What makes the Croatian spa town of Daruvar so alluring

Daruvar (Photo: Stipe Boščić)

Located at the foothills of the Papuk mountain, just a scenic hour and a half drive from Zagreb, lies the tranquil town of Daruvar.

Thanks to its thermal springs, Daruvar is renowned for its centuries-old tradition of health tourism and even during Roman times boasted a prestigious status as a prominent thermal health resort.

Daruvar, however, does not only attract visitors seeking its therapeutic waters. Here are reasons why Daruvar should be on your list of places to visit.

Daruvarske toplice

(Photo: Stipe Boščić)

Known as Aquae Balissae, translating to “very hot springs,” Daruvar was once the capital of the Iassan Republic and renowned for its healing thermal waters. Dating back to 288 BC, these springs have long been sought after for their therapeutic properties.

Daruvarske toplice (Daruvar spa) is located right in the heart of the town centre within the historical Julijev Park.

(Photo: Stipe Boščić)

Specialised in the treatment of rheumatic diseases and medical rehabilitation, the spa also provides assisted treatment for infertility healing factors. Here, amidst lush greenery and serene landscapes, visitors find solace and rejuvenation.

Julijev Park

Antun’s Bath. in Julijev Park (Photo: Stipe Boščić)

Adorned with various baths and buildings from the 18th and 19th century, the beautiful Julijev Park is one of the oldest spa parks in the region.

Initially, the park took root around Antun’s Bath, with some of the original trees still standing. Today, Antun’s Bath offers up healing waters which can be consumed.

Antun’s Bath (Photo: Stipe Boščić)

Adding to the park’s allure is the picturesque Swiss villa, erected in 1860 during Julije Janković’s tenure, characterised by its charming Swiss-style summerhouse design complete with a wooden porch.

Swiss villa

(Photo: Stipe Boščić)

Depandansa Arcadia, a beautiful historic building constructed in the 19th century, which has 12 cutely decorated rooms, is also in the park. Staying at Depandansa Arcadia will make your stay memorable, and you can check out their affordable rates here.

Depandansa Arcadia (Photo: Stipe Boščić)

Adjacent to Depandansa Arcadia is the restaurant Terasa, which has been ranked among the top 100 restaurants in Croatia for several years. Furthermore, within the park lies a fountain featuring the bronze sculpture “Woman Bather,” by Antun Augustinčić crafted in 1927.

(Photo: Stipe Boščić)

One of Europe’s oldest Ginkgo biloba trees

Ginkgo in front of Count Janković’s Castle (Photo: Stipe Boščić)

Standing majestically in front of Count Janković’s Castle in the centre of Daruvar is one of Europe’s oldest and largest Ginkgo biloba trees, planted over 245 years ago.

Originally from China, there are two Ginkgo biloba trees in the castle’s park, which grew alongside the castle and was finished in 1780. Ginkgo biloba is the oldest tree species globally, existing for over 200 million years.

One of the trees, called Adam by locals, is the male specimen, while the other tree, known as Eva, is the female specimen. Ginkgo biloba trees bloom from April to May, with mature seeds from October to November. Since 1967, these trees have been under protection.

(Photo: Stipe Boščić)

In 2020, the tree was runner-up in the European Tree of the Year competition.

Castle of Count Janković

Castle of Count Janković with the impressive Ginkgo in front (Photo: Stipe Boščić)

The castle of Count Antun Janković in the very center of town is a protected Croatian monument of culture.

Queen Maria Theresa granted Count Janković the title “de Daruvar” in 1765, deriving from “daru” meaning “crane” and “var” meaning “town” or “castle” in Hungarian, symbolising vigilance. Between 1771 and 1777, Antun Janković constructed the baroque castle and surrounding park.

Inside the castle with local guide Vladimir, the best in the business (Photo: Stipe Boščić)

The beautiful castle, which was once used as a school, is today a museum.

(Photo: Stipe Boščić)

Museum Daruvar
Address: Ivana Gundulića 1, Daruvar
www.zmda.hr

Oldest industrial brewery in Croatia

Daruvar Brewery’s 5th Element range (Photo: Stipe Boščić)

Situated right in the town center, Daruvar Brewery upholds a brewing tradition dating back to 1840, making it Croatia’s oldest industrial brewery.

Operating continuously since inception, it stands as the sole brewery outside the Czech Republic employing traditional Czech methods and has brewed the Staročeško beer since 1893, alongside the 5th Element craft beer line introduced in 2014.

(Photo: Stipe Boščić)

Their beers have also been paired with dishes with ingredients from the Daruvar area on menus which are part of the 6th Element project.

(Photo: Stipe Boščić)

You can also explore brewery tours and beer and cheese pairing experiences. More info here. 

Best Burek in Croatia

Burek

In Daruvar, you can also indulge in what’s been crowned as one of the best bureks in all of Croatia.

Zdravljak Orijent, about to celebrate its 50th anniversary next month, is overseen by the affable burek maestro Faruk Demiri, who gladly shared his secret recipe.

He says the key is making adjustments with the flour for the pastry depending on temperature and humidity, which alter the flour’s properties. He prefers T380 flour.

Faruk Demiri and his famous bureks

The meat, which Faruk sources from local producers, is lean yet flavorful, and is well-seasoned making for an ideal filling. A perfect accompaniment is his homemade yogurt.

You can also try their potato burek, a ‘colorful’ burek with a combination of meat and potatoes, or apple burek, but that needs to be ordered in advance.

(Photo: Špela Ankele)

The price of bureks ranges from 2.50 to 3 euros.

Happenings

Finally, one reason to visit is for one of the number of fun events held in the town.

(Photo: Stipe Boščić)

Some events:

17 – 18 May: Dani piva (Beer days)
1 – 9 June: Vinodar Wine Festival 
5 – 6 July: Rockabilly Festival
21 – 24 August:  Daruvar Rock City
15 September: BEERgravel Challenge 

You can find out more about events in the town here.