Northwest of Zagreb, the Zagorje region is full of storybook hamlets, medieval castles, vineyard-strewn hills, and maze-like corn fields. To experience the area in a capsule, spend a night or two at Vuglec Breg, a rural retreat in the village of Škarićevo, just a short drive from the spa town of Krapinske Toplice. Here, you’ll find rooms and suites inside charming hiže (traditional wooden cottages), regional dishes like purica s mlincima (roasted turkey with baked noodles) and štrukli (cheese-stuffed dumplings), and views of the pastoral landscape in every direction. Just know that on weekends this popular family getaway can get busy with vacationers from Zagreb.
