Varazdin: Day Trips and Tours from Zagreb

While Varazdin doesn’t get the media coverage that other popular Croatian destinations do, the city should be added to your European bucket list.

The big cities of Zagreb and Dubrovnik brim with tourists, but Varazdin is slightly off the tourist trail. If you enjoy a quieter atmosphere, the former capital city of Croatia is the perfect place to soak in Eastern culture. The city is full of 18th-century baroque architecture and café culture.

If you’re looking to step off the beaten track, a day trip to Varazdin from Zagreb is an excellent way to do so.

Here's all you need to know about Varazdin, one of the most interesting day trips from Zagreb.

How to get to Varazdin from Zagreb?

Varazdin is a city in northern Croatia, around 80 kilometers north of Zagreb. It is located just 45 kilometers from the border of Hungary.

From Zagreb to Varazdin by car

It takes just over an hour to journey to Varazdin from Zagreb and is an easy drive. The route follows the E65 most of the way, then turns off onto the D528 at the exit for Varazdin. From there, you can follow signs into the city center via the D510.

From Zagreb to Varazdin by bus

Buses are frequent to Varazdin from Zagreb and take between 1.5 and two hours, depending on the service operator. Tickets cost between €7 and €9, and buses leave from the Autobusni Kolodvor.

From Zagreb to Varazdin by train

Trains take around 2.5 hours to reach the city. The service is provided by Croatian Railways and leaves in the afternoon. Tickets cost between €6 and €9 for the jaunt to Varazdin.

Guided tours to Varazdin from Zagreb

Guided tours are around eight hours long and you can meet in the city at a central location, such as Park Zrinjevac. Often, you can choose to select the easier alternative of being picked up from your hotel.

Tours start around 9 AM and finish back in Zagreb around 5 PM.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Varazdin from Zagreb?

Starting the day early, you’ll hop on board an air-conditioned vehicle for the hour jaunt to Varazdin. Once you reach the city, you’ll embark upon a guided walking tour of the Old Town, with many cultural wonders en route. These include the cathedral, city hall and fortress.

Once the guided tour ends, you’ll be able to enjoy free time discovering hidden gems of the baroque city alone. The destination is home to craft beer, unbelievable artworks and awe-inspiring architecture, so there’s plenty to see on your three-hour excursion of Varazdin.

Moving on, you’ll make your way to Trakoscan, a 13th-century castle that is perched upon a hill of conifers and towers over a shimmering lake. You’ll see relics from the Middle Ages in the form of weapons, paintings and furniture, and enjoy spectacular views over the shimmering water.

Once you’ve discovered the jewels of the fairytale castle, you’ll travel back to Zagreb to enjoy the rest of your evening.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Varazdin?

There are several different day tours to Varazdin and they all make a stop at Trakoscan Castle on the way.

Day trip to Varazdin from Zagreb

Varazdin day trips include three hours to explore “Little Vienna” — the loving nickname given to the city for its colorful architecture and vibrant atmosphere. You’ll also make a stop at Trakoscan Castle which was built in the Middle Ages and contains relics from hundreds of years ago.

Small group tour to Varazdin from Zagreb

Small group tours are limited to 15 travelers. This intimate trip will ensure you can ask questions on your sightseeing tour of the city.

Providing a more personal experience, your tour guide will escort you through the city pointing out significant landmarks. You’ll also enjoy hearing about the history of Trakoscan Castle while you wander its many rooms.

Private tour to Varazdin plus Kumrovec and Trakoscan from Zagreb

Private day tours make a stop at the authentic Croatian village of Kumrovec which is known for its outstanding natural beauty. Here, you’ll see what life is like outside of the major cities and experience the spellbinding Croatian countryside.

The residents are proud of the village’s connection to the former president, Marshall Tito and there is a grand statue erected to commemorate him. You’ll also explore the wealthy city of Varazdin and Trakoscan castle on your private day trip.

How much does a tour to Varazdin from Zagreb cost?

Day trips to Varazdin last between seven and nine hours, and vary in price. Tours start around €74 per person and include pickup from selected hotels in Zagreb and round-trip transportation.

Small group Varazdin day tours include hotel pickup and drop-off from selected accommodations, as well as a professional guide and entrance to Trakoscan Castle. For this six-hour tour, you can expect to pay upwards of €64.

Private day tours to Varazdin that also make stops at Kumrovec and Trakoscan include pickup from selected hotels in Zagreb. You can expect round-trip transportation, entrance to the castle and snacks to be provided, and you’ll pay around €170.

What will you see and do in Varazdin?

Varazdin Cathedral

Varazdin Cathedral may not look like much from the outside, but visitors who see past the plain exterior will revel in the grand beauty inside.

The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary was built in the mid-17th century and features an ornate baroque altar. The artwork features carvings of various angels and notable figures from the Bible, and the cathedral holds concerts during the annual Baroque Evenings Festival.

While the church is not open to the public at all times, there are various time slots throughout the day when tourists are welcome. It is free to enter and you can light a candle for a loved one at the altar on your day trip to Varazdin.

Varazdin Cemetery

While cemeteries can be morbid and gloomy, the Varazdin Cemetery is often considered the most beautiful resting ground in Europe. The site was founded in 1773 but was transformed into a botanical masterpiece by Herman Haller in 1905.

The garden is an oasis of tranquility and is used more as a park than a burial site by the city residents. With over 7,000 trees, the cemetery was designed to mirror a French park and is home to the renowned  "Angel of Death" statue.

The cemetery is located outside of the city gates and is open from 7 AM every day. Closing time varies based on the season, and it is a must-visit spot on your Varazdin day tour.

Varazdin City Museum

The building of the museum is an attraction in itself as it sits within the Old Town castle. It was founded in 1925 and consists of six departments — archaeological, historical, cultural history, ethnographic, entomological and conservation and restoration.

While wandering through its exhibitions, you’ll see period costumes, jewelry and weapons, among other treasures in Baroque and Renaissance styles.

The museum is open between 9 AM and 5 PM on Tuesday-Friday, and from 9 AM until 1 PM during the weekend. It closes on Mondays and public holidays. There is a small entry fee which changes depending on how much of the museum you wish to see. Adult ticket prices start at around €4.

When is the best time to visit Varazdin?

The warmest months in Varazdin are June, July and August. However, this lines up perfectly with the tourist season, so if you wish to enjoy a calmer atmosphere in the city, consider visiting in September.

The temperature averages around 22 degrees Celsius and is relatively dry, although Varazdin can be a little rainy all year round.

Travel tips

• Varazdin day trips last all day and visit several attractions en route. Because of this, ensure you are wearing comfortable clothes and shoes.
• Take your camera with you to capture all of the staggering architecture and culture you see on your trip.