Zagreb: 5 places to escape the heat and cool down 

After a sizzling heatwave last week, temperatures in Zagreb over the next week are expected to reach close to 38 °C. July is going to be hot and August will be the same.  

If you are not able to head to be on the coast, cooling down in the Adriatic and are in the Croatian capital, there are options.

Although not as idyllic as the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea, you can still cool down a short distance from the city centre. 

Jarun

Jarun (Photo credit. Julien Duval/Zagreb Tourist Board)

Probably the most popular spot on a scorching day for those in the city, Jarun is a 2km long artificial lake located in the southwest part of Zagreb.

Veliko Jezero (the big lake) is the part of the lake for rowing and windsurfing, while Malo Jezero (the small lake) is reserved for swimming, pedal boat rides, bars, and cafes. There are lifeguards on duty during the swimming season.

Zagreb (Photo credit: Ivo Biočina / Source: CNTB)

It is easy to get there,  you can take the no. 5 or 17 tram.

Bundek

Bundek (Photo credit. Julien Duval/Zagreb Tourist Board)

Just over the bridge in Novi Zagreb is another artificial lake – Bundek.  As well as the lake to cool down in, there are cycling tracks, a promenade, and parks. There is stuff for the kids to play on and there are also barbecues which you can use for open-air parties.

There are also cafes around the lake as well to get a drink or ice-cream. There are lifeguards on duty. 

Bundek (Photo credit: Marko Vrdoljak / Zagreb Tourist Board)

To get there take any bus heading south from Glavni kolodvor and get out on the third stop just over the bridge.

Svetice Pools 

(Photo: Svetice Pools Complex)

The 10,000 m2 Svetice complex, located in the Zagreb suburb of Svetice, has an Olympic-size pool, and also a number of pools for recreational swimmers, beginners and kids. 

The multi-level complex also offers a wellness programme, including various types of saunas, a fitness centre, massage rooms and a specially built zen garden. Svetice has also sun-bathing areas and is surrounded by facilities for table tennis, badminton, volleyball and football.

Šalata Pools

(Photo: SRC Salata)

Located in the centre of the city on Šalata, these outdoor pools are a great place to cool down at. The summer swimming season is open until September and is open from 13:30 – 18:00 during weekdays and from 11:00 – 19:00 on the weekend. 

Address: Schlosserove Stube 2 

Mladost

Mladost pools are located not far from Jarun near the Sava river. 

The sports park has indoor and outdoor Olympic size swimming pools (25×50 meters), several smaller pools, a children’s pool, sunbathing space and other facilities.

Address: Ulica Jarunska Ulica