Varaždin Old Town
Varaždin, Croatia
A compact Baroque town in northern Croatia, with a castle surrounded by a moat and a pedestrian centre of pastel facades. Walk from the main square to the castle and end the day in one of the cafes on the square.
The Old Town fortress is Varaždin’s most important historic building and was the centre of a noble estate separate from the royal town. It was built between the 14th and 19th centuries; the oldest part is the central tower. In the 16th century the Italian master builder Domenico dell’Allio rebuilt it as a Renaissance fortress with high ramparts, bastions and a double moat against the Ottoman threat. The watchtower from the old defensive system survives.
Since 1925 the castle has belonged to the town and houses the City Museum with around 40 rooms displaying guild objects, portraits, weapons, paintings, clocks and decorative arts. Allow about two hours for the castle and museum. The castle lies on the edge of the centre, so it is an easy walk from the main square; park outside the centre.
- Nearest town
- Varaždin, Croatia
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 46.3057, 16.3366
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Croatia: Motorway tolls. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Turistična kmetija PuklavecCampsite18 km from Varaždin Old TownWi-Fi
- Vinski kamp HažićCampsite21 km from Varaždin Old TownCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowed
- My Little SwanCampsite22 km from Varaždin Old TownCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi
All campsites in Croatia · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Varaždin Old Town?
Varaždin Old Town is in Varaždin, Croatia, at GPS 46.3057, 16.3366. It is about 38 km from Ptuj.
Can you camp near Varaždin Old Town?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Turistična kmetija Puklavec, about 18 km away; within 25 km there are 3 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Varaždin Old Town?
Places worth a stop nearby: Jeruzalem Wine Hills (22 km), Ptuj Castle (38 km), Old Vine House (60 km) and South Styrian Wine Road at Ratsch (69 km).
When is the best time to visit Varaždin Old Town?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)