Dedek
When we talk about the attractions in Maksimir Park, there is no better place to start than the Living Memorial. This is a 600-year-old beech tree known as the "Granfather" in Croatian. The tree is a symbol of the park and its long history. Visitors can see the ‘’Dedek’’ from up close, even hug massive oak and feel his enormes energy.
The tree is located on a meadow opposite the mogila hill. The easiest way to get to it is from the western entrance to the park.
Mogila
The Mogila monument is one of the most recognizable symbols of Maksimir today. The memorial was begun to be built in 1925 to commemorate the thousand-year anniversary of the Croatian first state.
Ten linden trees were planted at the top of the hill in memory of the 10 centuries of Croatian national life, or Croatian statehood. The grave was completed in 1926. At the top of the stairs leading to the top of the hill is a statue of a falcon.
The statue of a Falcon in Park Maksimir - Zagreb is made of bronze and stands on a pedestal with its wings spread out. The statue was created by Ivo Kreditć and symbolizes the Croatian ‘’Sokol’’ union.
Mogilla was made from earth brought in from 125 different parts of Croatia. The hillocks were gathered by members of the Croatian ''Sokol'' association in order to preserve and promote Croatia's cultural heritage.
At the heart of this hill lies Croatian cultural heritage, important books, newspapers, and magazines as well as awards issued by every Sokol society in existence. This was a site where many great Croatians fought for their country's freedom and it is now a place where people can come to learn about the rich history and culture of Croatia.
Pavilion Vidikovac
The Vidikovac pavilion is one of the most eye-catching structures in Maksimir park. It is located on a hill in the center of the park, and can be easily seen from anywhere in the park. The pavilion is made of white stone, and has a large terrace that overlooks the park. There is also a small cafe inside the pavilion, where you can get refreshments after a long walk through the park.
Vidikovac is a 19th-century structure. Its designer, Franz Schücht, was inspired by the architecture of Vienna, Austria when creating the pavilion. The building is a square with a 17 meter tall tower in the center. A stone terrace surrounds the metal fence that encloses the pavilion.
Luckily, the pavilion was renovated and reopened in 2002 by the City of Zagreb, which manages Maksimir Park. The pavilion is now once again a beautiful and popular spot to visit, with stunning views of the park and nature beyond.
Pavillion Jeka
If you're looking for a completely different experience than what the Vidikovac pavilion has to offer, then head on over to the Jeka pavilion. This pavilion is all about the auditory experience, and you won't be disappointed. From the moment you step inside, you'll be enveloped in a world of sound.
The Pavilion Jeka is a fun and interactive attraction for visitors of all ages. The pavilion gets its name from the way sound bounces off the walls and ceiling, creating an echo effect. Visitors can experiment with different sounds by clapping their hands, stomping their feet, or even singing. It's a fun way to explore the science of sound while enjoying the beautiful park setting.
The base of the pavilion is in the shape of a twelve-sided polygon, paved with stone. On the base are stone sides, pierced with 10 semi-circular windows and 2 entrances. The symbolic meaning of the pavilion is a tribute to the mountain nymph.
Swiss house
Swiss, or as some call it, the Tyrolean house, is a wooden house on two floors. Its construction took one year and was completed in 1842. It is decorated in a rustic style by architect Franz Schucht. The windows are small and the ceilings are low, which makes the house very cozy.
Haulik's salon is one of the most valuable things that can be seen in the house. It is located upstairs and came from an Austrian monastery in Klosterneuburg.
The house has been a protected cultural monument since 1964. Today it functions as a museum, while in the past the ground floor was used for serving food and drinks.
St. Juraj chapel
The neo-Gothic chapel was built in 1864 on the site of the national temple. Combined materials of brick and stone were used for construction. It is paved with marble slabs and above is a ceil paitent star.
The interior of the chapel is modest and simple, with a few benches and an altar. The original idea was for Bishop Masimilijan Vrhovec to be buried in it; however, he is now buried in Zagreb Cathedral. The chapel still serves as a place of peace and reflection for visitors to Maksimir Park.
The chapel is closed to the public for the majority of the year, with only one day where the door is opened. This day is known as ‘’Jurjevo’’, and if you're lucky enough, you might get a peek inside.
If you can't find the chapel right away, don't worry. Just head to the eastern part of the park, where you'll find it hidden among the greenery and trees. Once you're there, you'll be able to see it through the metal fence.
Obelisk
In 1983, Juraj Haulik had an obelisk erected as a symbol of the completion of the works on Maksimir Park. Even today the park is one of the largest and most popular parks in Europe.
When you enter the Maksimir Forest, you will see a road leading to the 5th lake. Take this road and you will find the obelisk. Pay attention to the text in Latin on the obelisk, as it contains important information.
On the stone slab inside the pedestal on which the obelisk is located, Juraj Haulik addresses the citizens explaining why he built the Maksimir park. The goal is to provide people a place to rest and peace.
Maksimir lakes
The Maksimir Lakes are the true riches of the city of Zagreb. Originally there were six lakes, today there are five of them. They are beautiful to experience in all seasons and parts of the day.
The Maksimir lakes are not only beautiful, but they also provide irrigation for the entire park. They get that water from the streams that flow from the slopes of Medvenica. This makes them an important part of the ecosystem in the park.
The Maksimir lakes are important for the preservation of the ecosystem and as such, swimming, boating or fishing is not allowed. Feeding or disturbing animals should also be avoided. The lakes are home to a variety of wildlife and plants, which contribute to the park's rich biodiversity. By respecting the park's rules, we can help to protect this special place for future generations.
Around the lake you can walk, run, ride a bike and do recreation. Apart from people, you can find a lot of playful dogs here. Entry is allowed for them as long as they do not endanger other visitors or animals.
If you're looking for a peaceful spot near the lakes, there are plenty of benches and gazebos to choose from. You can enjoy the view of the park from them, or from an ordinary blanket on the ground. Picnicking is a popular activity in the park, so you may want to pack a lunch to enjoy while you take in the scenery.
Zagreb Zoo
A walk in Maksimir Park at night can be romantic. The atmosphere is enhanced by the light from classically designed city lamps. However, romance can be interrupted by howling wolves.
Although the howling of wild animals in the forest under the moonlight is unpleasant, you should not be afraid. Inside the Maksimir Forest park there is a city zoo. One of the oldest in Europe, it was founded in 1925 and it is home to over 270 species of animals. The zoo is open every day from 09:00 to 17:00 and it offers a wide range of educational programs and events for children and adults.
Visiting the Zagreb Zoo is a great way to spend a day, no matter what time of year it is. However, the warm spring and summer season offers the best experience. The weather is perfect for spending time outdoors, and there are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained.
Since 1990, the zoo has been renovated and adapted to provide an even better experience for visitors. New exhibits have been added, and the overall appearance of the zoo has improved. If you haven't been to the Zagreb Zoo in a while, now is the perfect time to check it out!
