Warmer weather motivates us to spend more time outdoors and to move more, and be active. After spending time in fresh air, we feel better and more productive. Zagreb offers many opportunities for recreation in nature. Whether you like running, hiking, or you are more prone to cycling; you can find ideal locations for recreation and recharging your batteries.

Image credit: J. Duval, TZGZ

Where to go? 

The most popular locations for running are Jarun lake, Bundek, Maksimir Park, and Sava embankment. It's not difficult to find them, and running in these locations is fun for both Zagrebians and tourists. You don't need to worry whether you will like the listed locations or not; we're sure you will.

Jarun is known for its lake, which you can circle around by running on the main road, which is 6.3 km long. Jarun is often a place for various races and half marathons, so runners are no strangers here.

Image credit: Lice grada

Bundek, which we can call mini Jarun, is also well known among runners. The trail around the lake is 1.6 km long, which is excellent for beginners who are trying to enter the world of running. 

The Sava embankment is probably the most popular place for running in Zagreb, which means that it can sometimes get crowded, for example, in the spring when all running schools start. The trail around the embankment - the trail around the Sava Bridge and the Youth Bridge - is 8.6 km long. It allows shorter sections, such as the 2.2 km long Sava Bridge - Freedom Bridge route or the 1.9 km long Freedom Bridge - Youth Bridge route, which is excellent for beginners to start their running experience slowly, with shorter distances. 

Maksimir Park is also indispensable as probably the most beautiful location of all the above. It's perfect for an escape from the city center, and while you run, you are surrounded by a beautiful forest that protects you from the sun during the summer. It can also get crowded here due to various running schools and running groups that can often be seen during the warmer months. Here you can choose between 7 trails of different lengths, from 1 to 6 km.

Image credit: Lice grada

If you want to explore Zagreb further and run like a local, the SightRun app is the perfect way to explore all the locations that may interest you, allowing you to get to know the city better. While running, you can listen to exciting stories about Zagreb, and this app can serve as your little personal guide - both for the city and for running.

Image credit: Lice grada

And what if you don't like running?

Don't worry, running is certainly not the only way to be active and enjoy nature in Zagreb. If you prefer hiking, you can't leave Zagreb without visiting Zagreb's Medvednica mountain. There you can find a mountain trail with different levels of ascent waiting for you, which enables a pleasant walk through nature, but it can also serve as a new challenge if you decide to take on the trail with a more vigorous ascent. At the end of the climb, the top of Medvednica, Sljeme, awaits you, after which Zagrebians call the mountain. Numerous hiking trails lead to the top, which are marked and can help you on your Sljeme adventure.

Image credit: J. Duval, TZGZ

Cycling through the city

Another great way to enjoy nature and explore the city is on a bike. If recreational cycling is your choice of outdoor physical activity, we suggest these few routes that can also serve as inspiration for trips during warmer days.

Image credit: J. Duval, TZGZ

The Sava cycling route is not so demanding, especially for experienced cyclists, but it is undoubtedly beautiful enough for a trip. It starts at the fishing lodge on Lake Rakitje, which can be reached from the city center, and on this route you will be welcomed by the natural beauties of the Sveta Nedelja lakes, the Sava River, the Sava-Strmec Ornithological Reserve, and you can enjoy the scenery with light and pleasant cycling.

Image credit: M. Gašparović, TZGZ

Also, in the beautiful Nature Park Žumberak not far from Zagreb, there are four organized bike trails that together form a route of about 200 km, so if you are adventurous and want to test your limits and at the same time enjoy the beautiful nature, this route is perfect for you. Of course, you don't have to go out of the town to enjoy cycling. All the routes we have listed for running can be explored during a pleasant ride on your bike. The most important thing is to enjoy nature and everything it can offer, don't you agree? :)

Header image credit: Lice grada

Author: Ivona Kezić