Hike Croatia's Nature Parks and Winter Lakes

Discover three of Croatia's eight national parks and indulge in Zagreb's charming medieval centre. 3 days off work.

Get the best of both worlds as you visit the city of Zagreb and also explore its beautiful mountains. Experience firsthand the beauty of the Zagreb region as you explore the Medvednica, Žumberak and Plitvice Lakes National Parks in all their winter glory. You will spend your days hiking through the parks and summitting the two mountains, then in the evenings, you can explore the medieval city centre. This winter adventure includes:

  • 3 days of hiking
  • 4 nights of accommodation in a hostel
  • All breakfasts
  • Professional, local, English-speaking guide
  • Airport Transfers
  • Local Transfers
  • Tickets for FIS Snow Queen Trophy

Perfect for: This trip is perfect for active travellers who want a mixture of exploring (three) National parks, climbing two peaks and discovering the centre of Zagreb.

Need To Know

The following are not included in the trip price:

  • Flights to/from Croatia
  • Lunches and Dinners
  • Beverages
  • Accommodation before or after the trip
  • Room upgrade
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Tip for Guides (optional)

This trip will run with a minimum of 4 people, and a maximum of 14.

Please note, this trip may be rearranged or cancelled if fewer than 4 people are booked.

Sure can! A lot of people do, and it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Much Better Adventures are very social in nature and we’ve seen lots of new friendships born out of them. Expect a mix of solo travellers and very small groups of 2 or 3, all with a shared appreciation of escaping the city for the great outdoors to try something new and meet new people.

A reasonable level of fitness is required for the hiking. You will need to be able to handle up to 5 hours of hiking on up to 15% incline for this adventure.

As you’ll be staying in the capital city Zagreb, there is a wide variety of food for your dinners, most of which are international. At your hostel, you will have a Bar & Breakfast cafe where you can eat in the morning. This usually includes hot tea or coffee with fresh pastries.

Absolutely! Just let us know when you book onto this adventure.

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During the winter, the temperatures in the National Park can range anywhere from 10°C to -5°C but in extreme cases, temperatures can drop as low as -20°C. So don’t forget to bring some layers of clothing to keep you warm!

Your host recommends that you pack:

  • Layered Clothing
  • Winter Jacket
  • Hiking Jacket
  • A Hat
  • Scarf
  • Gloves or Mittens
  • Hiking Shoes
  • Thermals
  • Leg gaiters, an umbrella, and a headlamp are also useful but not necessary

Start point?
You will be met at the Zagreb Airport (ZAG) on Thursday. Your transfer will meet all flights scheduled to land by 12:00 or earlier. Your host will be in touch before the trip to finalize all details.

Finish point?
Your transport will drop you off at Zagreb Airport (ZAG) on Sunday and you are free to book any flight departing on Sunday after 12:35. Your host will be in touch before your trip to finalize details.

Getting there and away?
Zagreb Airport (ZAG) is served by regular, inexpensive flights, including well-timed flights on British Airways.

You can get any flights that suit you, but make sure they fit the times above to take advantage of the included transfers. Your host will contact you before you leave to check your arrival and departure plans.

For extra financial protection against unforeseen circumstances, such as erupting Icelandic Volcanoes, we recommend you book your flights using a Credit Card.

Location

View map

Zagreb, Croatia’s capital is located in Northern Croatia, close to the lower peaks of the Alps; this makes it a great starting point for easy and moderate hiking trips. While the city is charming in its own right, with medieval architecture and cobbled streets, it’s also known for its culture and gastronomy, as well as being home to Europe’s best Christmas market.

Croatia is also known for its stunning eight national parks, brimming with waterfalls, forests, and mountains. The jewel of which is the Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of the oldest and largest parks in Croatia. It has 16 crystalline lakes connected with a series of waterfalls and cascades.

