tip Travel magazine Croatia 004 (English edition) 02-03/2014

ISSN: 1849-059X

www.tipTravelMagazine.com

CROATIA Number 4 • Year II • February - March 2014.

Travel and tourism magazine INFORMATION • RECOMMENDATIONS • EXPERIENCES

Opatija Issue topic

Wellness&spa Skiing

Wooden beauties of

Turopolje

Weekend trip

Lonjsko polje Other topics:

Valentine's Day Zagreb • UNESCO Starigrad plain

Scandinavia February / March 2014.

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www.tipTravelMagazine.com

CROATIA

Travel and tourism magazine

Travel and tourism magazine ISSN: 1849-059X Publisher: Tip Kreativa Ltd. Jordanovac 119, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia phone: +385 1 2348 488 mobile: +385 91 7958 016 Photo: Robert Kunštek

info@tiptravelmagazine.com www.tiptravelmagazine.com www.facebook.com/tiptravelmagazine MB: 4055845 EU VAT Number: HR21136573248 Erste&Steiermärkische Bank d.d.

IBAN: HR4524020061100663844 Editor in Chief: Željka Kunštek zeljka@tiptravelmagazine.com Graphic Editor: Robert Kunštek robert@tiptravelmagazine.com Associates in this issue: Vlatka Vužić, Sanja Plješa Translator: Marija Crnogaj Marketing: Tip Kreativa Ltd. marketing@tiptravelmagazine.com Photo source: tipTravel magazine archive, archives of Croatian Tourist Boards, fotolia Cover page: Villa Madonna, Opatija, Croatia photo: Petar Trinajstić archive: Opatija Tourist Board / PHOTOnet.hr

ISSN: 1849-059X

www.tipTravelMagazine.com

CROATIA Number 4 • Year II • February - March 2014.

Travel and tourism magazine INFORMATION • RECOMMENDATIONS • EXPERIENCES

Opatija Issue topic

Wellness&spa Skiing

Wooden beauties of

Turopolje

Weekend trip

Lonjsko polje Other topics:

Valentine's Day Zagreb • UNESCO Starigrad plain

Scandinavia

Transmission of texts, in full or in part, is only permitted with the written approval of the editor or author. Any type of mechanical, optical, or electronic copying is forbidden. All rights are reserved. Texts and photographs are sent in electronic form. The opinion of the author of the text is not necessarily the opinion of the editor. The editor cannot guarantee the permanence of published information, and is not responsible for the content of advertisements.

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Editorial

A new year and some new columns

P

recisely 170 candles were lit this year on Opatija's birthday cake, as well as for all of Croatian tourism, whose beginnings are tied to this city in the Kvarner Bay. Admittedly, it is a nice anniversary. So it's no coincidence that in the first issue of the year we have decided to present Opatija, a city with a long tradition of tourism, which will celebrate this important birthday all year long with a series of various events, to which, of course, you are all invited.

But that is only one of the reasons you should visit Opatija. Find out the rest in the report we bring you.

If you are looking for an idea on how to spend one of your upcoming weekends, we recommend a trip to the Lonjsko Polje Nature Park. Especially if you are a fan of nature and animals, and the idea of taking a boat ride, photo safari, bird watching, or exploring the wilderness of this marshland piques your interest.

To complete the experience spend the night in an authentic house of Posavina, and definitely try some of the local specialties. The Zagreb County also hides many locations for interesting excursions, and the village of Donja Kupčina with its valuable outdoor ethnological collection is just one of them. The adventurers among you can sit in a car and take a tour of the wooden chapels of Turopolje, scattered throughout the Zagreb vicinity.

Find out why they are one-of-a kind in the world.

Starting with this issue, we have also introduced two new columns, which we believe you will find interesting. One is "Cultural Scene", where we will bring you announcements for various cultural musical treats in Croatia: concerts

by Croatian, but also international, performers, performances, exhibitions, and much more, which will, we believe, be interesting for those of you who are already in Croatia, but also for those of you who are just planning to come.

Maybe some of those events will entice you to come sooner. And maybe you will be one of the fastest and win tickets to one of them :-) (more about that on page 90). As a reminder, we are continuing to give away books and guides to the authors of the best photos amongst you (more information on page 88).

Another novelty starting in this issue is the "Travel Writers" column, where world travelers and people with great experience in travelling will reveal their many experiences from their trips around the world, and share useful advice, recommendations, and ideas with you...

In this issue, find out 'first-hand' what it is like to travel in the largest airplane in the world; we also bring you a photo-report about an adventure in Scandinavia, and skiing and wellness, pleasures made for February and March, are just some of the topics... Pleasant reading! Željka Kunštek

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CROATIA

Travel and tourism magazine

Download the tipTravel magazine iOS Newsstand application on App Store to have an even better reading experience, and read us free of charge on English and/or Croatian.

Download here:

February / March 2014.

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Content

www.tipTravelMagazine.com

CROATIA

Travel and tourism magazine

02-03/2014

The importance and quality of tipTravel magazine in the online promotion of Croatian tourism has been recognized and recommended to readers, tourists, by:

tipTravel magazine is the first Croatian online travel and tourism magazine, which is exclusively in digital format and available to all readers free of charge.

It is published in Croatian and English, and it is aimed at domestic and foreign tourists, travel aficionados. In each issue, through original reports and photos, it introduces readers to Croatian coastal and continental destinations and their diverse and rich tourist offer, it reveals the less known facts, brings tourism news, announcements of events and festivals that shouldn't be missed, and first-hand advice and recommendations.

The last part of the magazine is dedicated from topics around the world.

More info on the magazine can be found at www.tiptravelmagazine.com, where you can also find a direct link to all the issues. The magazine can be read on all computers, tablets, and smartphone devices via the program solutions offered by Issuu.com. A new version of the 'Issuu' application has been developed for Android devices. Other than using Issuu on iOS devices (iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch), the magazine can also be downloaded free of charge in the AppStore, where the application has additional interactive features to enable an even higher quality reading experience. To find it, simply type in "tiptravel" in the AppStore.

