Rural Tourism – A Weekend Well Spent
Of course, pleasant rustic interior and a spacious garden terrace are implied. It's peaceful, the atmosphere is cosy, there's often a play area for children, maybe a farm, and some animals. Accommodation facilities can be there, but aren't a must. This place falls into the category of rural tourism and we call it seosko domaćinstvo – rural household, literally. There's no exact English counterpart. Anyway, it's a perfect way to spend a relaxing “back to nature” kind of day, in a comfortable and no-fuss way.
Slika 1. “Rural retreat is all about relaxation and pampering yourself.” Image credit: Vuglec breg FB
There are plenty of different seosko domaćinstvo establishments to choose from in Zagreb surroundings nowadays. Not to be confused with ordinary restaurants, wineries and pubs, the pioneers of this type of tourism paved their way twenty-something years ago. At first, they received lot of sceptical reactions because almost nobody expected any kind of tourism in rural continental Croatia as long as there's the sea and the beaches. Yet, gradually they have gained attention and attracted a steady flow of customers, especially families from big cities on a day trip, roadtrippers or tourists looking for nice stop a on their way to the coast. The cursed summer of 2020 definitely proved all the potential of rural tourism around Zagreb. The number of options has really grown, ranging from fairy tale luxury to small secluded inns.
Slika 2. “The food is always a traditional feast.” Image credit: Taste of Croatia
Three big names, veterans that can be found in the area up to an hour's drive from Zagreb include Kezele in Moslavina region and Grešna Gorica in Zagorje. Kezele is an authentic farmstead with excellent local food and wines, surrounded by beautiful nature, with plenty of options for fun and relaxation. Grešna Gorica is also a family favourite, a simple and picturesque farm restaurant on a hill overlooking the famous Veliki Tabor castle. Well-known places like Vuglec Breg in Zagorje and Klet obitelji Bunčić on Martin Breg hill near Dugo Selo maybe started as rural tourism retreats, but definitely outgrew the initial concept, now offering a wide array of catering, accommodation and event planning services. Yet, you still feel the countryside atmosphere and everything looks like you're miles away from the city life.
Slika 3. “Everything around you should be in tune with nature.” Image credit: Kršlinov mlin FB
Among the more basic and hidden rural spots, we can mention Dva Potoka and Stara Preša west from Zagreb. Both are known for large quantities of tasty traditional food in a nice environment, while Dva Potoka also has a huge playing area for kids and a petting zoo. The area around Samobor, especially the hills of Žumberak, is a popular weekend getaway destination for the folks from Zagreb, so it must have some attractive seosko domaćinstvo places. Slavagora maybe doesn't offer that much fun for kids, but the food and the view from the terrace are all you need. Izletište Oslaković is a beautiful spot in a small village in the middle of Žumberak-Samobor Hills Nature Park. Kršlinov Mlin is a secluded little place on the border with Slovenia, an old watermill located on a stream full of delicious trout. Ključić Brdo in Vukomerić Hills near Velika Gorica is a huge complex right next to a forest, with plenty of possibilities for the whole family.
Slika 4. “And you can expect the company of well-behaved farm animals.” Image credit: Izletište Ključić brdo FB
And that's not all... We could go on, because the green area around Zagreb is just full of unspoiled rural retreats. Save a day to visit a seosko domaćinstvo, knowing that those two words stand as a guarantee for leisure and pleasure countryside style. It's also a really fun way to learn about the tradition of the area and reconnect with nature, at least for a day.
Slika 5. “Just sit back and take everything in would be the best advice.” Image credit: OPG Slavagora FB
Header image credit: Seoski turizam Kezele FB
Author: Morana Zibar / Taste of Croatia