May the 22nd, 2025 – If you’re in need of a nature injection close to the hustle and bustle of the city, Zagreb’s Bear Mountain couldn’t be more perfect.
Did you know that Medvednica, the natural oasis that towers above Zagreb, was once home to countless brown bears? If you’re at all familiar with Croatian, you’ll have noted the word ”medved” in the name, and that will likely have given it away. As Zagreb grew in size and population, the bears eventually headed to more remote areas to escape human activities, but their memory remains immortalised in multiple ways across the Croatian capital, and nowhere more than in their former home.
Popular with recreation lovers and fans of gorgeous sunsets over the sprawling city below, you’re much more likely to bump into wild boar and deer along Medvednica’s forested slopes than you are a grumpy brown bear. In fact, the only one you’re guaranteed to see is the one in statue form just outside of Tomislavov Dom, high atop the mountain. In other words, you’re safe!
zagreb’s bear mountain – below the sky and above the city
This gorgeous natural oasis has always been a draw for walkers, cyclists and so on, but the true wealth of its potential has always remained somewhat untapped – until now. The Zagreb Tourist Board has duly noted Medvednica’s wealth and launched a brand new digital platform covering the western, central and eastern parts of Medvednica. The new platform offers plenty of diverse and interesting content, including detailed descriptions of various hiking trails and lodges, accommodation options and (of course) the food offer! In addition, you can keep an eye on weather and pollen forecasts, activity suggestions, interactive maps and much more – all in one place.
The presentation of the new platform was attended by Zagreb Mayor Tomislav Tomašević, who didn’t hold back on his elation. “Medvednica has always been a favourite excursion destination for people who live in Zagreb, it’s a place for recreation, to indulge in healthy living, and to enjoy a break in nature that is literally on the city’s doorstep. It’s special precisely because of its accessibility, and this is one of the greatest advantages that we have as a city. This is precisely why we’re continuing to invest in the development of infrastructure and facilities on Sljeme, such as work on a new four-seater chairlift and the reconstruction of the upper station of the old cable car. This new website and application are another step towards better information, sustainable tourism and more accessible nature for all of Zagreb’s residents and visitors.”
The Director of the Tourist Board of Zagreb, Martina Bienenfeld, added: “People from Zagreb have always liked to say Idemo na Sljeme! (Let’s go to Sljeme) – and for good reason.
It’s a natural oasis where we can recharge our batteries, breathe in some fresh air and briefly escape from the fast-paced city lie. That is why I’m thrilled that we’ve created this website and app that, in a simple and accessible way, brings everything that Medvednica has to offer into one place. That stretches from hiking trails and lodges, to gastronomy and activity suggestions, with plenty of information that enables users to spend a safer and more quality time out enjoying nature.
This project is the result of excellent cooperation with numerous partners – the Croatian Mountaineering Association, Medvednica Nature Park, the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service, Croatian Forests, Vladimir Nazor Branch and the Zagreb Mountaineering Association, to whom I’d like to thank for their dedicated work and expertise. I’d also like to extend special thanks to Mr. Damir Oslić-Grga, who, with his personal engagement and rich knowledge of Medvednica, provided this project with added value.
Our goal is to encourage the sustainable use of Medvednica throughout the year, to highlight what it has to offer, its natural resources and continue to strengthen cooperation with institutions that take care of Sljeme on a daily basis.“
bear mountain and the british touch…
In order to give the platform international visibility, the Zagreb Tourist Board is collaborating with British influencer and Croatia enthusiast Paul Bradbury, who has lived in Croatia for over twenty years. Through his experience and authentic view of Croatian destinations, Paul will bring Zagreb and Medvednica closer to an international audience as an accessible, sustainable and attractive natural oasis within easy reach of the city.
The new website and free Medvednica mobile app, available in both Croatian and English, represent another vitally important step in the digital transformation of Zagreb’s tourism offer. Special attention has been paid to sustainability, informing visitors and providing everyone with a quality user experience. Need more info on Zagreb’s Bear Mountain? Look no further.