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10-21

32-41

24-29

42-43

8-9 CROATIAN NEWS 10-21 BLUE CROATIA - Opatija: The Lady of Kvarner Tourism 22-23 TIPS4YOU 24-29 WEEKEND TRIP Lonjsko polje: Weekend in the 'Biodiversity Park' 32-41 ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE - Zagreb County: Wooden beauties of Turopolje 42-43 BEAUTIES OF CROATIA Svetvinčenat

44-48 INTERVIEW Kristian Šustar, Executive Director at HUP Zagreb and President of AECH: Our goal is to present Croatia to the world as a 'green destination' 50-53 TOURISM PRODUCT Photo&tours: Vacation with a view through the lens 54-57 EXCURSION - Donja Kupčina Local History Museum: Ethno collection under the stars

the option to show photographs in fullscreen view is available to users of the application on iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch devices.

Environmentally Friendly

not a single tree has been destroyed in publishing of this magazine

50-53

78-79

98-99

54-57

84-87

104-121

58-59 TOURIST ATTRACTION 60-63 VALENTINE'S DAY Love stories that enthralled Zagreb 64-65 HISTORICAL TRACES A. G. Matoš 66-67 UNESCO - Starigrad plain: A masterpiece of Greek culture 68-69 HEALTH TOURISM Wellness or healthy living 70-73 SPORTS TOURISM Holiday on the slopes

74-75 CROATIA ONLINE 76 CROATIA THROUGH PHILATELY Lighthouses: Stončica 78-79 GOURMET CROATIA Zagreb: Gastronomy knows no borders 80-82 FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE - Antonov 225 Traveling with the largest airplane in the world 84-87 TRAVEL WRITERS Dvina Meler: "I love the taste of adventure"

88-89 SEND AND... WIN 90-93 CULTURAL SCENE 94-95 UNICEF 96-97 WORLD NEWS 98-99 WORLD ATTRACTIONS 100-103 WINTER TOURISM Maribor: Wellness delights nestled in Pohorje 104-121 WE'RE TAKING YOU TO...

Scandinavia: Our adventure through northern Europe February / March 2014.

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MAP OF CROATIA

Destinations in this issue

Scale 1 : 1 000 000

Zagreb TUROPOLJE Donja Kupčina

LONJSKO POLJE

OPATIJA Svetvinčenat

Legend:

Pt Stončica

(the island of Vis)

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highway with junction motorway with junction main road (regional and local are not included)

Starigrad plain

(the island of Hvar)

INFO

General information on Croatia  Geographic position

Croatia extends from the furthest eastern edges of the Alps in the northwest to the Pannonian lowlands and the banks of the Danube in the east. Its central part is covered by the Dinara mountain range, and southern ends at the coast of the Adriatic Sea.

 Highest peak

 Power supply

 Climate:

 Drinking water

 Surface area

The mainland covers an area of 56.594 km² and coastal waters cover a surface area of 31.479 km².

 Population

Croatia has 4,29 million inhabitants (2011.).

 Demographics

The majority of the population are Croats (90,42%), with the largest minorities being Serbs, Bosnians, Slovenes, Hungarians, Czechs, Italians and Albanians.

 System of government

Croatia is a multi-party parliamentary republic.

 Capital

With 792.875 inhabitants, Zagreb is the economic, transport, cultural and academic centre of the country.

 Length of the coastline

6.278 km, of which 4.398 km is made up of island coastlines, solitary rocks and reefs.

 Number of islands, islets, solitary rocks and reefs

1.244. The largest islands are Krk and Cres. There are 50 inhabited islands.

Dinara, 1.831 m above sea level.

There are three climate zones in Croatia: in the country's continental interior the prevailing climate zone is moderately continental, while the mountain climate prevails at 1200m above the sea level. The areas along the Adriatic coast have a pleasantly mild Mediterranean climate with a large number of sunny days, summers are hot and dry and winters are mild and wet.

The average temperatures in the continental interior are: January -2°C to 0°C, with somewhat lower temperatures in the mountains; July temperatures reach 20°C to 22˚C, and around 13˚C in the highlands.

The average temperatures in the Littoral (Adriatic Coast) are: January 5°C to 9°C and July 23°C to 26°C. Winter sea temperature is about 12°C and it reaches approximately 25°C in the summer.

 Currency:

The official currency in Croatia is the kuna.

Exchange rate (7,5 kunas ≈ 1 euro). Foreign currency can be exchanged in banks, exchange offices, post offices and in the majority of tourist information offices, hotels and campsites.

Credit cards (Eurocard / Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Diners) are accepted in almost all hotels, marinas, restaurants, shops and cash machines.

 Number 112

Power supply: 220 V; frequency: 50 Hz

Tap water is safe to drink in all of Croatia.

 Travel documents

Since 1 April 2013, the visa system of the Republic of Croatia has been fully harmonized with the visa policy of the European Union. In 2013 all foreign nationals, who are holders of valid Schengen documents, are not required to have additional (Croatian) visa to enter Croatia and a enjoy short stay. More information: www.mvep.hr/en/

 Public holidays

1 January - New Year's Day 6 January - Epiphany Easter Sunday & Easter Monday 1 May - Labour Day Corpus Christi 22 June - Anti-Fascist Resistance Day 25 June - Statehood Day 5 August - Victory Day and National Thanksgiving Day 15 August - Assumption Day 8 October - Independence Day 1 November - All Saints' Day 25-26 December - Christmas Holidays

 Shops and public services working hours

 Important telephone numbers

International country code for Croatia: +385; Information on international numbers: 11802; Weather forecast and road conditions: 060 520 520 (automated service); Road traffic information: 062 777 777; Road rescue: 1987 (If you are calling from abroad or from a mobile phone dial +385 1 1987).

 Speed Limits

During the tourist season, most shops are open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. on weekdays, and many are also open during the weekend. Public services and business offices generally work from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.

If you notice a natural, technical or technological threat or an accident which might threaten the life or well being of people, property or environment Dial 112, free of charge, 24 hours a day, from every telephone in the Republic of Croatia.

By dialling 112 you can reach emergency medical services, fire department, police department, mountain rescue, coastguard recsue, the help of other emergency services and protection and rescue operation forces.

When dialling 112 it is possible to communicate in: English, German, Italian, Hungarian, Slovakian and Check.

Within settled areas 50 km/h; outside settled areas 90 km/h; on major roads designed exclusively for motor vehicles and on highways 110 km/h; on motorways 130 km/h; for motor vehicles with a trailer without brakes 80 km/h.

