Discover The Beautiful Maksimir Park And Zoo In Zagreb

Maksimir Park is the oldest public park in Zagreb and is one of the most beautiful spots in the city. In autumn, the trees lining the main paths and in the forests of the park turn the most stunning golden hues, making it the most perfectly picturesque place to walk around and enjoy nature. On the hottest days of summer, those same trees afford blissful shade and respite from the scorching sun. During winter, snow rests on branches and makes the paths glitter and, in spring, the blooms and animals take over. So, no matter when you find a vacation rental in Zagreb and no matter what time of year you come and visit the city, a walk in the park is a good idea!

Maksimir Park was founded in 1787 and was the first large public park in South-Eastern Europe, as well as an early example of a public park in Europe, in general. Named for Bishop Maksimilijan Vrhovac of Zagreb, the park was opened in 1794 and was originally on the outskirts of the city and home to a dense forest of hornbeams and oaks. Due to expansion, however, it is located in a more central position today and is now surrounded by several neighbourhoods, with only some of the original forest still remaining and acting as a girdle to the park. Landscaping was initially undertaken according to the plans of Bishop Vrhovac in the baroque style but then redesigned by Bishop Juraj Haulik, among others, in a more romantic neoclassical style that was in line with Biedermeierist notions, incorporated elements of historicism, and emulated the park that was established at the Laxenburg estate of the Habsburgs.

The park is comprised of several big meadows, creeks, five lakes, habitats for various plant and animal species (such as the turtles that live in the lakes and the Middle Spotted Woodpecker, which is an endangered species in Europe), and a zoo. In order to make this transformation from forest to park, trees were felled in the forest interior, there was grading of hills, lakes were excavated and created, and paths were put down throughout, as were bridges. Sculptors such as Anton Dominik Fernkorn and Josip Kassmann, the master gardener Franjo Serafin Korbler, the landscape architect Michael Sebastian Riedel, and the architect Franz Schücht were all brought on board to create the park. Under Schücht, the Paviljon Jeka (The Pavilion of Echoes), a lookout known as the Kiosk, and a house called Švicarska kuća (The Swiss House) were all added as romantic follies throughout the grounds.

In the southern part of Maksimir Park there is the 7 hectare-sized Zagreb Zoo, which first opened its doors to the public in 1925. Home to over 2,000 animals and 275 species, including the snow leopard, red panda, okapi, addax, scimitar oryx, North China leopard, common chimpanzee, Diana monkey, wisent, pygmy hippopotamus, and Bactrian camel, the zoo attracts an astounding 350,000 visitors per year. It is also the only zoo in the world to house olms and Balkan snow voles and is a member of both the European and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is a participant in the European Endangered Species Programme.

So, if you have found a vacation rental in Zagreb and are spending time exploring this beautiful gem of a city in Croatia, then be sure to come and explore the lovely Maksimir Park. Serene, pretty, full of lots of incredible plants and animals, and more, it is an idyllic place to wander, picnic, and enjoy a stunning slice of natural beauty in the middle of this wonderful urban destination.