Old Town Samobor (Ruins of the Castle)
Samobor is always at the top of our list for a day trip when my family and friends come to visit us in Zagreb. Samobor is a quaint, charming town with the absolute best dessert in Croatia, and it’s the perfect day trip from Zagreb, since it’s less than an hour’s drive!
We usually do a little stroll on the main square and through the charming streets, we have kremsnita and coffee at “U Prolazu” and we soak up the calming atmosphere of this beautiful town.
If you ask any Croatian why Samobor is famous, they will probably tell you these two things - Carnival and Kremsnita, but of course the city offers much more. Here is a list of the top things to explore in a day!
If you ask any Croatian why Samobor is famous, they will probably tell you these two things - Carnival and Kremsnita, but of course the city offers much more. Here is a list of the top things to explore in a day!
1. King Tomislav Square (The Main Square)
King Tomislav Square in Samobor
Like in almost every other Croatian city, the main square in Samobor is where all the action happens. It’s where locals meet for coffee, it’s where festivals happen, it’s where you go to feel the city’s vibe.
King Tomislav Square is full of cafe bars, and it’s home to the most famous dessert shop, U Prolazu, which is where people go to have a piece of the well known “Kremsnita.”
In the middle of the square, you’ll find an old, beautiful fountain that’s connected to a legend. The legend says that anyone who drinks from the fountain is sure to return to Samobor! The water is fresh and delicious, and Ivan never passes up the opportunity to drink from these fountains!
King Tomislav Square is full of cafe bars, and it’s home to the most famous dessert shop, U Prolazu, which is where people go to have a piece of the well known “Kremsnita.”
In the middle of the square, you’ll find an old, beautiful fountain that’s connected to a legend. The legend says that anyone who drinks from the fountain is sure to return to Samobor! The water is fresh and delicious, and Ivan never passes up the opportunity to drink from these fountains!
2. Kremšnita - "U Prolazu"
Kremsnita cake
I know that some people prefer to eat this popular dessert in Croatia at Kavana Livadic, but for us, it’s absolutely, unquestionably the best at a place called “U Prolazu,” which is located on the main square
This dessert is like a light, fluffy, whipped custard, topped off with a light flaky pastry on top. It’s usually served warm, which makes it that much more delicious! I’ve really never had better Kremsnita anywhere else in Croatia.
This dessert is like a light, fluffy, whipped custard, topped off with a light flaky pastry on top. It’s usually served warm, which makes it that much more delicious! I’ve really never had better Kremsnita anywhere else in Croatia.
3. Old Town Samobor (The Castle)
Samobor castle
On Tepec Hill, there is a ruin of a fortress that was once the original town of Samobor. Today it is a protected cultural asset and one of the main tourist destinations you can visit in this city.
This fort was built by the Czech king Otokar in the 13th century, and it had a very different floor plan with three parts. There was a central core, a defense tower and a small little chapel. There were other towers as well, of course, and the courtyard brought it all together.
The castle had been owned by many noble Croatian families throughout history, but sold to the city of Samobor in 1902 to become a place for tourists to see.
It’s really a magical spot. It’s so stunning with all of the old stone, and greenery now growing up the walls, in and around the stone. There’s such a beautiful contrast with the green and gray. What’s also interesting, is that much of the floor plan is still visible, and you can see where different rooms would have been.
Just don’t make the same mistake we did by following the Google Maps route. It’ll bring you to the side of a steep hill and make you climb through very hard terrain. We suggest you take the route which goes from the Chapel of St. Anne, which is way more pleasant for walking.
One Interesting point about the fortress is that the famous actor Jackie Chan filmed the movie “Armour of God” there, and actually almost died while filming.
This fort was built by the Czech king Otokar in the 13th century, and it had a very different floor plan with three parts. There was a central core, a defense tower and a small little chapel. There were other towers as well, of course, and the courtyard brought it all together.
The castle had been owned by many noble Croatian families throughout history, but sold to the city of Samobor in 1902 to become a place for tourists to see.
It’s really a magical spot. It’s so stunning with all of the old stone, and greenery now growing up the walls, in and around the stone. There’s such a beautiful contrast with the green and gray. What’s also interesting, is that much of the floor plan is still visible, and you can see where different rooms would have been.
Just don’t make the same mistake we did by following the Google Maps route. It’ll bring you to the side of a steep hill and make you climb through very hard terrain. We suggest you take the route which goes from the Chapel of St. Anne, which is way more pleasant for walking.
One Interesting point about the fortress is that the famous actor Jackie Chan filmed the movie “Armour of God” there, and actually almost died while filming.
4. Livadić Castle and the Museum of the City of Samobor
Museum of the City of Samobor
Livadić Castle is another protected cultural heritage of Samobor. This building is L-shaped, and it’s surrounded by beautiful park grounds. It was built later in the 18th century, and it’s been very well preserved.