Driving with dipped headlights is obligatory during winter time.

February / March 2014.

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News

CROATIA Excellent results for tourism in 2013

Photo archive: Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Croatia

Photo archive: Šibenik Tourist Board

Croatian project received first place from UNWTO

Stara bakarska vodica - superb wine Early this year, the Paying Agency for Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development informed the Dolčina Agricultural Cooperative, which cares for the maintenance of the 18th century Bakar walls, and which started producing Stara bakarska vodica a decade ago, that their Bakarska vodica had passed all the required professional testing and received the status of a superb sparkling wine.

Once they receive the confirmation in written form, the champagne from Bakar will be sold under the name "Stara bakarska vodica", so that it can be distinguished from "Bakarska vodica", which is produced by another producer and is available at an affordable price in many stores.

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Photo: Željka Kunštek

Photo: Miljenko Šegulja, archive: Bakar Tourist Board

In 2013, Croatia was visited by 12.4 million tourists, or 5.5 percent more than in comparison to the previous year, with a total of 72.1 million overnight stays, or 4 percent more. Neither Croatian Minister of Tourism, Darko Lorencin, nor director of the Head Office of the Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ), Meri Matešić hid their satisfaction with the achieved results. "The results of the pre- and post-season are especially satisfying since they show that the season for tourism in Croatia is getting longer and guests are staying even longer", said the minister, and added that he expects the total revenue from tourism in 2013 to exceed 7 billion euro.

Director Matešić pointed out that the focus of the HTZ's work in this year, amongst other things, will be placed on making a new branding strategy, and improving public relations and online communications.

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As part of the international fair of the travel industry FITUR, held late January 2014 in Madrid, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) held an awards ceremony for contributions to the development of tourism in 2013 (2013 UNWTO Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner). The first prize in the category of innovations in research and technology was awarded to the project "3D AR Virtual Portal",

by DSP Studio & Momentum Studio from Zagreb. The awarded Croatian project represents the application of the most modern processes in augmented reality (AR) in tourism, and it was achieved in Šibenik in three locations: Meštrović's monument to Juraj Dalmatinac, the Cathedral of St. Jacob, and UNESCO'S plaque for cultural heritage. Second place was won by a project from South Korea, and third place by a project from Italy.

ADAC's guide includes 109 Croatian camps Amongst the more than five thousand camps in ADAC's Camping Guide for 2014, the most important international camping guide, there is a total of 109 camps, or two more than last year. Of those, 5 are top notch, and 17 are marked with the symbol of improved quality of content and offer in comparison to last year. In speaking about data on Croatian camps from this year's ADAC guide, the Croatian Camping Union emphasized the importance of the German market for Croatian camping, since German tourists, who carefully follow ADAC announcements, were responsible for the most overnight stays, a total of 5.4 million, or 33 percent of the total number. Along with Germany, other important markets for Croatian camping include Slovenia and the Netherlands.

Three Croatian hotels in the prestigious Relais&Chateaux Association

Photo: Marko Vrdoljak, archive: Zagreb Tourist Board

Photo: Željka Kunštek

The Lešić Dimitri Palace, Korčula, photo: Željka Kunštek

The Lešić Dimitri Palace in Korčula, the Hotel Bastion in Zadar and Villa Meneghetti in Istria are the first three family hotels from Croatia to become members of the prestigious Relais&Chateaux association, under whose brand 520 villas and small family hotels are run worldwide. The association was founded in France 60 years ago by eight entrepreneurs, enthusiasts, hoteliers, and top chefs who united their hotels and restaurants on the way from Paris to Nice under the slogan "Way to Happiness". The set a unique standard of excellence in hospitality so accommodations in this association are marked by authentic and superb accommodations and food. The Croatian Ministry of Tourism supported the cooperation with the association, upon initiative by the Croatian Association of Small and Family Hotels.

Photo: PHOTOnet.hr

Croatia most desired for luxury travel According to the results of a survey on the reservation website Luxury Link, Croatia is the most desired destination for luxury travel in 2014.

In choosing trendy destinations, a total of 27 percent of those surveyed chose Croatia, followed by Portugal, which was chosen by 18 percent of travelers. As the survey showed, travelers with "deeper pockets" were mostly interested in food, wine, and adventure trips.

Nearly a third of them are planning a trip to Europe, followed by the Caribbean and the USA. On the list of the most popular European destinations, those surveyed showed the most interest for large cities (60 percent), while 26 percent of guests sought swimming destinations. The survey was conducted in December 2013, and a total of 1667 people were surveyed with an annual household salary of more than 100 thousand dollars.

The first hostel to be opened on the Opatija Riviera

Zagreb nominated for the European Best Destination 2014

In February, the first hostel on the Opatija Riviera "Hostel Link" will open its doors, and bring new, young, urban travelers to the Riviera. The Hostel, which is located near the main beach in Lovran, and several minutes walking distance from the old city center of Lovran, will have a total of 111 solidly designed rooms, and each will have its own bathroom. The hostel will also have a kitchen, self-serve laundry room, reception with a dining room, a bar with an outdoor terrace, parking, and a wardrobe.

The design of the interior and exterior was entrusted to Italian designers, and each floor will have its own story, colors, and lighting.

Various programs will also be offered: urban festivals, workshops, etc. The investor is the hotel company Milenij hoteli, and the investment is worth 5 million euro.

The "European Best Destinations" (EBD) website nominated Zagreb in the selection of the best European destination of 2014, in a competition between 20 candidates. Voting is open on the website www. europeanbestdestinations.org until February 12, and Zagreb's competitors are Amsterdam, Barcelona, Vienna, Bergen, Berlin, Budapest, Cannes, Geneva, Glasgow, Cyprus, London, Madeira, Madrid, Milano, Paris, Porto, Prague, Rome and Stockholm. This competition aims to encourage excellence, and the winner can expect a better image and larger number of visitors. Since 2009, the EBD has collaborated with tourist boards in Europe with the aim of rewarding and promoting the 20 most visited destinations on its website and social network, and its title of best European destination has become a synonym for European excellence.

