Summer is in full swing, most Zagrebians are at the seaside, and empty Zagreb is a place full of great locations for recreation and sports. There are many options for spending time outdoors, but of course, some places are more popular for recreation and spending time in nature than others. If you lack the motivation to get started, or just want to be active during your stay in Zagreb, we have a few suggestions on what the city has to offer, and we are sure you will find something that suits you.

Image credit: Lice grada

The best locations to stay activef 

Zagreb is one of the greenest Croatian cities, and possesses a multitude of green areas that allow its visitors to enjoy the fresh air and stay in nature, but also engage in sports activities and outdoor recreation. Some of the most famous locations are certainly Jarun, Bundek and Sava embankment.

Image credit: Lice grada

Jarun is known for its beautiful lake, around which you can find a trail ideal for walking, running, cycling, or rollerblading. The track is 6.3 km long, which makes it a great location for a half marathon, so it has become a popular choice for runners. You can also find sand courts, where competitions in volleyball and beach handball are held, and the courts are free for use by recreational players who want to try out these sports and feel the fine sand under their feet. A good replacement for concrete pitches, don't you agree?

Image credit: Lice grada

Bundek is also known for its lake, which is smaller than Jarun lake, but not less important. The trail that surrounds it is 1.6 km long, which is significantly shorter than the trail around Lake Jarun, but it is still good enough for a pleasant walk, bike ride, or rollerblading.

Image credit: Lice grada

Both lakes, Jarun and Bundek, are located near the Sava embankment, which is one of the most common choices of Zagrebian runners, but it is also a great place for walking or cycling. In summer, we recommend that you head to the Sava embankment early in the morning or late in the afternoon, as the sun starts setting, because there is no shade that can protect you from the hot summer sun.

Don't like running? Try Nordic walking!

Another place worth mentioning is park Maksimir, as it is located outside the city center, and is also a frequent location for enjoying nature and sports activities. Apart from the various running schools that gather here, Maksimir is a frequent choice for a pleasant walk and Nordic walking, which has become popular in the last few years. These days you can hear more and more sticks scraping pebbles on the trails, and Nordic walking is a great alternative to a classic walk.

Image credit: Lice grada

If you don’t like running, and walking isn’t an interesting enough activity for you, hiking is a great choice. Apart from parks and lakes, Zagreb is also known for its mountain Medvednica, and its peak Sljeme. Zagrebians often choose Sljeme for hiking and walking on groomed trails. The rich treetops protect you from the sun, and the fresh mountain air allows you to take a break from the hot city asphalt.

We hope that this was motivating enough, and you will choose one of the locations listed above for an active stay in nature. Of course, these are not the only locations in Zagreb where you can do sports or be active, but we will leave it up to you to discover other locations. Love <3

Header image credit: Lice grada

Author: Ivona Kezić