Maksimir is where Zagreb goes to breathe. Opened in the 1790s by Bishop Maksimilijan Vrhovac, from whom it takes its name, it is among the earliest public parks in this part of Europe and was laid out as an English-style landscape, with meadows and groves of beech and oak that were deliberately shaped to look natural. Five lakes thread through the park, where swans glide and, in the warmer months, rowing boats appear, and in harder winters the water was once the city’s main skating rink. Scattered among the trees are small pavilions, a mock Swiss chalet, sculptures and a belvedere with a café that is busiest on weekends, all part of the original romantic design. The park is protected as a landscape monument, and its older sections feel closer to a forest than to a city green. Paths are wide and mostly flat, so it suits walkers, joggers and families with pushchairs alike. The zoo lies within its grounds, and the football stadium stands at its edge. Outside the peak summer weekends, it is quiet enough to feel like a genuine escape, and the changing seasons make it worth a return visit.
Getting there
Maksimir lies to the east of the centre and is reached by tram. Several lines serve the Bukovačka stop at the main entrance, including tram 4 from the main station, so there is no need for a car. From the entrance, broad avenues lead on towards the lakes. Entry to the park itself is free; separate tickets are needed only for the zoo.
What to do
Follow the paths to the lakes and the belvedere, rest on the meadows, and look for the small architectural curiosities that the park’s founders scattered among the trees. Spring brings blossom and fresh green, autumn is a blaze of copper and gold, and winter, when it snows, turns the park into a quiet white landscape. Bring a picnic, or stop at the café at the belvedere for a coffee. In summer, the shade of the old trees is a relief on hot days.
Making the most of it
Allow a leisurely two hours for the park alone, and half a day if you also visit the zoo. Comfortable shoes are enough, though paths can be muddy after rain. The park is a favourite for locals’ weekend walks, so for solitude choose a weekday morning. Combine it with a loop through the Lower Town on the same day, or with the Mirogoj cemetery, another green space with a strong sense of history.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided stroll through a historic landscape park with five lakes, meadows, woodland, pavilions and a belvedere café.
Best time
Spring for blossom, autumn for colour, and any quiet weekday morning for solitude.
How long
Two hours for the park, up to half a day with the zoo.
Tips
Take the tram to the Bukovačka stop, bring a picnic or stop at the belvedere café, and wear shoes you do not mind getting muddy.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants green space, quiet paths and a break from sightseeing without leaving the city.
- Families
- Wide flat paths, lakes with swans and the zoo make it one of the easiest family days in Zagreb.
- Couples
- A romantic walk around the lakes, ending with a coffee at the belvedere.
- Pair with
- Zagreb Zoo inside the park, or the Mirogoj cemetery for another green stroll.
- Time needed
- Two hours, or half a day with the zoo.
Good questions
Is Maksimir Park free?+
Yes, walking in the park is free. Only the zoo inside its grounds charges admission.
How do I get to Maksimir Park from the centre?+
Take a tram from the main station or the Lower Town to the Bukovačka stop at the main entrance. The ride is short and a regular city ticket covers it.
What is there to see in Maksimir?+
Five lakes, meadows, old woodland, small pavilions, a mock Swiss chalet and a belvedere with a café. The zoo is also within the grounds.
When is the best time to visit?+
Spring and autumn are especially beautiful, and weekday mornings are quietest. Winter snow also makes the park atmospheric.
How long should I spend in the park?+
Allow about two hours for a relaxed walk, or a half day if you add the zoo and a long stop for coffee.