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Blue Croatia

OPATIJA

Photo: Firework festival, June 28

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OPATIJA CROATIA

The Lady of Kvarner Tourism Written by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photo archive: Opatija Tourist Board / PHOTOnet.hr

What Nice and Cannes are for France, that's what Opatija undoubtedly is for Croatia. An icon of style, beauty, a long tradition of tourism, charm, glamour... a city which lives on the Croatian tourist map all 365 days of the year. If you haven't been yet, it's about time you got to know Opatija...

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Blue Croatia

OPATIJA

Photos: Kvarner Festival, chamber orchestra on MandraÄ? (left); from its early beginnings in tourism, Opatija was a favorite destination for aristocracy (right and top).

The season in Opatija lasts 365 days a year thanks to, amongst other things, many different events throughout the entire year. While, for example, February is in the sign of the fifth season - the carnival, March is dedicated to health and wellness experiences.

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W

hen 170 candles are lit on a birthday cake, you'll admit, it is truly an important anniversary, which many would like to reach. The celebrants this year are Opatija, but also Croatian tourism in general, which started in this city in the Kvarner Bay, on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea.

A sanctuary for aristocracy Its strong development started in the mid-19th century, when the coastal road connected it to the harbor city of Rijeka and when news of Opatija as the "healing laurel forest on the Adriatic Sea" started reaching Viennese parlors. Due to its pleasant climate, lush vegetation, and vicinity to the countries of central Europe, more and more important guests sought rest, inspiration, and adventure there:

German, Austrian, and Mexican czars, Greek, Italian, Swedish, and Norwegian kings and princes, Croatian counts, Nobel Prize winners, composers, writers, and artists. So, from its very beginnings, this "Queen of Croatian tourism", as its often called, grew as an elite destination. And it has remained so even now.

Diverse offer Although early on it was interesting for holidays from early autumn to late spring, with time, Opatija became a more and more popular summer destination, and season extended all year long. That dynamic continued to today, so in this city you won't hear phrases like "main season, season, or post-season", which is commonly mentioned in some other tourist destinations. Here, the season lasts all 365 days a year, without a doubt.

Photos: Balinjerada, driving the strangest vehicles on ball bearings (top left); the Maiden with Seagull is the symbol of Opatija (top right); masquerade ball in the Crystal Ballroom of the Kvarner Hotel (bottom).

You will find great diversity in the range of Opatija's tourist offer: beaches with crystal clear sea, and mountains with viewpoints that you can't simply climb up without your camera, aristocratic villas and luxury hotels, loud clubs and quiet, charming coffee shops.

It is also famous for its exotic parks and promenades, as well as the other features: pools, wellness oases, casinos, congress facilities, bicycle trails, and many events and festivals that make sure that Opatija is 'alive' all year long.

Due to its favorable geographical location and the vicinity of many natural and cultural attractions, it doesn't take long to go on an excursion from Opatija to the National Parks of Plitvice Lakes, Brijuni and Risnjak, the Nature Parks of UÄ?ka, or the nearby city of Venice.

The fifth season However, Opatija isn't just interesting in the four seasons of the year, but also in the 'fifth' - the carnival. It is a time when the most diverse masks take over the city, and when various programs are held on the streets of the city and stages: from the traditional international Children's Carnival Parade, to the Carnival A Capella Singing Marathon, and the Masquerade Ball, to the unique Opatija Balinjerada, when unusual vehicles race down the main city street - from scooters to allegoric carts. What are you waiting for?

Click here to see the schedule of carnival events

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Blue Croatia

OPATIJA

During March, treat yourself to a massage, bath, and/or treatment in one of Opatija's wellness center and rejuvenate yourself before spring comes.

Opatija - Wellness oasis When the time of fun and dancing with masks passes, the time for relaxing and renewing the body and soul comes to Opatija. Although you can enjoy the benefits of the wellness and spa program here all year long, March is the "Month of the Wellness open Days". Opatija's wellness centers and hotels, which have developed this offer to an admirable level, prepare various treatments and programs, which are available at special prices.

We recommend the unique "Opatija's Camellia" massage which 'awakens' sensuality and the innate beauty of every woman. They also offer massages with aromatic natural oils, oriental, Thai, or hot chocolate massages, along 14

tipTravelMagazine February / March 2014.

with hot volcanic stone or anti-stress massages, anti-age body treatments, Jacuzzi and mineral baths, Finnish sauna and Turkish baths... The choice is yours.

Europe's spa Ă la mode They say nothing in life is a coincidence, so neither was March chosen as 'wellness month' by accident. It was in March of 1889 that Opatija was officially named a spa by the czar's decree, primarily thanks to its mild and healthy climate, or the combination of sea and fresh mountain air. There, in the former village of fishermen, sailors, and weavers, doctors' offices and baths slowly started popping up, parks and promenades were made, of which the

PROMO

Thalasso Wellness Center Opatija

A

superb spa wellness center, spread out over 2500 square meters has been open for the past nine years, under the leadership of Thalassotherapia Opatija, an elite medical and wellness institution opened in Opatija in 1957. The modernly designed wellness center is recognizable for its pool with heated sea water and underwater massages, as well as its spa relax zone with four types of saunas: Finnish, Turkish, Bio sauna and Laconium sauna. The favorite amongst guests is the relax zone for relaxing on heated lounges and water beds.

The center also offers a large selection of massages and beauty treatments for the face and body, along with top of the line cosmetic devices for beauty and weight loss, as well as a nutritional advice center.

They also conduct medical programs for sore backs, rheumatism, and osteoporosis which combines professional physical therapy with the wellness experience.

Also, the center conducts esthetic treatments with hyaluronic fillers and chemical peels, and fans of fitness programs will definitely be thrilled with the modernly equipped fitness center.

Due to all of the above, it's not surprising

that the center has become the favorite destination for many visitors looking to escape the bustle of daily life, to an oasis of peace, pleasure, energy, and optimism, a necessity for modern-day people.

Here you can also stay in the Secessionera Villa Dubrava, which is connected to the modern Thalasso Wellness Center Opatija with a heated corridor.

With its long tradition of health tourism, Thalassotherapia Opatija is known far and wide as a prestigious diagnostic cardiac center and as a respectable institution for the rehabilitation of cardiac and rheumatic-physiatry patients. ď ś

Thalassotherapia Opatija, Thalasso Wellness Centar Opatija, MarĹĄala Tita 188, 51410 Opatija, Croatia, tel: +385 51 202855, www.thalasso-wellness.hr February / March 2014.

