Things To Do
in Dugo Selo

Dugo Selo is a small, pleasant town in Zagreb County, about 20–25 km east of Croatia’s capital, Zagreb. It serves as a local transport hub with a railway station and road links, and is surrounded by fertile plains and wetlands that give the area a rural, peaceful feel. The town combines everyday Croatian life — markets, bakeries and family-run eateries — with easy access to nature reserves and hiking areas nearby.

Visitors come for relaxed pace, birdwatching and as a convenient quiet base for exploring eastern Zagreb County and Lonjsko polje Nature Park.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a stroll through the charming streets of Dugo Selo, where you can admire the traditional architecture and quaint houses. Visit local bakeries to sample fresh pastries and coffee, immersing yourself in the vibrant morning atmosphere. Don’t forget to stop by the local market to experience the hustle and bustle as vendors display their fresh produce and handmade goods.

afternoon
:

After lunch at a cozy konoba, continue your exploration by visiting the nearby Church of St. Mary Magdalene, known for its beautiful frescoes and serene ambiance. Spend some time in the surrounding park, where you can relax and enjoy the lush greenery while observing local life. As the afternoon winds down, consider renting a bike to explore the scenic countryside and nearby vineyards.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to a local restaurant to indulge in traditional Croatian cuisine, perhaps trying dishes like peka or fresh fish. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the town square, where you may catch live music or community events. Conclude the evening with a glass of local wine at a nearby bar, enjoying the warm Croatian night.

day 2
Nature Retreat at Medvednica Mountain
morning
:

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before setting off to Medvednica Mountain for some fresh air and stunning views. Hike the trails that wind through the lush forests, spotting wildlife and enjoying the peaceful sounds of nature. The morning light creates a magical atmosphere, perfect for photography enthusiasts.

afternoon
:

Stop for a picnic lunch at one of the scenic viewpoints overlooking the surrounding valleys. Spend the afternoon exploring more of the mountain trails or visiting the historic Medvedgrad Fortress, which offers panoramic vistas and a glimpse into the region’s history. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy the natural springs and perhaps a refreshing dip in the cool waters.

evening
:

Return to Dugo Selo for a cozy dinner at a rustic tavern, where you can savor homemade dishes paired with local wines. After your meal, take a quiet evening stroll along the peaceful paths of the town, listening to the sounds of crickets and the rustling leaves. Cap off your day by relaxing at your accommodation, reflecting on the beauty of the mountains.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
Coffee at a café$2-3
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-15
🍷Bottle of local wine (mid-range)$6-12
🚆One-way local train/bus ticket to Zagreb$2-5
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$50-90

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Close to Zagreb yet peaceful and rural — good base for day trips
  • Access to excellent wetland nature reserve (Lonjsko polje) and birdwatching
  • Affordable prices and authentic family-run eateries
  • Quiet, safe environment ideal for relaxed stays
  • Limited nightlife and cultural attractions compared with Zagreb
  • Fewer dining and vegan/gluten-free options than in larger cities
  • Public transport is decent but less frequent outside peak commuter hours
  • Seasonal closures of small businesses outside summer tourist months
  • "Dobar dan" - Good day / Hello
  • "Hvala" - Thank you
  • "Molim" - Please / You're welcome
  • "Gdje je ...?" - Where is ...?
  • "Koliko košta?" - How much does it cost?

Places to Visit in Dugo Selo

Visit one of these nice places.

Dugo Selo town square

Capture daily life, architecture, street cafés and the parish church; good for candid portraits and atmospheric evening shots.

Lonjsko polje Nature Park (wetlands)

Excellent for landscape and wildlife photography — marshes, meadows, traditional wooden houses and migratory birds during the season.

Railway station and rail lines

Classic small-town railway vistas with trains heading to Zagreb; evocative for industrial-rural contrast photography, particularly at golden hour.

Nearby villages and traditional houses

Well-preserved rural architecture and farm scenes offer rustic, authentic frames — especially photogenic during harvest or festive events.

Culinary Guide

Food in Dugo Selo

Cuisine around Dugo Selo reflects continental Croatian traditions — hearty, farm-to-table dishes with fresh produce, grilled meats, seasonal vegetables and baked goods. Many local eateries are family-run and emphasize homemade techniques and regional ingredients.

Dugo Selo Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Štrukli

Baked or boiled dough filled with cottage cheese and cream; a comforting pastry commonly found in home-style restaurants and bakeries around the region.

Must-Try!

Peka (meat or octopus under bell)

Slow-cooked meat or vegetables covered under a bell and roasted with embers; ask local konobe if they prepare peka on request—best sampled at family-run restaurants.

Kotlovina / grilled meats

Simple, flavourful grilled pork, sausages and čevapi, often accompanied by salads and local bread; widely available in taverns and roadside eateries.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Dugo Selo local market

Small market stalls selling seasonal fruits, vegetables, cheeses and homemade preserves—ideal for sampling fresh local produce and buying picnic supplies.

Roadside bakery stalls

Many bakeries offer fresh breads, burek or sweet pastries in the morning; great for a quick breakfast while exploring.

Climate Guide

Weather

Dugo Selo has a continental climate: warm to hot summers, cold winters with occasional snow, and moderate spring and autumn seasons. Precipitation is distributed through the year, with spring and autumn tending to be wetter; summers are generally sunny with heat spells possible.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A firm handshake and eye contact are standard for initial meetings; use titles and surnames for older people until invited to use first names.

