Where Do Zagreb Residents Cool Off During the Heatwave?
As temperatures exceed 30 degrees, Zagreb's swimming oases offer different experiences, from excellent water quality to nearly empty beaches and a dried-up lake.
As temperatures exceed 30 degrees, Zagreb's swimming oases offer different experiences, from excellent water quality to nearly empty beaches and a dried-up lake.
Zagreb was hit by a heatwave this week, with temperatures well above 30 degrees. Although a refreshment arrived over the weekend and the State Hydrometeorological Institute (DHMZ) issued no warnings, those who think the heat is over will have to wait a bit longer. DHMZ forecasts a new heatwave starting Monday.
We checked where residents prefer to cool off. Three popular Zagreb locations were in focus: Bundek, Jarun, and the Sava River. The results of our visit show that each has its own story, but also that the habits of Zagreb residents vary greatly.
The first stop was Bundek. Despite the unbearable heat in the early afternoon, there were almost no swimmers. The beaches were deserted, and the situation was similar in the nearby cafés. However, according to a waitress, things change as the temperature drops. "That's when people start gathering, when it cools down a bit, and some even decide to take a dip," she said.
The water quality at Bundek is, according to the latest available data, satisfactory. Samples from the Great Lake, which is designated for swimming, were taken on July 21, 2026. The results showed excellent quality on the eastern shore, while on the western and southern shores, the water was rated as good. However, in one part of the lake, water with quite a bit of mud and debris was found.
Special attention was drawn to the Small Lake, which is not intended for swimmers. It has almost completely dried up. One can walk across its bottom all the way to the Great Lake.
At Jarun, the situation was notably livelier. There were more visitors, including quite a few foreigners. A Zagreb resident we found on the beach revealed her routine. "I prefer to take a shower and sunbathe. The water in Jarun is usually warm during the summer; it's not bad for swimming," she pointed out.
The water quality at Jarun is also high. The latest results from July showed it to be excellent, and in some places, good quality. It seems that "Zagreb's sea" has lived up to its nickname as the liveliest bathing spot, where the water also looked the cleanest at first glance.
The tour ended at the Sava River, where there were no swimmers anywhere. Our only company were ducks, and a snake was spotted in the water near the shore. Of all three locations, the Sava was the coldest, while Bundek took the title of the warmest. Despite that, the river was clearly not attractive for cooling off during the heatwave.