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Blue Croatia

OPATIJA

Photos: Every year, the summer stage plays host to top-notch artists: opening "Summer on the Summer Stage 2013", 2Cellos (top); Opatija's Camellia cake (middle left); Opatija's terraces are perfect for drinking coffee and enjoying the view of the sea (middle right); Every year, the Chocolate Festival attracts more and more visitors (bottom left and right).

tip: You can find a list of the best restaurants offering authentic food from Kvarner on the "Kvarner Gourmet&Food" mobile device application.

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most popular was the 12 km long one on the coast, called 'Lungomare'. Even today it is the favorite promenade of the people of Opatija and their guests. Doctors from Austria, Germany, Hungary, Italy, and many other European countries also started coming to Opatija. It didn't take long for Opatija to position itself as one the leading European spas Ă la mode of the 19th and early 20th century alongside Nice, Cannes, Karlovy Vary, and Biarritz.

A favorite weekend destination Even today it is one of the reasons numerous tourists visit it from Austria, Germany, Italy, Slovenia, Hungary...

Besides that, for central European countries, it is the closest place to

access warm sea, taking into account that, for example, it is only 500 km from Milan, Vienna, and Munich.

Because of that, it has become one of the favorite weekend destinations for tourists from those markets. Others come simply to enjoy its vast wellness and spa offer, while many come to see the events that happen in the city from month to month. Along with the already mentioned carnival and wellness month, in Opatija, you will often come across various gourmet events. Some of the most popular are the Chocolate Festival, Coffee Festival, Opatija Gourmet Story, and Opatija's Easter Breakfast. The summer stage is a magnet in its own rite. Throughout the summer musical treats perform in this open venue: festivals, operas, musicals, classical concerts...

Photos: barkajol in a bronze edition on Opatija's Portić (top left); you can also enjoy the benefits of various massages in the Hotel Ambassador's Remisens Premium Wellness&Spa Center (top right).

tip: Definitely stop

by Opatija over the weekend, either for the wellness content, gourmet events, musical treats...

Wellness Time Out

Remisens Premium Hotel Ambasador ***** Relax with a wellness break in Opatija and enjoy all the advantages of the famous Five Elements Wellness & Spa centre in Remisens Premium Hotel Ambasador!

Book your stay through our website or reservation centre and benefit from incredibile 30% discount on all wellness treatments!

(Valid in the period until 31/03/2014)

INFO & RESERVATIONS: T +385 51 710 444 E reservations@remisens.com W www.remisens.com

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Blue Croatia

OPATIJA

tip: If you are a seafood aficionado, you absolutely must try Kvarner shrimp. It was named the tastiest in the world for a reason.

Photos: one of the motives many tourists come to Opatija is its rich and diverse gourmet offer (top left and right).

There are several traditional methods for preparing Kvarner shrimp. They are often served as an appetizer raw and marinated in a few drops of lemon juice and olive oil with toast. For warm appetizers, shrimp can often be found in risotto and handmade pasta, while for main dishes, shrimp are often prepared in a stew.

The tastiest shrimp in the world Opatija can also truly boast the title 'destination of excellence' as far as the gourmet offer is concerned. In Opatija you will be greeted with a creative fusion of coastal and continental cuisine, based on fresh local ingredients. The most common ingredients of this cuisine include fish, crabs, and shellfish in combination with pasta, fruit, and vegetables, olives and olive oil, chestnuts and wine, and aromatic herbs. Still, the 'king' amongst them is the Kvarner shrimp, which the world's gourmets have confirmed is the tastiest in the world.

Moreover, they will not hesitate to dig deeper into their pockets to enjoy this delicacy. Even Italian poet Gabrielle d'Annunzzio said early last century that "the tastiest shrimp in the world is from 18

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the blue silt of the Kvarner Bay". They are recognizable for their pale pink color and thin shell, and experts say they are special because they live here in a shallow sea with plenty of freshwater springs, which makes them incredibly soft and sweet. Also playing an important role in the cuisine of this part of Kvarner are wild free-range asparagus, chestnuts from Lovran (maruni), cherries, and Istrian truffles.

Kvarner Gourmet A large concentration of superb restaurants, based on authentic cuisine and the use of domestic ingredients, are located in the Kvarner area. So, two years ago, the "Kvarner Gourmet" and "Kvarner Food" projects, new tourist brands of the region, were launched. The projects unite restaurants in the Kvarner area that

satisfied strict criteria and received the sign of quality for the offer, equipment at the restaurant and staff, as well as the ambiance of the restaurant and offer of authentic dishes.

Exotic parks After enjoying Kvarner's food experiences, take a light strollk through the parks of Opatija and experience the pulse of the city first-hand. One of the most famous is the Angiolina Park, with domestic, but also exotic, plants. Within the park you can also find trees from the Caucasus Mountains and California, a magnolia, banana, and camellia, a flower from the Philippines, which has become a symbol of the city. The romantic aura of the park is additionally emphasized by the Music Gazebo and Swiss house. The Margarita Park is similar to the Angiolina in plant life, although it is larger in size.

You can find one of the symbols of the city, the Neo-Baroque fountain, which is a common motif of postcards from Opatija in St. Jacob's Park. The fountain is special for its sculptures of the God of Sun and the Goddess of the Moon, and represents an allegory for day and night. Amongst the plant life of the park, one of the most beautiful in Croatia, you can find laurel and pittosporum, palms and tall pines, and a large Atlas cedar.

Photos: couples love to come to Opatija for its romantic ambiance (top left); St. Jacob's Park (top right); you will see Art Nouveau era villas at every step in Opatija (middle left); Villa Madonna (middle right); Opatija's Lungomare (bottom).

Coves and Secession-era villas Three years ago, the already mentioned Lungomare, the coastal promenade built by Franz Joseph I, 12 km long from the town of Volosko to the town of Lovran on the Opatija Riviera, celebrated its hundredth anniversary. Walking along it is a special experience, even a bit historical. As you walk along it, on one side is a series of many coves and beaches, while on the other are February / March 2014.

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Blue Croatia

OPATIJA

The camellia flower, which, amongst other things, also adorns the Angiolina Park, is also the symbol for Opatija and the Opatija Riviera.

