Nestled just outside Zagreb, Samobor is one of Croatia’s most beloved small towns. It’s a quaint medieval town known for its preserved old-world charm, delicious local cuisine, and beautiful natural surroundings. Visiting Samobor feels like stepping back in time to a tranquil Old Town with cobblestone streets and colourful historic buildings.
Despite its small size, Samobor offers plenty of things to do, and its close distance to Zagreb makes it easy to visit when you rent a car. This Samobor travel guide will walk you through the town’s location, attractions, and more.
Samobor is located in northwestern Croatia, in Zagreb County, very close to the Slovenian border. This picturesque town lies only about 25 kilometres west of Zagreb. You’ll find Samobor at the gateway to the Samoborsko gorje (Samobor Hills) and the romantic Gradna Valley.
Samobor is on the eastern slopes of these hills, where a valley meets the highlands. Its position near an old trade route has made it a popular stop for centuries. With green hills rising around it and the Gradna creek flowing through town, Samobor offers a scenic setting at the gateway between urban Zagreb and the Slovenian countryside.
Driving to Samobor takes about a 30-minute drive from central Zagreb via well-marked roads or the A3 highway. If you rent a car in Zagreb, you can explore on your own schedule. Once in Samobor, you can find parking near the Old Town. There are parking lots and street parking spots around the town center. Having a car also allows you to venture into the surrounding hills or nearby villages.
When you arrive in Samobor, the Old Town known locally as Stari Grad is the main area to explore and a key part of Samobor attractions. The town is organised around a central square with narrow streets spreading outward, all lined with pastel coloured buildings, cafés, and small shops. Below are some highlights of Samobor’s Old Town.
King Tomislav Square is the centre of Samobor’s social life and the ideal place to start. The square is surrounded by historic buildings with colourful façades, mainly from the late Baroque, Classicist, and early 20th century periods.
At the centre of the square stands a historic fountain, originally an old well, with benches that draw locals throughout the day. Café terraces and restaurants line the edges. Visitors can sit with a coffee or ice cream and watch everyday life unfold. The atmosphere is relaxed and family friendly. The square also hosts seasonal events, including the Samobor Carnival, summer concerts, and winter decorations. Important landmarks such as the Town Hall and the Parish Church of St. Anastasia add to its cultural importance.
Beyond the main square, Samobor’s Old Town encourages slow exploration through its narrow cobblestone streets, where traditional architecture defines the experience. The area is filled with one and two-storey houses featuring wooden shutters, decorative rooflines, and colourful façades that reflect Croatian and Austro Hungarian influences. Many buildings display plaques highlighting their historical value.
As you walk, you may pass through archways, small courtyards, or quiet lanes that reveal artisan workshops and galleries. The Old Town is compact and easy to navigate, making wandering stress free. Streets such as Livadićeva ulica connect areas and lead towards green spaces and the Gradna stream, which is crossed by several wooden bridges. Vintage street lamps, flower filled windows, and distant church bells enrich the atmosphere. Simply wandering here is one of the best things to do in Samobor.
No visit to Samobor is complete without seeing its old castle ruins, which stand on a hill overlooking the town. The Samobor Castle (Stari grad Samobor) is a ruined medieval fortress that offers a mix of history, adventure, and panoramic views.
Hiking Sambor Castle is part of the experience and involves an easy to moderate walk. From the Old Town, clearly marked paths lead through the wooded slopes of Tepec hill towards the ruins, making it one of the most rewarding attractions in Samobor. The trail begins near the western edge of town, close to the church and main square, where signs guide you onto a shaded forest path.
The walk uphill usually takes 10 to 20 minutes, depending on pace. Some sections are steep, and the ground can be slippery after rain, so sturdy shoes are recommended. Despite this, the walk is not demanding and suits most fitness levels. Along the way, there are benches and information boards, and the trees provide welcome shade in warmer months.
As you approach the top, the castle ruins appear through the trees. Visitors can explore freely, with care, and enjoy wide views over Samobor, the Gradna Valley, and the surrounding countryside. The site is peaceful, scenic, and well suited for photos, picnics, and a short break in nature.
One of the joys of Samobor is that you can transition from the town to nature in a matter of minutes. Surrounded by greenery, Samobor offers plenty of outdoor activities for those who love hiking, cycling or just relaxing in a beautiful landscape. Here are a couple of ways to enjoy the natural side of Samobor:
The town is surrounded by the Samobor Hills, which form part of the wider Žumberak Samoborsko Gorje Nature Park. This protected landscape stretches across forested hills, deep valleys, and small villages. Hiking is popular, with clearly marked trails leading to hilltops and scenic viewpoints.
One well known route leads to Japetić, the highest peak in the area at about 879 metres, where a lookout tower offers wide views across the region. You can walk to Okić, a hill topped by the remains of a small medieval castle. The area is also suitable for mountain biking, picnics, and rock climbing, particularly near Okić. Wildlife is abundant, and panoramic viewpoints can reveal views as far as Zagreb or across into Slovenia.
