As the tourism focus is still somewhat determined by social distancing and things to do outdoors, there has been a bigger concentration on what destinations can offer outside in recent months. A shift to a more active and healthy lifestyle is obviously a good thing. And one activity in particular provides plenty of options in Zagreb.
Sport.
Whether you are a die-hard fan, an occasional enthusiast, a professional athlete, or just someone who enjoys a little exercise, Zagreb has a surprisingly wide choice of sports and activities to follow or get involved in.
In April and May, for example, Zagreb city and county will be holding a number of high-profile international events for sports fans. These include the WRC – World Rally Championship (coming to Croatia for the very first time), World Rowing Cup, Zagreb Open ATP Challenger, and Zagreb Ladies Open ITF tournament). There is even an international skiing tournament in December, the Snow Queen Trophy.
These events are on top of your regular sporting fixes. Everyone knows about Dinamo Zagreb – perhaps even more so after their success in Europe this season – but the city has many other high-profile teams to support. NK Lokomotiva is another Zagreb-based team in the Croatian Premier League, while NK Zagreb has many fans and a proud heritage, despite its lowly position in the fourth league these days.
(Photo credit J. Duval)
Football may be the main sport in Croatia, but it is certainly not the only one. For basketball, Cibona are the team to follow, and RK Zagreb are the leading club for handball, which is a sport with a huge following in Croatia.
The longer I live here, the more I hear about some rather unusual things, including sports. I was always aware that there is a cricket club in Zagreb, as well as a golf course, but it was only recently that I learned of the new annual tradition of playing a round of golf while dressed in kilts and drinking whisky. Very civilised! You can learn more about this rather unusual Zagreb sporting tradition here.
Joggers and cyclists take advantage of the parks and green spaces dotted all over the city, with even greater options with spectacular views in the hills around the city. The Zagreb Advent Run started several years ago, and it was growing exponentially before the pandemic, and will once more I am sure.
Zagreb is very well-equipped with facilities for doing sport. Croatians are passionate about fitness, and you will find as many in a gym as sitting in a cafe. Here is where to find some of the more popular gyms. There are also 6 public swimming pools available. And there is plenty of choice for yoga enthusiasts.
(Photo credit – Marija Gasparovic)
A short drive outside the city opens up a new world of sporting activity adventures. Skiing, hiking, cycling (check out this Sljeme forest adventure on two wheels, for example), and running, or perhaps a more sedentary round of golf. You can learn more about the wonders around the city in the official Around Zagreb website.
You can learn more about the Croatian capital in the TC Zagreb in a Page.
