City in Central Croatia
Varaždin
- Best time to go
- May, June, Aug, Sept, Oct
- Part of
- Central Croatia
Varaždin is a small baroque city of palaces, churches and pastel façades in Croatia's far north.
It was briefly the country's capital in the 18th century, until a great fire in 1776 sent the government to Zagreb. Today it is a lively university town that is easy to explore on foot or by bike. In late summer, the Špancirfest street festival fills the old town with music and performers.
Things to do
Don't miss in Varaždin
- Visit the Old Town (Stari grad), a moated fortress with white walls that now houses the city museum.
- Stroll through the baroque old town and stop at King Tomislav Square and the Town Hall, one of the oldest in Europe.
- Walk among the tall clipped hedges of the Varaždin cemetery, laid out as a formal garden in the early 20th century.
- See the large insect collection of the entomology department of the city museum, in the Herzer Palace.
- Join Špancirfest in late August, when street performers, concerts and craft stalls take over the centre.
- Hear baroque music in the city's churches during the Varaždin Baroque Evenings festival in early autumn.
- Cycle along the Drava river and the flat countryside around the city.
Where to stay
Pick your neighbourhood
Old town
first-time visitors who want the baroque squares, cafés and the fortress on the doorstep
Around the Old Town fortress and cemetery
quieter streets and parks, still a few minutes' walk from the centre
Varaždinske Toplice
couples and families who want a spa town with thermal pools, about 15 minutes away by car
Tours and getting around
Day trips from Varaždin
Walking tours cover the baroque old town and its history as Croatia's capital. From Varaždin it is about 40 minutes to Trakošćan Castle, a short drive to the spa at Varaždinske Toplice, and about half an hour to the wine hills of Međimurje around Štrigova.
You don't need a car in Varaždin; the centre is compact and flat, and many locals get around by bike. A car is useful for Trakošćan, the spas and the wine hills of Zagorje and Međimurje.
Getting there
How to get to Varaždin
Varaždin is about 80 km north-east of Zagreb, about an hour by car on the A4 motorway. Zagreb Airport, about an hour and a quarter away, is the nearest with regular flights. Trains and buses run from Zagreb several times a day, and the bus and train stations are both within walking distance of the centre. The old town is largely pedestrian, so park on its edge.