Zaprešić: Estate History, Golf and Nature

A trip to Zaprešić can focus on several different themes: Novi Dvori Estate and its architecture, Lužnica Castle, golf and horse-riding options, and Lake Zajarki. These range from cultural history to outdoor activities. When looking for a hotel, you can first consider which of them you want to shape your trip. Connections from Zagreb and the dates of seasonal events may also play a role in planning your stay.

Novi Dvori Estate and the History of Noble Estates

At Novi Dvori Estate, the Aleja leads visitors from the estate entrance to the manor house. The shady avenue is lined with horse chestnuts planted around 1890. This path therefore combines wayfinding around the estate with a tangible impression of its landscaped grounds.

The Vršilnica is part of Novi Dvori’s estate architecture and is one of the few surviving examples of this type of building at an 18th-century noble estate. It was fully restored in 2018 and converted into a multimedia center for cultural events and business meetings. Lužnica Castle offers a different historical landmark: it was built in 1791 on the site of a former 17th-century castle. The castle’s English-style landscape park includes a lake, small wooded areas and walking paths.

The permanent exhibition at the Brdovec Museum offers a regional perspective on the estates. It features photographs and descriptions of Jelačić’s Novi Dvori in Zaprešić and other estates in the region. There is an important caveat regarding the properties shown: with the exception of Lužnica, they are not open to the public. If you include historic buildings in your plans, this distinction helps separate viewing them in an exhibition from visiting them in person.

Golf and Horse Riding: Different Activity Options

Beginners can attend golf school or take private lessons at Ban Jelačić Golf Club. The golf center also has practice areas for the short, mid-range and long game, as well as for finishing shots. Those who want to compare lessons with independent practice will find several clearly defined parts of the golf offering. The junior school offers free membership and free golf lessons to young people under 18. As participation requirements may change, it is advisable to confirm them in advance with the provider.

The Trajbar Team Equestrian Club runs a riding school and offers riding instruction. Each year, the club holds several riding camps for girls and boys aged 6 to 16. It has also organized national and international equestrian competitions for several years. If a competition is important to your stay, check the current event dates with the club. A restaurant at the golf course serves regional specialties; if you have specific plans, check what is currently on offer.

Lake Zajarki: Scenery and Fishing

Lake Zajarki has a water surface area of 40 hectares and contains a small island. The lake is regularly stocked, mainly with carp. Since fish stocking is a management detail and may change, you should not treat it as a guarantee for a particular fishing day.

A day ticket is required to fish at the large Lake Zajarki. It must be purchased from the fisheries inspector at the fishing hut. Before setting out, check both the current requirements and the applicable purchase arrangements. This helps distinguish a fishing trip from a simple visit to the lake, without assuming that a permit or an on-site purchase is available.

Plan for Advent and Your Journey

Advent in Zaprešić takes place under the name Ledena bajka in the city’s central square, Trg Ivana Pavla II. It features a large ice rink and stalls serving traditional Christmas specialties and mulled wine. Dates and programs vary from year to year, and food offerings may also change. If you want to plan your trip around Ledena bajka, check the details for the relevant year.

From Zagreb, Zaprešić can be reached on the ZET Črnomerec–Zaprešić bus route or by train via the Zagreb–Varaždin or Savski Marof–Zagreb Main Station–Dugo Selo connections. Meštrović prijevoz buses also connect the surrounding municipalities. For your journey, you can compare the listed bus and train connections for your travel date.

Discover more destinations: Ivanec Bistranski, Brezovica, Jablanovec, Pojatno.

For the broader travel overview: Općina Zaprešić.