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Category: Croatia

A guide to visiting Krka National Park (2022)

Krka National Park is one of Croatia’s most popular tourist destinations. Located in the Dalmatian region, the park is home to a series of cascading waterfalls that are fed by…

Krka National Park is one of Croatia’s most popular tourist destinations. Located in the Dalmatian region, the park is home to a series of cascading waterfalls that are fed by the Krka River. Visitors can swim in the river’s pools, hike through the park’s forests, and explore its medieval monasteries. The park also offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. Whether you’re looking for a day trip from Split or a longer excursion from Zagreb, Krka National Park is definitely worth a visit.

How to get to Krka National Park

The best way to reach the park is by car or bus. Buses operate daily from Zadar, Split, and Sibenik, and there is also a regular shuttle service from Skradin. Once you arrive at the park, there are a number of different ways to explore its many attractions.

Another option is to book a tour so you don’t have to worry about figuring out the transport to get there and how to buy entry tickets.

Best time to visit Krka National Park

The peak season for tourism is July and August, when the weather is warmest and the days are longest. However, this also means that the park will be busiest during these months.

If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, the best time to visit Krka national park is in May or September. The weather will still be pleasant, but there will be fewer tourists. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the park in all its autumnal glory.

What to do in Krka National Park

There are a number of different things to do in Krka national park, and visitors can easily spend a day or two exploring the area.

Hiking in Krka National Park

One of the most popular activities is hiking, and there are a number of different trails that wind through the park.

These are the most popular hiking trails:

  • Skradin Bridge – Skradinski Buk Trail
  • Lozovac – Skradinski Buk Trail
  • Goriš – Torak Trail
  • Rogovo trail

The list, however, is not exhaustive. You can check all the amazing trails here.

Boat ride in Krka National Park

Visitors can also take a boat ride down the Krka River, which is one of the most popular activities.
 

Krka Monastery

Nestled in the heart of the stunning Krka National Park, the Krka monastery is a must-see. It’s the most significant Serbian Orthodox monastery in Croatia founded in the 13th century. Visitors can admire its architecture and take a leisurely stroll through the grounds.

Where to stay in Krka National Park

There are a few campgrounds just outside the park, and they’re all well-maintained. The most popular ones are:

  • Camp Marina
  • Camp Skradinske Delicije
  • Camp Robeko

If you’re looking to stay somewhere more spacious you’ll need to look for nearby cities such as Sibenik, Lozovac or Skradin.

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7 Cool Museums in the Balkans

Museums are almost always an integral part of everyone’s itinerary when visiting a new destination. Yet, they are not among top associations when you think of the Balkans – it…

Museums are almost always an integral part of everyone’s itinerary when visiting a new destination. Yet, they are not among top associations when you think of the Balkans – it is nightlife, food, lovely beaches and nature. However, Balkan cities have some real hidden gems and fantastic niche museums that are well worth the visit.

From broken relationships to aviation, nuclear bunkers and science or the communist retro past, these 7 cool museums in the Balkans are waiting for you to discover them! Next time you’re in the Balkans look beyond the main attractions and go visit one of these museums.

Museum of Broken Relationships – Zagreb

Museum of Broken Relationships Zagreb

What started as a traveling exhibition ended up being one of Europe’s most innovative museums. The exhibition consists of objects sent by contributors from around the world which are accompanied with a personal story. These objects can be anything from a fluffy toy or music CD to something more extreme such an axe. Stories, on the other hand, hide much more powerful message – they are packed with satire, hatred and hurt.

This is a museum you’ll remember for a lifetime which is not so surprising as it is such an emotional roller coaster. What you may find interesting though is that this museum was founded by two people whose relationship has ended.

If you’ve just suffered from a breakup and want to do something more creative than punching a pillow, sharing your story to the world might be just what you need.

Museum of Aviation – Belgrade

Kamov Ka-25PL at Belgrade Aviation Museum

Photo: Belgrade Aviation Museum by G B_NZ 

If you happen to fly into Nikola Tesla Airport, the main airport serving Serbia’s capital, don’t miss the chance to visit the Museum of Aviation which is right next to it.

You’ll easily recognize its geodesic glass building which houses more than 200 aircraft previously operated by the Yugoslav and Serbian Air Forces. The most important displays include the USAF F-117 Nighthawk and F-16 Fighting Falcon which were shot down during the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia in 1999.

There is also an outdoor exhibition with more than 10 large airplanes.

You can also go to the museum by catching the bus #72 from Zeleni Venac station.

Noesis – Science Centre and Technology Museum – Thessaloniki

cool museums in the balkans

Planetarium (Photo: Noesis Museum)

If you’re a science freak you don’t want to miss Noesis – Science Centre and Technology Museum in Greece’s second largest city. Go watch an astronomy show at the Planetarium, a 3D movie in the Cosmotheater or do a ride show at the Motion Simulator.

