Varaždin crafts and wheels – then & now

Arrive in the morning in Varaždin, the cradle of hardworking craftsmen and merchants who settled next to the medieval fortress at the crossroads of ancient Roman roads. For a start, we go to the Square of Traditional Crafts. In this city corner, we will have the opportunity to see Varaždin’s craftsmen (hatter, gingerbread man, blacksmith, art potter, and shoemaker) exhibit their handicrafts. Nearby is Plika’s yard where a unique “Metal Rhapsody” is hidden. In the backyard of a local artist is an imposing collection of unusual sculptures, installations, tools, and bicycles.

Such collections are more than usual in Varaždin. The next interesting location is the Museum Collection of Oldtimers and Old Techniques. An enviable number of unique items from motorcycles and bicycles to machines and devices have been collected and restored here.

We return to the very heart of the city. Lunch is organized in the city center in a relaxed homely atmosphere. Nearby, in the basement of the medieval palace Zakmardy you can enjoy the best beers – join the locals in “Medina Škrinja”. 

It’s time for action and an adrenaline ride in off-road jeeps. In the following program, we will break through the labyrinths of hidden paths of Drava forests to pebble beaches, observe animals that live in their natural habitat and also enjoy the special landscape of the Drava River which is part of the Mura – Drava – Danube biosphere reserve. After several hours of field driving, we return to the hotel for dinner. Overnight stay.

After breakfast, we take a stroll through the city and discover its hidden details. Among other things we will find out whether the big toe of Gregory of Nin really brings good luck, sit on the throne and feel like a king for a moment and discover the meaning of the figures know as “cimeri” of the streets of Varaždin. For lunch, we take you to the best pizzeria in town, Angelus.

Time to make our way home.