Photos: Villa Angiolina, the place where the story of Opatija's tourism started (top left); the statue of violinist Jan Kubelik (top right); the Wall of Fame (bottom left); Hotel Kvarner is the oldest hotel on the eastern coast of the Adriatic (bottom right).

Opatija is also home to the Croatian Walk of Fame, where stars are given to people who have made a contribution to promoting Croatia worldwide with their athletic, scientific, cultural, or artistic work.

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luxurious Art Nouveau era villas, along with monuments of historical people and sculptures such as the Maiden with a Seagull, which is the main symbol of Opatija today.

The Carmen Sylva path is a story of its own. There are many interesting stories connected to it, and as part of the path is "mala fortica", a lookout built on the Rock of Queen Elizabeth.

Art buffs will also enjoy Opatija, and the sculptures of Opatija will tell them their life stories. Stop by Opatija's barkajol, stop by the famous ballerina and world traveler Isadora Duncan, and have your picture taken with violinist Jan Kubelik...

It all started with Angiolina I will finish the story of Opatija, the elite destination with two monuments that cannot be left out when describing

Opatija and its 170 year-long tradition of tourism. Most would likely start their reports with them, but I have left the 'best' for last.

The first is hotel Kvarner, the oldest hotel on the eastern coast of the Adriatic, built in 1884 as the first luxury building in the city. It is known for its Crystal Ballroom, adorned with crystal chandeliers. This meeting point in the city was and still is the venue for various formal receptions and cultural-entertainment events.

The second is Villa Angiolina, the beauty which started the story of tourism in Opatija long ago in 1844. It was the place of relaxation for czars, counts, and aristocrats, summer parties of wealthy citizens were held on its terraces, and the crème de la crème of society enjoyed concerts in its music halls. Today, logically, it is home to the Croatian Museum of Tourism. 

Click here to see: calendar of events Croatian Museum of Tourism Opatija Festival

Opatija Tourist Board Vladimira Nazora 3 51410 Opatija, Croatia tel. +385 51 271 710 fax. +385 51 271 699 e-mail: info@opatija-tourism.hr www.opatija-tourism.hr

Tourist information center M. Tita 128 51410 Opatija, Croatia tel. +385 51 271 310 fax. +385 51 712 290 e-mail: tic@opatija-tourism.hr

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e following h t n o t u o Don't miss ary and March 2014 ebru events in F

County Photo archive: Krapinsko-zagorska

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Peasant's Revolution - The Battle of Stubica On Saturday, February 8, at 11 o'clock, don't miss out on the Peasant's Revolution in Donja Stubica. In order to, as is tradition, mark the memory of this important historical event, and its leader Matija Gubec, a procession of "revolted" peasants will head out from the center of Donja Stubica to the country estate Majsecov mlin. The spectacular Battle of Stubica will start at around 13:30, and the hiking trip "Stazama Gupčevih puntara" will be organized the same day. www.tzdonjastubica.hr  www.druzba-vitezova.hr

On Valentine's Day, February 14, 2014, Zadar will wish for love with a light spectacle that will be held from 20:30 on Forum (Poljana pape Ivana Pavla II.). The people of Zadar will light lanterns and send thousands of them to the sky, wishing for love for everyone. Join them!

Festival of Saint Blaise

www.tzdubrovnik.hr

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Photo: Marin Gospić, archive: Zadar Tourist Board

The Festival of St. Blaise, also the Day of the City of Dubrovnik, will be formally celebrated February 3, 2014. For more than 1000 years, the people of Dubrovnik have been celebrating the feast day of their patron saint, Saint Blaise, and opening the gates of their city wide open. Many cultural, entertaining, musical, and sports events are held in his honor. The city is specially lit and decorated, and on that day, the local visit, attracting attention with the wealth of their original folk costumes.

www.tzzadar.hr

Photo archive: Istria Tourist Board

Photo archive: Dubrovnik Tourist Board

Wish for Love in Zadar

Choco & Wine Fest The Choco & Wine Fest, will be held February 15, 2014 in Brtonigla in Istria. This festival of diverse food and wine flavors: from superb wines and olive oils, to cheese, honey, and lavender, will for the first time in Istria be combined with the ace of this festival - chocolate. The festival will bring together many domestic and foreign chocolate producers, and many workshops will be held as part of the event: from drawing with chocolate and wine, and tastetests to lectures of the influence of chocolate on nutrition and its use in wellness programs. www.istra.hr

Photo: Jelena Malinar, archive: Zagreb County TB

Photo archive: Županja Tourist Board

The Battle of Samobor On March 3, 2014, Vugrinščak below the Old Town of Samobor turns into a knights' military base with cavalry, armored knights, swordsmen, archers, firelocksmen, battle devices, catapults, camps, fortifications… After the battle, the people of Samobor, happy that they escaped danger, prepare a feast and party at the fair. Join in on this historical event.

Šokačko sijelo The 47th Šokačko sijelo (Šokac Jamboree) will be held from February 22 to March 4, 2014 in Županja, where there will be displays of the rich cultural heritage of this area and the traditions and life tied to the Sava River. Through the days of the program, there will be thematic exhibitions, performances, presentations of traditions, performances of folk dancing groups, and even a pageant to choose the prettiest girl dressed in a folk costume. Also, from February 28 to March 2, the IV. Golden Thread Fair will be held, where visitors can see and be offered authentic souvenirs, handmade goods, golden embroidery, folk costumes, etc.

www.tz-samobor.hr

Zagreb Indoors 2014 The large tennis spectacle, PBZ Zagreb Indoors, will be held in Dom Sportova in Zagreb from February 1-9, 2014. The ninth edition of this tennis event will once again host the best Croatian tennis players, and some of the best in the world. Along with Marin Čilić, Ivan Dodig, and Ivo Karlović, the winner from 2012, Russian Mihail Južnji, will play, and almost the entire German Davis Cup team have also confirmed their arrival. Philipp Kohlschreiber and Florian Mayer are coming, and the biggest of them all is die-hard tennis master Tommy Haas.

