Varaždin – a city with a unique spirit

The oldest information about Varaždin, its name, and inhabitants can be found in the document of King Bela III. issued in 1181. The city then bears the name Guarestin (Garestin). Throughout its long history, by the decision of Empress Maria Theresa in 1767, Varaždin was once the capital of Croatia at the time.

Varaždin is a small but influential cultural, economic, educational, and tourist center of northwestern Croatia. It is located at an altitude between 169 and 173 meters above sea level, and the average annual temperature is around 10°C. The city is located along the Drava river, in a fertile plain that descends towards the river in a southwest-northeast direction.

Its greatest touristic value is its exceptional monumental and artistic heritage gathered in one of the most preserved and richest Baroque urban units not only in Croatia but also in the wider region. Special attention is drawn to the large complex of the Old Town, famous fortifications built and upgraded from the 14th to the 19th centuries. Its beautiful squares and streets and interesting architecture, which smells of history, attract tourists from all over the world to socialize, explore and taste.

The old town in Varaždin, Photo: Pixabay

If you want to visit Varaždin, we suggest that you do it during Špancirfest. All year long, the city lives and waits for those last ten days of August, that is, the two last weekends and the week between them. The streets then simply boil over, and the interplay of dozens of concerts, performances by street performers, shows, exhibitions, workshops, and countless other events attracts over 200 thousand visitors to the city.