Countryside Getaways
Zagreb’s green and tranquil countryside is there to save the day, and there are plenty of getaway options. For those who are not in the mood for sports activities and one on one with nature, and don’t want to give up some commodities, the solution lies in something we call seosko domaćinstvo, also known as agritourism to some. Basically, it’s a combination of a farm and a simple rural restaurant, sometimes including lodging as well. It’s surrounded with nature and designed to make you forget about the bustling city and recharge your batteries. Of course, everything revolves around homemade local food and produce.
“Kezele, one of the most popular family farms in Zagreb’s wider surroundings” Image credit: Kezele
Visitors, especially families and groups, take a day trip to one of these establishments not further than an hour’s ride from Zagreb. And you can really find them all over the city’s green belt. The idea is to relax with your loved ones for a few hours and enjoy a big and long traditional meal with a few drinks. This is also a great opportunity to taste some “real” food and learn where it actually comes from. Of course, you can always engage in additional activities like sports, cycling, hiking or helping on the farm. Still, most people are just happy lying or sitting in the shade, listening to the sounds of nature and feasting. When your host provide genuine heartfelt hospitality on top of all that, spending a day at a rural tourism establishment is an experience to remember.
“The old watermill, after which Majsecov mlin was named.” Image credit: Majsecov mlin
To name just a few of the farm holiday destinations and restaurants around Zagreb, let’s start with the area west from the city, in the hills around Samobor. Slavagora is a small family farm that becomes restaurant on weekends. Kuzmanović family will offer you excellent homemade food and their own wine, with an unbeatable view from the terrace. Their breaded chicken drumsticks will take you back to childhood. You can also help out with the harvest! A bit futher up from the city of Zaprešić, Dva potoka rural restaurant is a popular spot, attracting the kids with a petting zoo and large garden, and their parents with hearty Zagorje style dishes. On the northern side of Medvednica Mountain, already deep in Zagorje region, Grešna Gorica is one of the first agritourisms in north-western Croatia. Located just across the beautiful and recently renovated medieval Veliki tabor castle, it’s a fairytale kind of place popular among families with children. Order a roast duck with mlinci pasta in advance. In the centre of Zagorje, Majsecov mlin is famous for beautiful surroundings and excellent cooking.
“Buffet lunch at a family farm restaurant is one of the best value-for-money meals known to mankind.” Image credit: Taste of Croatia
East of Zagreb we move to regions of Zelina and Moslavina. Ljubekov gaj is a rural restaurant and winery in the heart of Zelina’s wine country. In the south-east, near Ivanić-Grad, all roads lead to the amazing and ambitious Kezele Family Farm, one of the pioneers of agritourism in continental Croatia. Here you really have it all, and their “Moslavina table” buffet on weekends is legendary. If you take the roads south from Zagreb and reach Lonjsko Polje wetland, a protected nature park, Ravlić Family Farm is one of the best off-the-beaten-path country retreats. Apart from preserving the tradition and heritage of their region, they are also focused on preparing delicious homemade food.
“Cooking is done in the old-school way and in front of you” Image credit: Taste of Croatia
See? Choosing the countryside around Zagreb over the crowded seaside resorts can turn into a very smart decision. With so many hard-working families dedicated to giving you warm welcome and amazing times, your weekends or holidays can take a new turn. There are many great hidden places out there, so go and explore!
“Eating out with a view of Veliki tabor castle.” Image credit: Grešna gorica
Header image credit: Taste of Croatia
Author: Taste of Croatia