The classic climb from the edge of the city up the forested southern slope of Medvednica to Sljeme, the highest point of the mountain.
The route follows marked paths through beech forest from the Gračani side to the Sljeme ridge, where the TV tower, mountain huts and viewpoints sit. Zagreb residents use it as a fitness route all year. The Sljeme gondola and ZET bus line 140 offer a descent without walking back.
| Distance | About 8 km one way (Dubravkin put to Sljeme summit) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2.5-3 hours up, 2 hours down |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Trailhead | ZET tram 14 or 15 to Mihaljevac, then a local bus toward Gračani; single ZET ticket about EUR 1.00-1.40 (USD 1.15-1.61), timetables at zet.hr |
| Best season | April-June and September-November |
| Address | Dubravkin put restaurant area, Gračani, 10000 Zagreb (approx. trailhead) |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Medvednica Nature Park, Zagreb
What to bring
- Sturdy hiking shoes with grip
- 1.5 litres of water per person
- Light rain jacket
- Offline map (Mapy.cz or HPS app)
- Charged phone with 112 emergency access
- Sun hat and sunscreen in summer
Location
Dubravkin put restaurant area, Gračani, 10000 Zagreb (approx. trailhead)
45.8420, 15.9830 View on map
Highlights
- Beech and fir forest the whole way
- Views over Zagreb and the Sava plain from the ridge
- Mountain huts for a warm meal at the top
- Option to ride the Sljeme gondola down
Tips for visiting
- Start before 10:00 in summer to avoid the heat
- Check the gondola timetable at zicarasljeme.hr before planning to ride down; summer first departure is 9:00 at weekends and 10:00 on weekdays
- Trails are muddy after rain, so wear shoes with grip
- Phone signal is good on most of the route
When to visit
Late spring and autumn give clear views and mild temperatures; winter snow calls for boots.
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible; the trail is steep and rooted. The summit area itself can be reached by gondola and bus.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Sljeme hike take?
Most walkers need 2.5 to 3 hours going up from Dubravkin put and around 2 hours coming down.
Can I come down by cable car?
Yes. The Sljeme gondola runs between the summit and Podsljeme, and ZET bus line 140 links Mihaljevac with Sljeme.