After the Science Centre go to the Museum which consists of three main exhibitions. One is dedicated to classic cars, the other to technological innovations and works of Ancient Greeks and the last one is Technopark – an interactive area where you can learn more about the world of physics.

It’s a fantastic experience for people of all ages!

Tito’s Atomic Shelter – Konjic

cool museums in the balkans

Photo: Almin Zrno (www.bijenale.ba)

Also known as the Ark, this former nuclear bunker was built to protect President Tito and his close inner circle in case an atomic conflict happened. The bunker is located near the town of Konjic in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the public only heard about it after the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s.

It was one of the largest underground complexes in the former Yugoslavia. To get an idea of how big it is, it had Tito’s residence which consists of 5 rooms, over 100 rooms in general, two conference centers, two kitchens and even a fully operational hospital.

You are allowed to sit in Tito’s chair and take photos by his portraits. The bunker also has an art installation from various European artists.

Retro Museum – Varna

If you’re a fan of history you’re gonna love Retro Museum in Varna which opened its doors in 2015. This relatively new museum will take you back in the period between 1944-1989 during which socialism flourished in Bulgaria and other countries. The highlight of the museum is the rich collection of 50 cars which includes some legendary names such as Trabant, Volga, Wartburg, and Moskvich.

Walking along the red carpet you’ll pass by figures of Lenin, Stalin, Karl Marx and other leaders of the socialist movement. The museum also has a nice collection of household items, cigarettes, food, cosmetics and other brand products people used under the Communist regime.

If you happen to visit the Bulgarian coast for holidays and stay in Sunny Beach or Golden Coast, considering stopping in Varna and visit this interesting museum.

Museum of Yugoslav History and House of Flowers, Belgrade

cool museums in the balkans

No visit to Belgrade could be complete without visiting the Museum of Yugoslav History and the House of Flowers – the resting place of Josip Broz Tito and his ex-wife Jovanka Broz. Every year on May 25th Yugonostalgics from Serbia and the former states flock here to commemorate his birthday.

The museum has more than 200,000 artifacts showing the history of Yugoslavia and its nations. Museums are mainly centered around Tito, the gifts he received from youth, workers and foreign politicians. The Museum 25th May is also part of this large complex and is included in your ticket. At the moment it is hosting a fantastic exhibition dedicated to Yugoslav workers in Germany and Austria on temporary work.

Plan at least half a day for a visit to this complex. You won’t be disappointed.

BUNK’ART,  Tirana

Bunk Art 2

Photo: Bunk Art

Albania is one of the countries that suffered the most from the Communist regime. It is home to thousands and thousands of bunkers that you’ll spot pretty much everywhere – on mountains, beaches, cities. In fact, just after leaving the Warsaw Pact the country built 700,000 of them.

Since they were extremely hard to destroy locals found the way to make them a bit more aesthetically pleasing by being artistic and decorating them in different colors.

BUNK’ART is a place where you can learn more about Albanian history during the Communist regime and the lives of its citizens. There’s also another bunker called BUNK’ART 2 which reveals the secrets of Enver Hoxha’s secret police.

Did you like this list? Which cool museums in the Balkans do you recommend?

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Exploring the highlights of the Adriatic Coast

The Balkan Peninsula is a splendid area with many beautiful sights to see, so the highlights of the Adriatic Coast listed below, might make you wanna choose to visit this…

The Balkan Peninsula is a splendid area with many beautiful sights to see, so the highlights of the Adriatic Coast listed below, might make you wanna choose to visit this region for your next escape.

Dubrovnik – Croatia

Dubrovnik, Croatia

 Due to its rich cultural heritage and considerable beauty, the “Old City of Dubrovnik” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city walls are a major tourist attraction and are open to visitors throughout the year. Although it can take a couple of hours to walk around the walls, the views over the terracotta rooftops below and across the sea are truly spectacular. The cable car also offers breathtaking views over the city, coastline and mountains.

The Old Town is spectacularly beautiful with stunning architecture and interesting side streets with many shops and restaurants just waiting to be explored.

Korcula – Croatia

Korcula island055

 The island of Korcula is situated in the Dalmatian archipelago. The medieval Old Town is surrounded by a stone wall and has many historic sites including the Cathedral of St Mark, the Town Hall and the city fortifications.

This is a charming place to explore the numerous palaces, monuments and narrow streets with many shops, bars and restaurants. The spectacular Moreska Sword Dance is performed weekly during the tourist season.