Start point?
You will be met at the Zagreb Airport (ZAG) or Zagreb Center on Thursday. Your transfer will meet all flights scheduled to land by 16:00 or earlier. Your host suggests taking the flight landing at 11:45 so you’ll have plenty of time to explore the city of Zagreb in the afternoon. Your host will be in touch before the trip to finalize all details.

Finish point?
Your transport will drop you off at Zagreb Airport (ZAG) on Monday. You are free to book any flight departing on Monday after 12:35. Your host will be in touch before your trip to finalize details.

Getting there and away?
Zagreb Airport (ZAG) is served by regular, inexpensive flights, including well-timed flights on British Airways.

You can get any flights that suit you, but make sure they fit the times above to take advantage of the included transfers. Your host will contact you before you leave to check your arrival and departure plans.

For extra financial protection against unforeseen circumstances, such as erupting Icelandic Volcanoes, we recommend you book your flights using a Credit Card.

What to Expect

Thursday: Arrival

Your guide will meet you at Zagreb Airport, where you will be transferred to the hostel. Depending on your arrival time, you can spend the rest of the day walking around the city centre and seeing the sights.

In the evening, your guide will meet you to discuss the plans for the weekend.

Friday: Nature Park Medvednica

On your first full day in Croatia, you will hike to the summit of Medvednica (1035m), along one of the parks most scenic paths.

It’s a short van ride to the start of the trail and from there it’s almost an 8km hike to the top.

On the way, you’ll be able to stop for lunch at one of the mountain lodges, before you arrive at the spectacular summit.

At the summit, you’ll see not only a TV transmitter, one of the symbols of Zagreb; but the Zagreb ski resort, host of the 2005 Skiing World Cup.

You’ll also have great views of Zagreb and the surrounding villages as well as the chance to visit the medieval castle of Medvedgrad.

It’s a 6km hike back to the bottom at 353m where you will be transferred back to your hostel.

Your evening is free for you to explore the city or perhaps taste some of the gastronomic delicacies.

Saturday: Plitvice Lakes National Park

Spend your second day in one of the most beautiful places in Europe; the Plitvice Lakes National Park.

In the morning, you will begin the long drive to Plitvice where you can spend the day hiking through the park.

On the hike, you will visit the village of Rastoke, home to the azure-green waters of the Slunjčica river and its chain of waterfalls, rapids, and cascades.

You will also visit the Plitvice Lakes, where you can admire the “Great Waterfall”; the largest waterfall in Croatia. In the winter, it is particularly beautiful as the trails and waterfalls are usually frozen.

After a traditional lunch in the area, your guide will take you back to Zagreb to explore the charming and historically rich city of Zagreb.

In December and January, you’ll be able to see Zagreb’s infamous Christmas market which has ice skating, food and drink, and Christmas decorations.

Sunday: Nature Park Žumberak

Your last full day will be spent in the beautiful Žumberak natural park, accompanied by lunch and wine tasting.

While the peak in Žumberak, Japetić (879m), is not as tall as Medvednica, it has a variety of stunning natural features which definitely make it worthwhile exploring

On clear days, you can see a variety of mountain peaks in the region, including the Triglav Mountain in the Slovenian Alps.

Nearer the peak, you will also explore the ‘magical forest’ area; a special reserve of forest vegetation next to the most beautiful waterfall in the area, Cerinski Vir.

After the hike, you can enjoy wine tasting in one of the wineries close to Žumberak and a short stroll of the charming city of Samobor before you head back to Zagreb.

Spend your last evening in Zagreb exploring the beautiful city.

Monday: Departure

Take your time to enjoy breakfast and your last morning in Zagreb.

Your host will then drive you to Zagreb Airport where you can catch your flight home.

Accommodation

During your stay in Zagreb, you’ll stay in the Hostel Bureau, a 5-minute walk from the city centre. The hostel is newly-renovated and modern with a variety of double, triple, quadruple, five, six and seven-bed rooms as well as free linen, towels, WiFi and breakfast. For an additional €80, you can get your own apartment within the hostel which sleeps two people.