You can also take off through the forest on one of the well-designed trails and get a splendid view of the castle from across the pond. Incredibly mesmerizing is the towers’ reflection in the water below.

Every part of Trakošćan is engaging and beautiful. Though, after exploring the inside, be sure you take a step outside and marvel at the lake. If you like taking pictures of Gothic castles, this is probably the best one you’ll find in Croatia, its Neo-Gothic appearance dating from the 1800s. The exterior of Trakošćan Castle is modeled after the romantic castles in Germany, and its interior is richly decorated, including many deer antlers. The highlight for me was reaching the bottom of the spiral staircase, where we found the museum’s star attraction: the Knights’ room.’ This enormous room houses a collection of swords and firearms dating from the 15th century. Daydream as you meander along the circular staircase, which winds down and around the castle from the hunting room at the top to the basement kitchen. This living museum has fully set dining tables, study areas, and bedrooms complete with antique linens. You’ll gaze into the eyes of 10 generations of owners, spanning three centuries, whose faces are now portraited paintings. It’s a museum with a permanent collection of paintings, furniture, and other display items.Īs you walk through the museum, you are taken back in time. Now belonging to the Croatian government, the castle is one of the best-preserved castles in Croatia. Trakošćan has been owned by many people in the last nine centuries. Because it is so close to Zagreb, we always say you must make a day trip here…!īuilt in the 13th century, the original owner is still unknown, but the castle is believed to have been constructed as an observation fortress. Trakošćan is located less than an hour’s drive from the capital Zagreb, the Pilgrimage town of Maria Bistrica, and within minutes to the baroque city of Varaždin. Trakošćan CastleĪtop a steep hill in Hrvatsko Zagorje, Trakošćan Castle is perhaps the most famous castle in Croatia it overlooks a human-made lake and bountiful gardens. Go slow and take in all that each Croatian castle has to offer. Make a day of it and pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on one of the castle grounds. I would say some of Croatia’s best in beauty, grandeur, and history. Here are some of my favorite ancient castles in Croatia.

There are several castles in Croatia, many of which can be found in the Hrvatsko Zagorje region.

The area known as Hrvatsko Zagorje is filled with castles, rolling hills, 50 shades of green, and a few excellent wineries. We spent some time wandering the long grand halls of northern Croatian castles and stayed for a week at Croatia’s most spiritual place, Marija Bistrica. Traipsing around grand old castles is a great way to take a step back in time to the days of Kings, Queens, and monarchal power, to a time long ago when conquests were the order of the day. We may earn commission from affiliate links → 23 Fairytale Castles In Croatia

Famous castle on the coast