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Varaždin

Varazdin, Varazdinska Zupanija, Croatia

Step Back in Time in Enchanting Varaždin Nestled in northern Croatia, Varaždin (pronounced *VAH-rahzh-deen*) is a city straight out of a fairytale. Forget bustling crowds; here, cobblestone streets wind past pastel-colo…

#Historic city#Baroque architecture#Cultural heritage#Medieval town#Tourist destination
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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Varaždin.

Top Hotels in Varaždin

Top Flights to Varaždin

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Varaždin.

Tours

Discover the Historic Old Town

Explore the charming Baroque architecture and cobblestone streets of Varaždin's Old Town, a testament to its rich history.

Varaždin Cemetery Visit

Visit one of Europe's most beautiful cemeteries and explore its artistic tombstones and lush greenery.

Trakoscan Castle Trip

Take a trip to the picturesque Trakoscan Castle, located a short drive from Varaždin, offering breathtaking views.

Explore Varazdin's Churches

Visit stunning churches with rich histories and unique architectural styles in Varaždin.

Visit the Angels Museum

Discover a collection of artworks dedicated to angels at the Angels Museum in Varaždin.

Shopping

Shop at Varaždin Market

Experience local culture and purchase fresh produce and handmade goods at the vibrant Varaždin Market.

Varaždin's Fashion Street

Discover trendy shops and boutiques in the heart of Varaždin's fashion district.

Outdoor

Stroll Through the Drava River Park

Enjoy a refreshing walk through the serene natural scenery of Drava River Park, a retreat from city life.

Kayaking on the Drava

Experience the thrill of kayaking on the Drava River, surrounded by pristine nature.

Cycling through Zagorje

Enjoy cycling routes that travel through the picturesque landscapes surrounding Varaždin and Zagorje.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Varaždin.

Currency
€ | EUR | Euro
Population
The approximate estimated total population of Varaždin, Varaždinska Županija, Croatia, is 38,700.
Languages
Croatian, Croatian
Average weather
Varaždin
Jan
cold
3°-3°
Feb
cold
6°-2°
Mar
cloud
11°1°
Apr
cloud
16°5°
May
rain
21°10°
Jun
sun
25°14°
Jul
hot
27°16°
Aug
hot
27°15°
Sep
cloud
22°12°
Oct
rain
16°7°
Nov
cloud
9°2°
Dec
cold
4°-2°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Varaždin.

What people love

Varaždin, located in Varaždinska Županija, Croatia, offers several enticing reasons to visit:

  1. Rich history and culture: Varaždin is known for its well-preserved Baroque architecture, historic buildings, and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the old town, visit museums, and attend festivals that celebrate the city's history and traditions.

  2. Vibrant music scene: Varaždin is famous for its music festivals, including the renowned Varaždin Baroque Evenings. Music lovers can enjoy classical concerts, opera performances, and other musical events throughout the year.

  3. Beautiful natural surroundings: The region around Varaždin is known for its picturesque landscapes, including rolling hills, vineyards, and thermal spas. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, biking, and exploring the countryside.

  4. Culinary delights: Varaždin offers a variety of delicious local dishes and traditional cuisine. Visitors can sample regional specialties, such as štrukli (cheese strudel) and kajzerica (a type of bread roll), at local restaurants and cafes.

  5. Warm hospitality: Visitors to Varaždin can expect a warm welcome from the friendly locals, who are known for their hospitality and willingness to share their culture and traditions with visitors.

Overall, Varaždin offers a unique blend of history, culture, music, nature, and culinary experiences that make it a charming destination worth exploring.

What to know

While Varaždin is a charming city in Croatia known for its baroque architecture and cultural heritage, there might be some potential drawbacks or cons to consider when traveling there:

  1. Limited Direct Transportation Options: Varaždin does not have an international airport, so travelers typically need to fly into Zagreb and then take a bus or train to reach the city. This could add travel time and complexity to your trip.

  2. Smaller City Size: As a smaller city, Varaždin may not have the extensive range of services, dining, and entertainment options that larger cities offer. This might be a downside for tourists seeking a wide variety of activities or nightlife.

  3. Language Barrier: While many Croatians speak English, especially in tourist areas, the level of English proficiency might be lower than in larger cities, potentially leading to communication challenges.

  4. Limited Tourist Infrastructure: Varaždin is less touristy compared to cities like Dubrovnik or Split, which means there might be fewer guided tours or tourist-focused activities available.

  5. Weather Considerations: Varaždin experiences cold winters, which might not be appealing to all travelers. If visiting during the winter months, be prepared for colder weather, which could limit outdoor activities.

  6. Seasonal Attractions: Some attractions or festivals, such as the famous Špancirfest, occur only at certain times of the year, so if you visit outside these periods, you might miss out on key events.

Overall, while Varaždin is a beautiful and historic destination, these factors may affect the travel experience for some visitors.

Varaždin is a city in northern Croatia, known for its baroque buildings, historical significance, and cultural heritage. It lies on the right bank of the Drava River and serves as the center of Varaždinska County.

Early History

Varaždin was first mentioned in historical records in 1181, in a document issued by King Béla III of Hungary, which granted the nearby Varaždin thermal springs to the Zagreb Bishop. By the 13th century, Varaždin had developed into a significant town.

Middle Ages

In 1209, King Andrew II of Hungary granted Varaždin the status of a free royal borough, which allowed the town to flourish economically. During this period, it became a center for commerce and crafts and later played a significant role in the defense against the Ottoman Turks.

The Old Town Castle, a significant landmark, was initially built in the 12th century and expanded in subsequent centuries. It served as a defensive fortification and residence for nobility. The castle is now a museum, preserving the city's rich history.

17th and 18th Centuries

During the 17th century, Varaždin was an important military frontier town against the Ottoman Empire. It also hosted the Croatian Parliament (Sabor) on several occasions.

In the 18th century, Varaždin reached its cultural zenith. It became the administrative center of Croatia from 1767 to 1776 when it served as the seat of the Croatian Royal Council. However, this period of prosperity was interrupted by a great fire in 1776, which devastated much of the city.

19th and 20th Centuries

Varaždin experienced industrial growth in the 19th century, with the development of textiles and other industries. The city maintained its cultural significance, hosting numerous cultural events and nurturing local arts and crafts.

During the 20th century, particularly after World War II, Varaždin developed as a regional center in the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The city preserved much of its historical architecture, which escaped the widespread destruction that affected other parts of the region during the Croatian War of Independence in the 1990s.

Significant Historical Figures

  • Count Patačić: A prominent noble family in Varaždin, the Patačić family played a significant role in the city’s political and cultural life.
  • Vatroslav Jagić: A renowned philologist from Varaždin, he made significant contributions to the study of Slavic languages.

Important Landmarks

  • Varaždin Castle (Stari Grad): A well-preserved castle that houses the Varaždin City Museum.
  • Church of St. Nicholas: A baroque church located in the city center.
  • Varaždin Cemetery: Known for its park-like layout, it is often compared to Vienna’s Zentralfriedhof.
  • City Hall: A historic building located in the main square, dating back to the 16th century.

Varaždin is renowned for its baroque architecture, cultural festivals, and historical significance. It is a city that celebrates its past while embracing modern development, making it a unique and vibrant part of Croatia.