Winter on Sljeme – fun and activities for the whole family
The saying “There is no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes” originates from the north of Europe. The men and women of Zagreb know this, and they will dress appropriately and head to Sljeme, regardless of what they see through the window – whether it's raining, windy or snowing, there is always a handful of activities waiting for them to enjoy on the mountain top above Zagreb.
Sljeme is especially attractive in winter, when its altitude means a greater chance of snow even when there is none in the capital. It is therefore not surprising that all fans of snow activities, and especially families with children, will go on a mountain adventure to enjoy the true winter idyll! Pssst – if you are curious to know whether there is snow on Sljeme, you can check it on the live web camera located at the viewpoint.
What are the options available on one of the most famous Croatian mountains in the winter months?
Hiking and walking
Let's say it again – there are no bad weather conditions, not even for hiking! The view of a true snowy forest idyll all around you will make up for the freezing air, which will make you want to spend even more time in nature. Just make sure to dress warmly and in layers, and put on good quality waterproof winter boots, but also to take spare clothes for changing in the mountain lodge. Besides enjoying the scenery all along the way on one of the seventy hiking trails, you will be greeted by a breathtaking view at the top!
Enjoying gastronomy
There are many mountain lodges on Medvednica, and traditional local food, which is guaranteed to make your stomach full, is especially popular in winter. Such as the local variant of comfort food – the kind of food that will make you relax and lift your mood. Of course, it tastes even better with a cup of hot drink, and in the winter months, mulled wine is essential, with added spices such as cloves, cinnamon, star anise, sugar and slices of lemon and/or orange. Picnic on Sljeme is another great idea! At the top, you will find tables with benches that will invite you to sit down and rest with the food you brought, topped with a magical view of the mountain covered in a winter cloak.
Skiing
Medvednica has as many as four kilometers of ski slopes, as well as three cable cars and two ski lifts, with the fact that the Sljeme cable car will take you straight from the town (from Gračansko polje station) to the top of the mountain. Once you are there, you can decide which trail to choose – depending on your abilities, you can choose between easier and more difficult ones. And when you see the magical view of Zagreb on one side and Zagorje on the other, it will become clear to you why this is such a popular ski destination for locals as well as foreign visitors. The peak of the ski season on Sljeme is the “Snow Queen Trophy” slalom race of the Ski World Cup, which marks the arrival of the world's best skiers in Zagreb in the fight for the royal skiing crown.
Photo credit: Davor Pongracic / CROPIX
Sledding
If there is one activity that the children will surely enjoy, it is sledding! Not every hill in the city is suitable for sledding, especially because you have to pay attention to the safety of children, as well as passers-by. But on Sljeme you will find slopes that are perfect for a happy descent through the snow – you will know where they are because of the happy children's exclamations!
There is always something for everyone on Sljeme, and even when winter disappoints us with a lack of snow, this mountain is always a true winter idyll!