin, the Trakošćan castle is one of the most romantic places for a weekend getaway in Croatia. Built at the end of the 13th century as a small observation fort to monitor the road from Ptuj to the Bednjan valley, this beautiful castle has many interesting stories. After visiting the castle, take a walk through the enchanting meadow with the lake and the stunning view of Trakošćan Castle. There, among other things, you will meet autochthonous species of trees, such as oak and common hornbeam, as well as various exotic species. The castle looks beautiful every season, but we would especially like to point out the magical autumn when everything is dotted with golden-yellow colors. During winter, the lake turns into ice, and the castle and the park are covered with snow. For more information, click here.
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Veliki Tabor
Location: Hum Košnički
Another castle gem, not so far from Zagreb. Veliki Tabor will amaze you with its unique monumental and authentic fortification structure. At Mount Hum Košnički, Veliki Tabor's most impressive view stretches over the entire Hrvatsko Zagorje area. According to legend, this castle is part of a love story between Fridrik and Veronika. Fridrik was the son of the powerful Count Herman II. Celjski opposed this love. Fridrik and Veronika decide to run away, but they are soon caught. Fridrik is imprisoned in a 23-meter-high tower, Veronika is drowned, and her body is walled in the wall of Veliki Tabor.
Stari Grad Castle
Location: Varaždin
How beautiful is this medieval castle? Stari Grad's construction began in the 14th century and lasted almost five centuries, which means you can enjoy different styles of architecture, from Gothic to Renaissance. Here you can see collections of guild objects, beautiful furniture, historical portraits, weapons, paintings, porcelain, and glass from the daily life of the Varaždin nobility and wealthy citizens.
Mailáth Castle
Location: Donji Miholjac
This castle looks like it's from a Disney fairytale! It was built in 1818 for the aristocratic Prandau family, but in 1903 Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz Joseph asked for its expansion and renovation in the English Tudor style. As a result, the entire castle stands out with rich decorations in the neo-Gothic style.
Tikveš Castle
Location: Baranja
Tikveš Castle may be the youngest castle in Baranja, but that does not mean that it will not delight you with its appearance and surroundings. Surrounded by beautiful nature and forest, this castle was built in the 19th century by Duke Frederick of Habsburg in the spirit of romantic historicism. In the 20th century, the Karađorđević dynasty had the main castle built in the classicist style. There is a promenade and a beautiful park around the castle. Today, Tikveš Castle houses a museum.
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