Although there's plenty to see and do in Croatia's capital city, you may want to try a different pace of life and head on a little day trip outside the city - and you'll have plenty of options!

As Zagreb is a comparatively large city, there's plenty of day trips which are technically within the confines of the city itself or just outside. We've decided to include such trips as they made be slightly off the beaten track, and not always considered as options to see and do by that many visitors to the city! Here they are:

Lake Jarun
If you fancy a cool dip in the height of summer in Zagreb (and we all know the heat can sometimes can a little stifling), then Lake Jarun is where you should head.

There's numerous beach areas and the large (artificial) lake is perfect for swimming, and other watersport activities such as canoeing or even windsurfing. The surrounding paths also provide opportunities for cycling, rollerblading and jogging. (If that's your kind of thing.)

Lake Jarun has a number of bars and cafes for refreshments, and some of Zagreb's most popular clubs are situated there, including the well-known Aquarius and Macao, if you fancy staying until the early hours. (Or if you make a return later at night.)

Each summer, Lake Jarun also hosts a music festival on its shores: T Mobile INmusic Festival.

Best of all, it's very easy to reach Lake Jarun from the centre - tram numbers 17 (which goes through Ban Jelacic Square) and 5 operate during the day to Jarun, whilst number 34 operates at night. Take the trams to the "Jarun" stop and then follow the signs for the lake.

Read more at the Lake Jarun website. (Croatian only)

Sljeme & Mount Medvednica
Mount Medvednica, to the north of the city of Zagreb, is a wonderful place to visit for a bit of nature and to partake in activities such as hiking or cycling. On the mount, Medvednica Nature Park contains various flora and fauna, as well as local sights.

Sljeme is the highest point of the area, at 1,033 metres. If you're there during winter, it is possible to ski at Sljeme although in all honesty, it's nothing to get too excited about - people only really go skiing there to try it out, to practise being the next Janica or Ivica Kostelic, or if they can't make it across the border to Slovenia (or a little further afield). Some professional ski races and events are sometimes held here, however, such as the annual Snow Queen Trophy.

But whatever time of year you're there, it's a great place to visit for some spectacular views and a good way of getting "out of the city", which you will find a considerable amount of "Zagrepcani" (people of Zagreb) doing. It's possible to hike up to the summit, but more fun (and easier) is to take the 4km-long cable car route.

Fortress Medvedgrad is situated on the southern slope of Medvednica, and was built as a fortified town following an invasion of the Mongols in 1242. After falling into disrepair over the centuries, it was fully restored during the 1990s as a symbol of patriotism during and after the war. There is also a Shrine of the Homeland monument there, as a homage to those who died in the war.

To get to Mount Medvednica, take tram numbers 8 or 14 north to the end of their route; then change for tram number 15 which takes you to Dolje from where you can walk to the cable car.

Maksimir Park
Although properly within the city, Maksimir Park lies in the eastern part of Zagreb in an area that may often be missed by visitors. It's easily reachable, however, and tram lines 4, 7, 11 and 12 go there. (Alight at the stop named "Buckovacka".)

The park was first opened in 1794, and contains beautiful greenery in its forests and woodland and tranquility in its lakes and streams, with a number of promenades and paths for idle walking.

The Park also contains Maksimir Zoo which is home to a surprisingly wide variety of animals, including various bird and fish species as well as crocodiles, leopards, sea lions, bears and a red panda.