Samobor Castle: A Medieval Ruin with Panoramic Views
Explore the ruins of Samobor Castle, a medieval fortress offering stunning views and a glimpse into Croatia's rich history, just a short trip from Zagreb.
Perched on Tepec Hill, a short walk from the heart of Samobor, lies the evocative ruin of Samobor Castle. Constructed in the 13th century by Czech King Ottokar II of Bohemia between 1260 and 1264, the castle initially served as a vital defensive stronghold, guarding important trade routes in the Sava valley. Over the centuries, control of Samobor Castle shifted amongst numerous noble families, including the Babonić, Counts of Celje, and Frankopan families, each adding to its structure and leaving their mark. Originally a stone fortress with an irregular layout, the castle evolved through expansions, particularly in the 16th century, incorporating new defensive walls and towers. Although largely in ruins today, key features such as the central keep, portions of the defensive walls, and the remains of a Gothic chapel still offer a glimpse into its former grandeur. The last residents abandoned the castle in the 18th century, and in 1902, the municipality of Samobor purchased the site. Visitors can explore the castle grounds, taking in the panoramic views of Samobor and the surrounding hills. Legend has it that a hidden treasure lies buried within the castle grounds, guarded by supernatural forces, adding an element of mystery to the historical site. The legend of the Black Queen, who is said to have ruled the area from the castle in the 15th century, adds to the castle's mystique. Today, Samobor Castle is an unsupervised site with one sign at the entrance.
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the path to the castle is steep and rocky.
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more tranquil experience.
- Bring a camera to capture the panoramic views of Samobor and the surrounding landscape.
- Combine your visit to the castle with a stroll through the charming town of Samobor to experience local culture and cuisine.
- Check the weather forecast before your visit, as the paths can be slippery when wet.
A brief summary to Samobor Castle
- Ul. Mirka Kleščića 7, Samobor, 10430, HR
- +38513360416
Getting There
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Walking
From King Tomislav Square in the center of Samobor, head west towards Ul. Mirka Kleščića. Follow this street for approximately 1 km; signs will point you towards the castle. The walk takes about 15-20 minutes, but be prepared for a steep, uphill climb. There are two paths to reach the castle, one of which passes the Church of St. Michael. No costs are associated with walking to the castle.
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Public Transport
Samobor has free public transportation on 17 bus lines. Use one of the local bus lines to get as close as possible to Ul. Mirka Kleščića, then follow the walking directions. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information. As of January 2025, there is no cost for public transportation within Samobor.
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Taxi
From the Samobor bus station or any location in the town center, a taxi can take you to the base of Tepec Hill near the castle entrance. Expect to pay around 154 HRK for a short taxi ride within Samobor. From there, it is a short, uphill walk to the castle ruins.
