Maksimir Park

About

Maksimir Park is Zagreb’s oldest and most beloved public park, offering a tranquil escape just east of the city center. Established in 1794 by Bishop Maksimilijan Vrhovac, it was the first public park in Southeast Europe and remains a masterpiece of landscape design. Spanning over 300 hectares, the park blends romantic English garden aesthetics with native oak and hornbeam forests, meadows, creeks, and five scenic lakes. Architectural highlights include the Echo Pavilion, Swiss House, and the Chapel of St. George, all nestled among winding paths and shaded groves. Maksimir is also home to the Zagreb Zoo, located in its southern section, making it a favorite destination for families. Rich in biodiversity, the park shelters over 100 bird species, including the rare middle spotted woodpecker. Whether for a quiet stroll, a lakeside picnic, or a jog through leafy trails, Maksimir Park offers a timeless retreat into nature and history, right in the heart of Croatia’s capital.

Zagreb Croatia

Location

Maksimir Park is the oldest and largest public park in Zagreb, located in the eastern part of the city in the Maksimir district, near Maksimir Stadium. Established in 1794 on the initiative of Bishop Maksimilijan Vrhovac, the park covers over 300 hectares and is now surrounded by Zagreb’s neighborhoods, though it was originally on the city’s outskirts. Maksimir Park is celebrated for its landscape architecture, meadows, five lakes, streams, and wooded areas that preserve remnants of the original oak forest. The park is also home to the Zagreb Zoo, the oldest zoo in southeastern Europe, situated in its southern section. Visitors can enjoy walking, jogging, picnicking, or simply relaxing in the park’s peaceful natural setting, and there are several historical pavilions and cafes throughout the grounds. The park is easily accessible by tram from the city center and remains a favorite destination for both locals and tourists seeking recreation, nature, and family-friendly activities close to central Zagreb.