It was named after the musician / lawyer / judge, Ferdo Livadic. After him, the castle was owned by many other people, and became the home of the Samobor City Museum in 1948.
The Samobor Museum shows the life of the people of the area through the years by featuring many different artifacts. There are old documents, pieces of art, geological artifacts, and much more.
It’s also home to a model of the old castle of Samobor. The museum isn’t huge, but you’ll surely learn many interesting tidbits about the city, its surroundings, and the people of Samobor.
It was named after the musician / lawyer / judge, Ferdo Livadic. After him, the castle was owned by many other people, and became the home of the Samobor City Museum in 1948.
The Samobor Museum shows the life of the people of the area through the years by featuring many different artifacts. There are old documents, pieces of art, geological artifacts, and much more.
It’s also home to a model of the old castle of Samobor. The museum isn’t huge, but you’ll surely learn many interesting tidbits about the city, its surroundings, and the people of Samobor.
5. Church of St. Anastasia
Church of St. Anastasia in Samobor
When you arrive on the main square in Samobor, you can’t miss the beautiful Church of St. Anastasia. It’s lovely, bright yellow color stands out, especially since it’s the tallest structure in the city.
This church is very special to the citizens of Samobor, because the majority of its people get married, baptize their children and receive other Holy sacraments there.
This church is very special to the citizens of Samobor, because the majority of its people get married, baptize their children and receive other Holy sacraments there.
6. Samobor Carnival (Samoborski Fašnik)
Our family in Samobor during the Carnival
Every February in Samobor, there is a big festival called “Samoborski Fasnik.” It’s become a very famous carnival, and has almost become a trademark of the city. Everyone dresses up, there is music and dancing on the square, they have costume contests, parades in the street, and everyone participates (from all ages!). People come from all around Croatia to join the festival and it’s always a big hit!
One of my favorite parts of Samoborski Fasnik is the doughnuts. There are so many different kinds of doughnuts, you won’t be able to try them all. There are also little doughnut holes that can be covered in chocolate, icing sugar, or eat just plain as they are.
One of my favorite parts of Samoborski Fasnik is the doughnuts. There are so many different kinds of doughnuts, you won’t be able to try them all. There are also little doughnut holes that can be covered in chocolate, icing sugar, or eat just plain as they are.
7. Anindol
Anindol - Samobor
Anindol is the most peaceful place in Samobor. It’s a wooded park that’s located on Tepec Hill. There is a baroque chapel of St. Anne, the patron saint of the town of Samobor (which the promenade is named after). There is also the chapel of St. George as you walk further up and along the path.
Here are also many runners who take advantage of Anindol, as it’s nice and shady, and a very calm, quiet place to exercise. You can go through the Tepec forest and take the trails from the Old Town, and enjoy nature just steps from the main square.
Here are also many runners who take advantage of Anindol, as it’s nice and shady, and a very calm, quiet place to exercise. You can go through the Tepec forest and take the trails from the Old Town, and enjoy nature just steps from the main square.
8. Grgos Cave
Grgos Cave is located about 5 km from Samobor and was discovered by Josip Grgos in 1973 while he was digging limestone. It has two halls with a height difference of 19 meters, and more recently, in 2007, a new cave was discovered with three new halls.
There was then a road built through the cave, along with electric lighting, so it’s really an incredible place to visit.
All in all, Samobor is a fantastic place to visit, and makes the perfect day trip from Zagreb! My favorite thing to do is sit for coffee and kremsnita on the square, then take a walk through the city and feel its charm.
It’s a very relaxed place to be and will surely give you the same feeling. If you’re up for a bit of a hike, don’t miss the fortress on the hill, it’s such a stunning piece of history, with incredible views, you won’t be sorry you made the trip!
If you’re interested in reading a few of our other posts about Croatia:
There was then a road built through the cave, along with electric lighting, so it’s really an incredible place to visit.
All in all, Samobor is a fantastic place to visit, and makes the perfect day trip from Zagreb! My favorite thing to do is sit for coffee and kremsnita on the square, then take a walk through the city and feel its charm.
It’s a very relaxed place to be and will surely give you the same feeling. If you’re up for a bit of a hike, don’t miss the fortress on the hill, it’s such a stunning piece of history, with incredible views, you won’t be sorry you made the trip!
If you’re interested in reading a few of our other posts about Croatia:
- 25 Strange Things Croatians Do (And Would Never Do)!
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- 15 Places in Croatia You've Probably Never Heard Of!
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- Croatia’s Best 20 Beaches: Sandy, Pebbly & Hidden Gems
- Is Croatia Safe? Read Our 20 Useful Safety Tips for Tourists
- 5 Reasons Croatian Grannies are Cuter than Kittens
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- How I Learned to Speak Croatian as an Adult (in 7 Steps)
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- 38 Local Tips & Mistakes to Avoid When Traveling to Croatia
- Travel to Croatia With a Toddler or Baby (From Experience!)
- Tipping in Croatia: A Complete Guide With Suggested Amounts!
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