While in Zagreb, visit Park Maksimir, a beautiful urban garden and one of the city’s largest green spaces. Its 781 acres (316 hectares) consists of broad promenades, lakes, lush meadows and woodlands. Established toward the end of the 18th century, Park Maksimir is based on the idea of an English country garden. It offers an idyllic setting for relaxed walks, picnics, wildlife spotting and enjoyment of a simple moment of tranquility in a quiet corner.
The park has two loosely defined areas. Start in the southwestern section, where networked paths intersect wide grassy lawns, placid lakes and a children’s playground. Find areas of thick forest in the northern section, which is often quieter. See a wide variety of plant species throughout, including alder, Douglas fir, hornbeam, oak and pine trees.
Appreciate the park’s collection of striking 19th-century buildings. Among these are the Bishop Haulik’s New Villa, Gatekeeper’s Cabin and the Gothic-style St. Juraj’s Chapel. Admire the 12-sided Echo Pavilion and the pyramidal-shaped Obelisk, erected to mark the completion of the park in 1843.
Don’t miss the Swiss cottage, based on the design of a Tyrolean house. Exhibits, such as old photographs and a scale map, provide educational information about the park’s evolution.
The park’s lakes and trees provide natural habitats for about 100 bird species. Spot great spotted woodpeckers, hawfinches, mallard ducks and several varieties of tits. Get close to everything from chimpanzees to leopards, lions and red pandas at Zagreb Zoo. The zoo is open daily. It has an admission fee and offers daily feeding shows.
Reach the park via a 20-minute tram ride from Ban Jelačić Square. The Bukovačka and Maksimir stations are both short walks from the park’s main entrance. Across the street from the entrance is Maksimir Stadium, which is the home of Dinamo Zagreb soccer club.
Park Maksimir is open daily and admission is free. Pick up information about the park and watch a short presentation about its history at the visitor center, located in the Gatekeeper’s Cabin.
