Exploring the Region Around Zagreb
British journalist Mary Novakovic embarked on a journey through the areas surrounding Zagreb, focusing on the town of Samobor and the nearby Žumberak Nature Park. She highlights the region’s rich cultural heritage, culinary delights, and thriving wine industry. Located about a 30-minute drive from Zagreb, Samobor captivates visitors with its charming baroque architecture, featuring buildings painted in soft pastel shades of buttery yellow, apricot, and pistachio.
“Along the narrow King Tomislav Square in Samobor, elegant baroque houses in delicate pastel hues of buttery yellow, apricot, and pistachio stand side by side,” Mary Novakovic observes.
One of Samobor’s gastronomic treasures is the kremšnita, a dessert made of thick custard layered between flaky pastry and dusted with powdered sugar. The nearby Gradna River adds to the town’s natural allure. Additionally, the former residence of composer Ferdo Livadić now serves as a city museum, preserving and showcasing the cultural legacy of the area.
Žumberak Nature Park and the Local Wine Scene
About 26 kilometers from Samobor lies Žumberak Nature Park, renowned for its beech, oak, and hornbeam forests, as well as scenic waterfalls nestled among rolling hills. The ruins of Okić Castle, perched at nearly 500 meters above sea level, stand as a testament to the region's historical importance. The area is also a hub for winemaking, with more than 30 wineries spread between the village of Plešivica and the town of Jastrebarsko. Vineyards here thrive on steep, forested slopes, producing a variety of local wines.
Each year, from September 25 to 27, Jastrebarsko hosts a popular wine festival that draws enthusiasts and tourists alike. Visitors can also sample the traditional rudarska greblica pie, a delicacy protected under EU regulations and celebrated with its own dedicated festival. Autumn in the Samobor Hills is rich with truffles, mushrooms, and seasonal dishes, further enhancing the region's appeal to food lovers and travelers.
Mary Novakovic also compiled a list of some of the world’s most remote destinations that could captivate travelers and explorers. This list includes:
- France’s Kerguelen Islands
- Canada’s Quttinirpaaq National Park
- Greenland’s settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit
- Norway’s Longyearbyen
- South Georgia Island
- McMurdo Station in Antarctica
- Pitcairn Islands
- India’s high-altitude Changthang region
Her research offers valuable insight into the cultural and natural diversity found near Zagreb, particularly highlighting the local culinary traditions and tourism potential. Growing interest in places like Samobor and Žumberak could play a significant role in boosting the regional economy, especially through tourism and agriculture. With its festivals, unique local products, and abundant natural resources, the area is well-positioned to attract an increasing number of visitors in the years ahead.