Photo archive: PBZ Zagreb Indoors

www.zagrebindoors.com

Photo archive: Place2go

www.tz-zupanja.hr

Place2go The third annual international tourism fair "Place2go", made for travelers and travel buffs, will be held from March 14 to 16 in Boćarski dom, Zagreb. During the three-day fair, India, Tunisia, Thailand, Indonesia, Hungary, Slovenia, and Croatia, amongst others, and many travel agencies and airlines, hotels, wellness centers, etc. will present their attractions and travel offer. This year they will once again organize the "Place2go passport" contest, so in order to win an attractive trip you will first have to travel through the fair and collect stamps in your passport, which is also the fair catalog. At the fair, they will also have Gastro Street with an offer of specialties from various global cuisines, and at the Place2go market, it will be possible to purchase various authentic products. During the fair, famous travel writers will hold lectures and presentations about their trips and adventures. The fair will be open from 10 to 19, and entry is free of charge. www.place2go.org

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Weekend trip

LONJSKO POLJE

Photo: Roman Martin

A boat ride, photo safari, bird watching, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, or just walking through the wilderness of Lonjsko polje will be enough to renew your energy over the weekend, "recharge your batteries" and await the new work week at full power. We present Lonjsko polje, home to the Eco-ethno village Strug, an ever-more popular weekend destination for tourists from Croatia, but also the surrounding countries.

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LONJSKO POLJE CROATIA

Weekend in the 'Biodiversity Park'

Photo: Roman Martin

Written by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: Roman Martin (www.photoandtours.com), archive of the Eco-ethno village Strug (www.ekoetno-selo-strug.hr) and Robert Kunštek

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Weekend trip

LONJSKO POLJE

tip: Lonjsko polje, where marshes, bayous, traditional wooden houses, and many types of birds intertwine, is an excellent location for a photo safari.

Photos: a large part of Lonjsko polje is covered in lowland floodplain forests (top left); approximately 250 types of birds nest in the park (top right); you can tour Lonjsko polje in boats (bottom left); many wooden houses of Posavina are still inhabited today and are being rescued from oblivion (bottom right).

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W

hile floods are generally a negative term for most, for some, they are a true advantage. For example, when Lonjsko polje is hit by floods in spring and summer, it also ensures something of great value for it - the rich biodiversity for which it is known far and wide. Get to know Lonjsko Polje Nature Park, the largest protected marshland in Croatia, but also in the entire Danube basin.

Home to birds Believe it or not, the park is home to more than 550 types of plants of wetlands and marshlands, which hold the nests of around 250 types of birds, mostly marsh birds, which makes the park the ideal place to watch them. Here you can see white storks, spoonbills, herons, whitetailed eagles, lesser spotted eagles, and

many migratory birds who find food on the vast pastures. Two areas within the park (Krapje đol and Rakita) have been named special ornithological reserves.

However, if you take a walk through the wilderness of Lonjsko polje, you will come across indigenous domestic animals such as the Posavina horse, pigs, bloodhounds, geese. Here you can still find cattle being taken out to pasture, like in olden times, where it spends most of the year, like nearly nowhere else.

Around two thirds of the park area is covered with lowland floodplain forests of oak, ash, hornbeam and alder, while does, deer, rabbits, wild boars, and other animals hide in their shade, which hunters know very well.

European Stork Village Along with the wealth and diversity of plant and animal life, Lonjsko polje is

interesting for many other things. For example, in its scattered villages, you can still find the traditional wooden houses of Posavina, of which many are more than 200 years old. Many are still inhabited, renewed, and preserved from oblivion, while some have been repurposed for tourism. They are most commonly visited by fans of nature, peace, and indescribable silence, followed by hunters, fishermen, and adventurers. One of the most famous is the village of ÄŒigoÄ?, which was named the first "European Stork Village" due to the large number of stork nests. Amongst excursionists and weekend-tourists, the Eco-ethno village Strug in the village of Plesmo, located in the heart of Posavina, next to the Strug stream-channel, is more and more popular. It is located only a kilometer from the village of Krapje, an A-category European cultural heritage site, at the southern entrance to Lonjsko polje.

Eco-ethno village Strug At this carefully maintained family property, there are several authentic Posavina oak houses for tourists, and even just staying in them, without doing anything else, is an experience.

They have ethnic interiors, just like the two restaurants on the property, which pair the domestic cuisine of Posavina excellently with the wine of Moslavina, in various combinations. It is yet another reason that visitors come even from neighboring countries to visit. There is also a small bakery for baking bread and sweets, a fishing pond, and two barns with domestic animals: Posavina horses, geese, ducks, rabbits, and hens, which is especially attractive for children. The construction of a hunters' and fisherman's house, biker house, bird lover's house, hostel, and small wellness center with a pool is in progress.

Photos: the Posavina horse is an indigenous domestic animal, which can be seen in the Eco-ethno village Strug (top), where several houses have been prepared for accommodating tourists (center); the small bakery for bread and sweets (bottom left); inhabitants of the Eco-ethno village Strug (bottom right).

Educational and bicycle trails Depending on your wishes and ambitions, there are plenty of activities for spending your day here. "The Borderer's Trail" will take you from the village of Krapje, known for its heritage of wooden construction to the pasture of Slavonian-Podolian cattle, and on to the Krapje Ä‘ol ornithological reserve, where spoonbills nest. The trail is also of historical importance since it was once the border between the AustroHungarian and Ottoman empires. The "Tena's trail" educational trail will take you through forests and on the way (with February / March 2014.

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Weekend trip

LONJSKO POLJE

tip: In the Eco-ethno village Strug, you can rent bicycles, boats, fishing poles, footballs and volleyballs, and badminton rackets. Find out more at: www.ekoetno-selostrug.hr

Photos: one of the rooms in the oak houses (top left); Posavina horses are ideal for beginners and children, as well as for therapeutic horseback riding (top right); in the village you can rent boats (bottom left); bicyclists love to come to the village and the six bicycle trails in its vicinity (bottom right).

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educational signs), it will teach you about the biological diversity of this region.

Those who are slightly more active can also decide to take a bicycle ride along one of the six bicycle paths, light and easy to ride. Bird watching buffs definitely shouldn't miss out on the following situations: the already mentioned "stork village" Čigoč, and the ornithological reserves of Krapje đol and Rakita, the Tišina Mužilovčica, Osekovsko, and Poganovo polje inlets, and the Lipovljani ponds.