Respect for elders and tradition

Show politeness to older generations and be respectful at churches and memorials—dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

Hospitality

Locals are hospitable; if invited to a home, bringing a small gift (wine, sweets or flowers) is appreciated. Expect offers of food and drink and polite refusal a few times before accepting.

Punctuality

For social gatherings, slight flexibility is common, but for business or transport connections punctuality is important.

Safety Guide

Safety

Dugo Selo is generally safe with low violent crime rates; typical small-town precautions apply—watch for pickpockets in crowded places and keep valuables secure. Be cautious at unmarked railway crossings and on rural roads at night; emergency services are available, and major hospitals are in nearby Zagreb.

Tipping in Dugo Selo

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping around 5–10% in restaurants is customary for good service; rounding up the bill at cafés and taxis is fine. For small services (like coat checks or help with luggage) a small tip is appreciated but not expected.

Payment Methods

Croatia uses the euro; debit and credit cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants, but small vendors and market stalls may prefer cash. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly common—carry some cash for rural or smaller purchases.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures, blooming fields and excellent birdwatching in Lonjsko polje. Weather can be changeable—bring layers and waterproof gear for occasional rain.

Summer

Warm to hot days, ideal for cycling and long outdoor excursions; expect more tourists in nearby Zagreb. Heatwaves can occur, so carry water and plan active outings for mornings or evenings.

Autumn

Pleasant temperatures, harvest season and colourful landscapes — a great time for food-focused travel and photography. Some facilities may reduce hours as the tourist season winds down.

Winter

Cold, sometimes snowy weather with quieter streets and cosy indoor dining; nearby Zagreb provides more cultural events if you want more activity. Roads can be icy—dress warmly and check transport schedules.

Nightlife Guide

Dugo Selo at Night

Dugo Selo’s nightlife is low-key: small bars, local pubs and family restaurants where people gather for drinks and conversation. For late-night clubs, live music venues and a more vibrant scene, take the short train or bus into Zagreb where nightlife runs later and offers more variety.

Hiking in Dugo Selo

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Lonjsko polje trails

Gentle walking routes and birdwatching trails through wetlands and meadows; best for nature lovers and photographers.

Moslavačka gora

Hilly area southeast of Dugo Selo offering marked trails, forested areas and panoramic viewpoints — suitable for moderate hikes.

Medvednica (Sljeme)

A short drive north toward Zagreb brings you to Medvednica mountain with more extensive hiking options, forest walks and winter activities near Sljeme.

Samobor hills and Žumberak

West of Zagreb, these hills provide scenic trails, traditional villages and varied terrain for day hikes within an hour’s drive.

Airports

How to reach Dugo Selo by plane.

Zagreb Franjo Tuđman Airport (ZAG)

Main international airport serving Zagreb, about 25–35 km west of Dugo Selo (roughly a 30–45 minute drive depending on traffic); regular buses and taxis connect to Zagreb city where you can continue by local train or bus.

Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU)

International airport in Slovenia, approximately 120–140 km away — an option for some international connections but farther and less convenient than Zagreb.

Zadar/Rijeka Split (seasonal)

Coastal airports (Zadar, Rijeka, Split) are considerably farther and mainly useful if combining a coastal trip with a visit to Dugo Selo; travel times are several hours by car or train.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town centre is compact and easy to explore on foot; sidewalks are generally present but some rural routes are best covered by bike or car. For accessing nearby nature areas, a bicycle or car is recommended.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local Croats

Majority of the population; families and older residents who have lived in the area for generations.

Commuters

Many working-age residents commute to Zagreb for work, giving the town a mix of rural and suburban character.

Small farming communities

Outlying villages are home to farmers and residents involved in agriculture and traditional crafts.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport — local clubs and youth teams play regularly and community support is strong.

Basketball and Handball

Team sports with local clubs and school participation; community leagues are common.

Recreational Cycling

Cycling for leisure and commuting is popular thanks to flat countryside and quiet roads.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is typically light within Dugo Selo but can increase during morning and evening commutes to Zagreb. Roads are well-maintained; however, expect congestion on routes into Zagreb during peak hours. Public transport consists of regional trains and buses with regular connections to Zagreb and surrounding towns, though schedules are more limited on weekends.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Dugo Selo.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options exist but are simpler than in big cities — salads, štrukli, grilled vegetables and egg-based dishes. Many restaurants will adapt meals if asked; shopping markets offer fresh produce for self-catering.

Vegan

Vegan choices are limited in small-town menus; best options are vegetable dishes, salads and breads. If you have strict needs, plan ahead and consider bringing staples or travelling to Zagreb for more varied vegan offerings.

Gluten-free

Gluten-free awareness is growing but not universal. Inform staff at restaurants about allergies; bakeries and traditional dishes commonly contain wheat, so caution is advised.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Dugo Selo has local clinics and pharmacies for routine care and prescriptions; for specialist treatment or hospital care, residents typically use facilities in Zagreb (e.g., KBC Zagreb). Emergency services are available, and travel insurance covering medical evacuation is recommended for visitors.

Discover Croatia

Read more in our Croatia 2025 Travel Guide.

Croatia Travel Guide