Kotor – Montenegro

Bay of Kotor

 The old port of Kotor is situated at the end of Kotor Bay, often referred to as Europe’s most southern fjord. The scenery surrounding Kotor Bay is magnificent, and the scenic approach to Kotor by boat is both spectacular and memorable.

With a backdrop of rugged mountains and pine trees and surrounded by impressive medieval walls, this beautiful town’s architecture has many Venetian influences. As you stroll around you will find intriguing historic buildings, interesting squares and narrow streets filled with shops and restaurants.

The “Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Budva – Montenegro

Old City Scene from Citadel - Budva - Montenegro - 01

The coastal area is known as the Budva Riviera and is the centre of Montenegrin tourism. The small but charming old town with its winding cobbled streets is interesting to explore. The Citadel, located within the walls of the old town, is the main historic attraction.

Venice – Italy

Venice

Founded in the 5th century, “Venice and its Lagoon” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city centre is a pedestrian area so it’s easy to walk around and take in the many famous sights. Wherever you go there are hidden passageways, intriguing shops, museums and galleries and an abundance of superb restaurants.

Venice highlights include St Mark’s Square and the beautiful St Mark’s Basilica, the Gothic arches and marble façade of the Doges Palace, the Doges’ private apartments and the Bridge of Sighs.

After a day’s sightseeing or shopping, glide through the canals on a gondola, the city’s most famous form of transport.

Take a trip to any of these alluring spots or even extend your holiday to visit a few – you probably deserve it after all.

Images by S J Pinkney, Britrob, amira_a, Adam Jones and John Fowler used under creative commons license.

 

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Zagreb’s Museum of Broken Relationships

“The Museum of Broken Relationships encourages discussion and reflection not only on the fragility of human relationships but also on the political, social, and cultural circumstances surrounding the stories being…

The Museum of Broken Relationships encourages discussion and reflection not only on the fragility of human relationships but also on the political, social, and cultural circumstances surrounding the stories being told. The museum respects the audience’s capacity for understanding wider historical, social issues inherent to different cultures and identities and provides a catharsis for donors on a more personal level” the EMF’s (European Museum Forum) judging panel noted this when awarding it as Europe’s most innovative museum in 2011.

It all started as a traveling exhibition based on the idea of failed love relationships. Anyone can donate an object which represents their broken relationship along with a story and objects could be anything from a fluffy toy and music CD to something more extreme as an axe. You can also become a donor and send your exhibit. Donors come from all over the world, from neighboring Serbia to far Japan.

Stories are usually packed with humor, hatred and hurt. The exhibition was shown in cities like Amsterdam, Paris, Istanbul, Singapore, Belgrade, Berlin and Ljubljana.

Winter coat and love notes - Museum of Broken Relationships Zagreb

I was determined to marry her. After two months I called her. She told me that she was in love with another guy who lived near her home. No words came from my mouth, tears ran like a new river from my eyes, and I hung up. I never called her again. My heart was broken very badly, I cried a lot. I spent many sleepless nights. Still her memories are chasing me, still I am crying. She left me alone. Months passed. I moved to my national capital of Delhi. Still it hurts” says an Indian guy Prasanth who donated love notes and winter coat.

“Love is a violent recreational sport. Proceed at your own risk. Helmets, armor, and steel-toe boots are required by law.”

H.C. Paye

Tarantula Bob Dylan - Museum of Broken Relationships

You move on and the next exhibit says “Given to me by an American “boyfriend” when I was 17 and inscribed “for _____ who charmed the savage wolf”. I didn’t know that he would hound my parents for years and would eventually have a sex change and steal their name for his new persona.”

Goalkeeper gloves - Museum of Broken Relationships

Museum of Broken Relationships Zagreb

A pharmaceutical bowl - Museum of Broken Relationships

Axe in the Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb

And here’s an “Ex-Axe” story or to be more detailed a story of two lesbians and an axe being promoted to a therapy instrument. After being left for another woman by her partner, this woman from Berlin decided to chop her ex’s furniture. “Two weeks after she left, she came back for the furniture. It was neatly arranged into small heaps and fragments of wood. She took the trash and left my apartment for good.

“Love is an invited deal for losing peace.”
? Seema Gupta

An mp3 and a key ring - Museum of Broken Relationships

A postcard - Museum of Broken Relationships Zagreb

Olive seeds - Museum of Broken Relationships

A Linksys router - Museum of Broken Relationships

A Linksys router with a message “We tried. Not compatible.”

Not every museum will give you an emotional, thoughtful and funny experience like this one and that’s the reason I totally recommend it if you are in Zagreb.

And there’s something we shouldn’t forget;

“There is always love, hope and life after a broken heart.”
? Jelord Klinn Cabresos

The best example for this are Olinka Vištica and Dražen Grubiši? who founded this museum after their own relationship broke up!

