After a heatwave with temperatures reaching 40 degrees, relief is in sight, but the heat continues. For those seeking a sip of cold water without reaching for their wallet, the City of Zagreb has compiled the locations of all public drinking water fountains in one place.
The interactive map, available on the City's website, features as many as 198 public fountains spread across all city districts. The network includes various models, from the legendary old pumps to more modern drinking fountains and the first mobile fountain in the capital.
Viktorija Fountain, A City Symbol at Every Turn
The most recognizable model is certainly the Viktorija fountain, a vintage pump in blue or green, affectionately called 'Željezni Francek' by Zagreb residents. Once an indispensable part of every household, today it has become a symbol of the capital and adorns numerous public spaces.
These iconic pumps can be found at some of Zagreb's most beautiful locations: Britanski Square, Josip Juraj Strossmayer Square, King Tomislav Square, and Zrinjevac, southeast of the pavilion. Nature lovers can also refresh themselves in Maksimir Park, where Viktorija fountains are located near Lake IV, the western entrance Prilesje, and north of Vidikovac. You can also fill up your water bottle at the main entrance to Maksimir Park, as well as in Ribnjak and Tuškanac parks. At Bundek, three such fountains are available.
Drinking Fountains, Vindabones, and the First Mobile 'Brunhilda'
In addition to classic pumps, drinking water in Zagreb can also be obtained from drinking fountains, metal or stone pillars, and from vindabones, fountains with a square or semicircular base featuring an integrated drain and tap.
Public taps are available to citizens at frequented spots such as the intersection of Opatovina and Skalinska Street in the Upper Town and at Petar Preradović Square. Two drinking fountains are also located at Zagreb Fountains. A vindabone can be found at the southern entrance of Kvatrić Market, specifically at the intersection of Šubićeva and Martićeva Street.
Particularly interesting is 'Brunhilda', the first mobile public drinking water fountain in Zagreb, installed last year at Kvaternik Square. For those on the go, there is one drinking fountain at each of the tram termini: Črnomerec, Savski Most, Dubrava, and Dubec. The highest concentration of fountains, more than 30, is at Mirogoj and the crematorium, while at Jarun there are about ten drinking fountains.