Varaždin was briefly Croatia's capital in the 18th century, and the Baroque palaces and churches that still shape the centre date from that time. The white Stari grad castle with its ramparts, the cemetery with artfully trimmed hedges and the Špancirfest street festival make the town a rewarding destination in the north – quiet, well kept and free of mass tourism.
At a glance
Region
Central Croatia
From Zagreb
approx. 80 km via the A4
To Trakošćan
approx. 40 km
Highlight
Špancirfest (late August)
Best time to visit
May to October
Ideal for
culture lovers, short breaks, travellers passing through
Sights
Stari grad castle with ramparts and moat, city museum
Old town town hall, cathedral, palaces such as Patačić and Drašković
Varaždin Cemetery laid out as a park with tall clipped thuja hedges
Entomological Collection in the Herzer Palace
Strolls through lanes lined with Baroque façades
Events
During Špancirfest in late August the old town becomes a stage for street performers, concerts and crafts for ten days. In autumn the Varaždin Baroque Evenings bring Baroque music to churches and palaces. In December there's an atmospheric Advent market.
Honest verdict
Varaždin is small and easily explored in a day. Outside the festivals it's a quiet provincial town. If you're arriving from Austria, Hungary or Slovenia, it makes a pleasant stopover.
