Varaždin is the baroque capital of Croatia — a city in the north of the country, near the Hungarian border, famous for its baroque architecture, its castles, and its annual Špancirfest street festival. It was the capital of Croatia from 1767 to 1776, and the city retains an elegance and a cultural energy that sets it apart from the coastal towns. The old town is a showcase of baroque and rococo architecture, with the Drasković Palace, the Cathedral, and the Town Hall. Hiring a car here lets you explore the baroque towns of the region, the castles of the Hrvatsko Zagorje, the thermal spas, and the capital of Zagreb.
We compare Avis, Hertz, Europcar and local operators in Varaždin. Compact cars start around €15/day. The city is 80 kilometres north of Zagreb.
Why Hire a Car in Varaždin
- The Old Town: Varaždin’s historic centre is a showcase of baroque architecture, with the Drasković Palace, the Cathedral of the Assumption, and the Town Hall (one of the oldest in Europe). The streets are lined with colourful facades and ornate details.
- The Castle: The Old Town Castle is a fortress that has been transformed into a museum of local history. The park around the castle is a pleasant place to walk.
- Špancirfest: Held every August, the street festival transforms the old town into a carnival of music, theatre, and art. It is one of the biggest festivals in Croatia.
- The Castles of Hrvatsko Zagorje: The region around Varaždin is dotted with castles — Trakošćan (the most beautiful, on a hill above a lake), Veliki Tabor, and Bežanec. Each has its own character and history.
- The Thermal Spas: The region has thermal springs at Tuhelj and Varaždinske Toplice, with spa hotels, pools, and wellness centres.
- Zagreb: 1.5 hours south. The capital of Croatia, with a medieval old town, the St. Mark’s Church, and a vibrant cafe culture.
- Marija Bistrica: 1 hour south. The most important pilgrimage site in Croatia, with a basilica, a shrine, and a museum.
Driving in Varaždin and Croatia
Croatia drives on the right. The roads around Varaždin are excellent. The A4 motorway connects to Zagreb. The rural roads to the castles are narrower but paved. Speed limits are 130 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on main roads and 50 km/h in towns.
Parking in Varaždin is in designated areas — free in the city centre. At the castles, use the car parks.
Booking Tips for Varaždin
- Book 2–3 weeks ahead for summer and the Špancirfest.
- If visiting the castles, allow a full day — there are many to explore.
- GPS is useful for finding the rural castles.
- If combining with Zagreb, the drive is 1.5 hours south.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Hire in Varaždin
Is Varaždin worth visiting? Yes — it is one of the most elegant cities in Croatia, with baroque architecture, castles, and a rich cultural life.
Do I need an SUV? No — a compact car is fine for the city and the region.
Can I use my EU driving licence? Yes — EU licences are valid in Croatia.