Zagreb named Europe’s 2nd greenest capital city 

Zagreb (Photo credit: – J. Duval/Zagreb Tourist Board)

Green space improves air quality and is associated with longer life expectancy. They can also help keep cities cool in the heat. 

Based on data of how much urban areas are covered in green space, water and wetlands, the European Environment Agency have revealed the 10 greenest capitals in Europe. 

Croatia’s capital Zagreb, which is renowned for its numerous parks, forrest and lakes, is ranked second on the list with 72 % of its urban areas covered in green space, water and wetlands. 

Topping the list was Norway’s capital Oslo with 74% and just behind Zagreb in third place was Slovenia’s capital Ljubljana with 67%. 

Here are Europe’s 10 greenest capitals according to the European Environment Agency.

10. Lisbon, Portugal – 48%
9. Tallinn, Estonia – 50%
8. Berlin, Germany –  51%
7. Bern, Switzerland – 53%
6. Madrid, Spain – 53%
5. Vilnius, Lithuania – 57%
4. Helsinki, Finland – 62%
3. Ljubljana, Slovenia – 67%
2. Zagreb, Croatia – 72 %
1. Oslo, Norway – 74%

Some of Zagreb’s top parks. 

Maksimir Park – Maksimir is the oldest public park and one of the nicest places in Zagreb.

Cmrok – is in the northern part of Zagreb, on the slopes of Medvednica mountain. 

Maksimir Park (Photo credit: Sandra Tralic)

Zrinjevac, Strossmayer Square & Tomislavac – are located in a row between Zagreb’s main square and Glavni kolodvor – the main railway station.

Ribnjak Park – is situated just five minutes walk from Ban Jelačić Square, the park comprises the western part of the neighborhood of Ribnjak.

Bundek – is located in Novi Zagreb north of Zapruđe and Središće neighborhoods

Zagreb Botanical Garden – is located at Marulić square in the city center and was founded in 1889.

Botanical Gardens (Photo credit: J Duval/Zagreb Tourist Board)

Jarun – is a 2km long artificial lake surrounded by cycling tracks, a promenade, forests and parks.