Which object from your past relationship would you leave in the museum?

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Zagreb in 24 Hours

Although Zagreb is not the most popular destination in Croatia, it certainly is a place you should visit.  There are several features that define the city- great architecture, blue trams…

Although Zagreb is not the most popular destination in Croatia, it certainly is a place you should visit.  There are several features that define the city- great architecture, blue trams crossing the streets, young stylish Zagrebians and people riding bicycles almost everywhere.

If you only have a day in Zagreb it can be difficult to decide how to spend your time so here are the things I recommend you should see/do;

Ban Jela?i? Square

Ban Jela?i? Square, Zagreb

You will most probably start sightseeing from this place. The square is the main meeting point of Zagrebians and it’s also the main hub for the city’s blue trams.

Ban Jela?i? square in Zagreb

Kaptol

Zagreb Cathedral

From the square you can easily move to Kaptol where Zagreb Cathedral can be found. It’s the tallest building in Croatia and one of the most important symbols of the city.

Dolac

Dolac Market Zagreb

Another feature of the city are its open-air food markets and Dolac is the most famous one. Here you can get fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and fish and also other seasonal products from various parts of Croatia. This photo was taken on Easter day and that’s the reason why the market was empty.

Tkal?i?eva street

Tkal?i?eva street Zagreb

A street filled with boutiques, restaurants and cafés where you can sit with a cup of coffee and relax.

Stone Gate

Stone Gate Zagreb Kamenita Ulica

Stone Gate keeps the memory to the painting of Holy Mother Mary that remained untouched after a catastrophic fire in 1731. Here you will find uncounted number of plaques which thank the Virgin for helping or healing.

Stone Gate Zagreb

St. Mark’s Square

St. Mark's Church Zagreb

St. Mark’s square is home to Croatian Parliament, Constitutional Court and St. Mark’s Church, which is on the photo above.

Strossmayer Promenade

Panoramic View of Zagreb

Promenade is a great place for walking but besides that, it also offers panoramic views of Zagreb. It can be reached by a funicular which is the shortest one in the world. Try to grab a spot at one of the benches and enjoy the view around you.

Croatian National Theatre

Croatian National Theatre

In front of the theatre there is also a fountain named “The Source of Life” which is designed by a famous Croatian artist and sculptor Ivan Meštrovi?.

The Source of Life Fountain, Ivan Mestrovic

Museum of Broken Relationships

Museum of Broken Relationships Zagreb

I recommend you make some space to visit the Museum of Broken Relationships. It got an award for the most innovative European museum in 2011, as it’s dedicated to failed love relationships.

Pivnica Medvedgrad

And at night I recommend going to Pivnica Medvedgrad in Ilica street, where you can try their own beer which they produce for almost two decades. It’s also a great dining option and here you can taste delicious Croatian food. There is an indoor and outdoor seating area, and it’s definitely a great place to hang out, especially if you are traveling with friends or going out as a group.

So this was Zagreb in 24 hours. Do you have any recommendations for spending a day in Croatian capital? Feel free to leave the comment below.

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7 Great European Tourism Videos

Videos represent a great tool for promoting the tourism of a country and increasing its attractiveness. It can enhance the destination’s image and result in significant increase of tourism number….

Videos represent a great tool for promoting the tourism of a country and increasing its attractiveness. It can enhance the destination’s image and result in significant increase of tourism number. Here are seven great examples of European tourism videos;

AUSTRIA – Moments of Bliss

The “Austria-Moments of Bliss”  campaign focuses on the individual traveler and the authentic travel experiences.

 

In short: Arrive and Revive

CROATIA – The New Tourism Star of the European Union

This video is an extension of ‘Ode to joy‘, which won a prestigious award at the International Tourism Film Festival at ITB Berlin. This video highlights very well the cultural, historical and natural heritage of Croatia.

FINLAND – The Northern Lights

Magical.

LUXEMBOURG – Is It True What They Say?

The main idea is to counter widespread stereotypes about Luxembourg and present the country the way many inhabitants and visitors experience it today.

 

Cool music too!

HOLLAND – The Original Cool

This video screams “We’re so awesome and we’re much better than the rest of the world!”, but it’s very creative and enticing.  Oh, and definitely check the parody of this.

SERBIA – Soulfood

Yes, Belgrade is “Europe’s new capital of cool”, “Eastern Europe’s Berlin”, “The party capital” etc., but it’s so refreshing to see that Tourist Organization of Serbia opted for focusing on something different like gastronomy. The result was pretty good, wasn’t it? The winner of the 2012 FilmAT – Film, Art and Tourism Festival in Warsaw and various other festivals.

SWEDEN

Gotta love Sweden! Gotta love Swedish humor!

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