The City of Varaždin is the cultural, economic and educational centre of Northwest Croatia and the latest addition to the Cities & Regions for Cyclists network. The decision by local officials to join the network is an acknowledgement of the obvious advantages that cycling can offer the city and its inhabitants. The bicycle has been rightly recognised as key tool for making Varaždin a more liveable city and as a driver of sustainable economic growth through cycling tourism, for which the city is ideally situated.

The historic city is located near three borders, namely Croatia, Slovenia and Hungary, and is about 70 kilometres from Zagreb along the plains adjacent to the Drava River. It is a city with a rich history, going back as far as 1181, and was even the capital city of Croatia during the 18^th Century. Visitors will notice that it is adorned with Baroque architecture, has numerous parks and is surrounded by nature reserves. Today it has 46,000 inhabitants, making it the 11^th largest City in Croatia, and its highly developed infrastructure has led to its prestigious recognition as the best Croatian city in terms of quality of life.

A cycling tourism hotspot

Varaždin is renowned for its famous School of Music, its Baroque Evenings, the VANIMA Animated Film Festival and the Trash film Festival. Every year, at the end of August, it hosts Špancirfest – the Festival of Good Emotions – which attracts more than 300,000 visitors over ten days with its attractive programme of concerts and gastronomic offerings. During the winter months, there is a fantastically appealing and rich advent programme. Varaždin is also an attractive tourist destination due to its cultural festivals and its historical monuments, and for years it has been recognised as the most attractive city in Continental Croatia.

Varaždin’s location, traffic connections and tradition make it a suitable city for developing cycling tourism. It is located on the European Drava – Mura Cycling Route, which connects to EuroVelo 13 – Iron Curtain, as well as cycling trails along the river valleys of Croatia and Slovenia to the trails in Austria and Hungary. These feature 120 kilometres of well-maintained cycling routes and 16 cycling rest areas in good working order.

The area surrounding Varaždin contains great opportunities for recreational cycling. The forest trails in the hillier parts of Varaždin and Međimurje Counties, various interesting roads suitable for cycling and the trails winding through the rivers or climbing through the vineyard areas are worth all the calories burnt to glimpse a new magical view.

Image 1. Ideal environment for cycling tourism

Tailor-made for cycling

In addition to traditional textile, food and metal industries, Varaždin has also kept pace with current global trends. The city has developed a dynamic modern tech sector over the last ten years and specific economic zones to attract foreign investment. The foundation from which this development of modern industries has emerged is a strong education system that has been developed from primary schools to universities.

Within the City of Varaždin the bicycle is generally widely-accepted means of transport for a wide range of citizens. Most households in Varaždin own several bicycles each, and it is possible to reach every part of the City of Varaždin by bicycle within fifteen minutes. The city’s flat configuration, wide roads and size are excellent prerequisites for further development of its cycling infrastructure.

An important role is played by active citizen associations that bring together environmentally-conscious advocates of urban cycling. Competitive cycling also has a proud tradition in the history of Sloga (“Unity”) Cycling Club, and on several occasions Varaždin has hosted the final stages of the International CRO RACE Cycling Race. The city also boasts a skate and bike park that attracts lovers of freestyle BMX cycling. Many visitors are also particularly interested in the Oldtimer Museum, which exhibits rare vintage bicycles, a reminder of the long tradition of cycling in Varaždin.

Image 2. Cycling is already popular in Varaždin

The newly-elected administration of the City of Varaždin, which won the majority of the votes cast in the last local elections, is promoting the Grad su ljudi (“The City is People”) and Živim zeleno (“I Live Green”) strategies that aim to increase the number of citizens using means of transport that are alternatives to fossil fuel-powered cars. Therefore further progress is expected in the implementation of general cycling infrastructure, cycle paths and pedestrian zones.

Varaždin was a partner in the City Walk European Project, during the course of which steps were taken to improve and strengthen the positions of various modes of urban mobility, such as walking and cycling. To ensure continued motivation for cycling as an everyday means of transport, the city’s administration is co-financing the purchase of new and the servicing of old bicycles. The safety of cyclists in traffic and protection from bicycle theft are also paramount amongst these priorities.

Varaždin, as a new member of the Cities & Regions for Cyclists network (CRC), is open to new challenges and is ready to form new partnerships so that knowledge and experience can be exchanged and cycling can be developed. The City of Varaždin has great ambitions and aims to responsibly approach its development in line with global environmental trends for the reduction of greenhouse gases. Reducing the use of fossil fuels, developing clean industries and promoting alternative means of transport, including cycling, are all part of Varaždin’s long-term goals, a city that is currently introducing itself to its new acquaintances in the CRC Network.

For more information on the network, on current members and how to join, visit our Cities & Regions for Cyclists page.

Written by Dražen Dretar, PR & Protocol Officer at the City of Varaždin

Images provided courtesy of City of Varaždin