2 Best Sights in Zagreb and Environs, Croatia

On the southwest flank of Mt. Medvednica's summit proudly sits Medvedgrad Castle, Zagreb's guardian fortress and the inspiration for many legends. The original was built in the 13th century by Bishop Filip of Zagreb, but it was destroyed in an earthquake in 1590. Today, the renovated building houses an interactive family-friendly museum with exhibits on the castle's past as well as the surrounding nature; it's worth an hour or two of your time. You can also wander around the outside for free and take in great views of Zagreb. It's a one-hour trek to the fortress from the cable car, or you can reach it more directly by taking Bus 102 from Britanski Trg in central Zagreb (just off Ilica, a 20-minute walk west of Trg Bana Jelačića) to the Blue Church in Šestine and then hiking some 40 minutes uphill from there. Take trail No. 12, which is off the paved road past the church cemetery.

Sljeme is a fantastic destination for hikers and mountain bikers alike (along with skiers in the winter), with more than 70 trails ranging in difficulty from easy and kid-friendly to challenging even for experts. Every Saturday and Sunday, the mountain gets busy as locals pour in to get their dose of greenery and outdoor activities. The peak of Mt. Medvednica is an ideal place for picnicking, but you may wish to save your appetite for dinner at one of the excellent restaurants (located in large mountain cabins) on the road home. Additional activities on Sljeme include Medvedgrad Castle, the Zrinski Mine (€3.30) that was mined for precious metals in the 16th and 17th centuries, and Veternica Cave (€5.30), once home to Neanderthals and today housing 18 bat species. Those wishing to overnight on Sljeme can choose from two hotels and 11 mountain lodges.