For a slower outdoor experience, a walk along Gradna Creek offers a calm contrast to the town centre. The stream runs beside Samobor’s Old Town, forming a green corridor with walking paths. One route starts near the main square and follows the creek west towards the base of the castle hill. The path is shaded by tall trees, with gentle flowing water alongside.
Several wooden footbridges cross the creek and provide good spots to pause or take photos. The clear water and soft sound of movement over stones create a relaxing atmosphere. Along the route, you may pass a small park with benches and views towards the wooded hillside.
Samobor boasts several savoury specialties. If you plan to have lunch or dinner in town, look out for these local dishes on the menu:
Despite its size, Samobor has a vibrant cultural scene and hosts several festivals that draw visitors from all over Croatia. The town’s traditions are alive and well, offering you a chance to see some authentic Croatian celebrations.
Samobor is most famous for its annual Carnival, locally called Samoborski Fašnik. This is one of the oldest and best known carnival traditions in Croatia, dating back almost two centuries. Each year, in the weeks before Lent, usually in February, the town transforms into a lively celebration of costumes, music, and satire. Organised festivities have existed since 1855, with earlier roots in local folk customs.
During Fašnik, Old Town streets fill with imaginative costumes, playful performances, and humorous social commentary. A central figure is the Prince of Carnival, who symbolically rules the town before being put on trial and dramatically destroyed to mark renewal and the arrival of spring. Parades, concerts, and food stalls animate King Tomislav Square. Seasonal treats such as sweet doughnuts and warm drinks are everywhere.
When warmer weather arrives, Samobor’s cultural life shifts outdoors. The town hosts Ljeto u Samoboru, a summer festival that usually runs from late June to July and features free open air events. Concerts often take place in the main square and local parks, with music ranging from pop to traditional folk. Outdoor cinema screenings, children’s theatre, and creative workshops are also common, creating a relaxed evening atmosphere for families and visitors.
In autumn, Samoborska glazbena jesen brings classical music concerts that feature both established performers and young talent. Art lovers can visit the local gallery, which regularly hosts exhibitions, or attend Vrazova Ljubica, a romantic poetry event held in June that celebrates literary heritage through readings and music.
Samobor also marks its Town Day on 15 January and hosts smaller food and craft events throughout the year. Visiting during a festival offers a deeper look into local culture and traditions.
Samobor is an appealing destination year-round, each season offering a slightly different atmosphere. There really isn’t a bad time to go, but depending on your preferences, you might find one season more suitable. Here’s a breakdown of visiting Samobor in different seasons:
Spring is a lovely time in Samobor. As early as March, the surrounding hills start turning green and flowers bloom in the town’s gardens. By April and May, you’ll see blossoms on fruit trees and roses in courtyards. The weather is mild, great for walking and hiking, which is typically in the 15 to 22°C range (60s °F). One is the Samobor Spring Fair or related events around Easter. Also, Salamijada (the salami festival/competition) often occurs in spring, which can be interesting for foodies.
Summer in Samobor is peak season for outdoor enjoyment. The days are long and usually warm (late June through August can see temperatures around 25 to 30°C). This is when the town hosts many festivals and events. As mentioned, Summer in Samobor festival runs in early summer with concerts and fun activities.
Autumn is one of the best times to visit Samobor. The foliage in the Samobor Hills turns shades of gold, orange, and red, offering breathtaking scenery especially in October. The weather in early fall (Sept to early Oct) is usually mild and stable. Local vineyards in nearby Plešivica are busy with grape harvest, and you might see fresh seasonal produce (grapes, pumpkins, mushrooms) in the market.
Samobor hosts a Chestnut festival and other food events in autumn, celebrating seasonal delights. Additionally, the noted Samobor Music Autumn festival takes place, drawing music aficionados to classical concerts.
Winter in Samobor is low season but has its own charm. The town is generally quiet and peaceful in winter, with fewer visitors (except during the Carnival). Samobor decorates the main square with lights and perhaps a small Christmas market or Advent events on weekends.
January can be quite cold (often near 0°C, sometimes below freezing at night), and occasionally snow falls. The highlight of winter is February’s Samobor Fašnik (Carnival). For about 10 days, usually ending on Shrove Tuesday, the town comes alive with festivities as described earlier.
Samobor Old Town is a simple, enjoyable break from Zagreb that doesn’t require much planning. You can wander the old streets, sit in the main square with a coffee, walk up to the castle ruins, and have a good local meal all in one easy visit.
Renting a car in Zagreb with Final Rentals can turn your short visit into a relaxed day trip.With Final Rentals, booking a car online is fast and simple. Select Zagreb Airport as your pickup location, enter your travel dates, and choose a vehicle for your trip. Book and manage your car rental at any time. Download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