Posavina photo safari The hosts will gladly organize a ride on the educational tourist ferry "Vodomar" on the Sava River, which offers a series of attractive landscapes: willows and poplars, traditional wooden houses and sandbars, accompanied by many birds.

You can also take a ride in the traditional boats and canoes of Posavina down the Strug channel. They are all opportunities to head out on a photo safari, and if you like, you can be accompanied by an expert.

Even recreational fishermen will find a sanctuary for themselves here. They can cast their line in the Strug or Sava, which are populated by pike, trout, catfish, grass carp, bream, doctor fish, and many others.

Hunters will also be satisfied because the hunting grounds of Opeka, where the village is located, and the hunting grounds of Trstika and Puska, bordering it, are the home of does, deer, wild boars, rabbits, pheasants, foxes, badgers, weasels... On the other side, in the Eco-ethno village Strug - Vilma, Liza, Frida, and Had, four Posavina horses will await you and offer you their company in touring the beauty of this area. We are sure you will not be able to resist them, or this region. 

Sisak-Moslavina County

the green-blue cradle of Croatia

Sisak-Moslavina County Tourist Board Tourist office Stjepana i Antuna Radića 28/II 44000 Sisak, Croatia tel: +385 44 540163 fax: +385 44 540164 e-mail: tzsmz@email.t-com.hr www.turizam-smz.hr

www.turizam-smz.hr

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The masked madness lasts in Crikvenica all the way to March 5, 2014, and the large masked tent in the center of Crikvenica is host to all those wanting crazy entertainment, laughter, dancing, and good music all February long.

The Children's Costume Parade through the city streets with a program in the tent is scheduled for February 9, while at the costume ball on Saturday, February 15, visitors will be entertained

by Jole, and on February 22 by Jelena Rozga. The baptism of the "mesopust", or mascot, will be held on Saturday, March 1st, and the concert by Gustafi will be held the same day. The last day, March 5, is the burning of the mascot.

Photo archive: PHOTOnet.hr

www.rivieracrikvenica.com

The handing over the keys of the city to the costumed people was completed in Rijeka, where the carnival madness will definitely affect all those who find themselves in the city before March 5. As part of the carnival, on February 15, at 10:30, the masked auto rally Paris-Bakar will pass through the city, and the same day, at 21:00, the Octane Ball will be held in the Neboder Ballroom. The Children's Carnival Parade will pass through the center of the city on February 22 at 13:00, and the Charity Carnival Maneštra is to be held on March 1 at 11 o'clock in Bazarigov prolaz. On the same day, Rijeka will dance masked as a part of the Karmelino Party to be held on Korzo, the main city street, from 19 to 3 AM. Also, the Charity Carnival Ball will be held the same day at 21:00. The following day, on March 2, exactly at noon, the International Carnival Parade will pass through the center of the city, and the burning of the Pust is at 20:00. www.rijecki-karneval.hr

Opatija Carnival 2014.

The 'fifth' season - carnival, during which events like the carnival party, maskmaking workshops, and dance nights are held, lasts until March 5 in Opatija.

On Sunday, February 16, at 13:00, the international children's costume parade will pass through the city, while on February 21, at 20:00, the 5th Costume Klapa Marathon will be held.

The following day, February 22, is reserved for the theatrical dance spectacle "Masquerade Dance", while the 31st Balinjerada, an unusual race of strange vehicles on ball bearings), will be held on Sunday, February 23. www.opatija-tourism.hr

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Photo archive: Zagreb County Tourist Board

Photo archive: Crikvenica Tourist Board

Rijeka Carnival

Mardi Gras in Crikvenica

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Photo: Rino Gropuzzo, archive: Rijeka Tourist Board

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Samobor Carnival (Samoborski fašnik) "Fools party every day, smart folk only on Fašnik!", say the people of Samobor, whose Fašnik Republic is the traditional party zone every year, and has been for 188 years. Visit the largest touristentertainment event of Samobor this year, which will take place from February 21 to March 4. www.fasnik.com

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Architectural heritage

ZAGREB COUNTY

Only eleven have been preserved and they are unique in the world.

They are scattered throughout the tame landscape of Turopolje in the Zagreb County, near Zagreb, the Croatian metropolis, and some of them are located in Pokuplje. Most of them date back to the 17th century, they are made of oak, and 'signed' by domestic craftsmen - carpenters. Find out more about the wooden chapels, or the "beauties of Turopolje", as they are most commonly called...

Photo: The Chapel of St. Barbara in Velika Mlaka

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COUNTY

ZAGREB CROATIA

Wooden beauties of Turopolje Prepared by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: Robert Kunštek, Stipo Bilić and archive of Zagreb County Tourist Board

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Architectural heritage

ZAGREB COUNTY

tip: If you have the chance, definitely stop by the Chapel of St. Barbara, which has a kind of gallery of folk art inside it.

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Architectural heritage

ZAGREB COUNTY

T

uropolje has always been connected to oak. In the past, dense forests of oak covered the entire area, and in some sources, the old forests of Turopolje were mentioned back in the mid-13th century.

So it is completely logical that the houses, 'čardaks' (bi-level masonry and wood houses), 'kurija' (villas), and chapels were built - of oak. The wood grew with the people of Turopolje, became part of their lives and left behind a valuable heritage.

Hidden in greenery

One of the most interesting details of the Chapel of St. Barbara is the painting of the bearded saint, St. Kümmernisse, protector from various troubles. This saint very rarely appears in Croatian churches, and in different nations, they call her by different names. In Belgium, for example, they call her Liberata, in France, Sainte Livrade, in Germany, Kümmerniss, etc.

Photos: a painting of the bearded saint, St. Kümmernisse (top); the Chapel of St. Barbara (bottom).

The roofs of the wooden chapels were sheathed with shingles, or oak boards, and the roofs were steep so that rain and snow would drain off quickly, so protecting the shingles from destruction.

The tower of the chapel often had an iron rooster next to the cross.

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Each of the eleven preserved chapels, priceless pieces of sacral folk construction, is a story of its own, and its own unique features. They were built by the local people, who transferred the centuriesold tradition of building in wood for generations, 'from father to son'. Some were equipped in a more humble style, while others, especially those built in the Baroque period (18th century), were more extravagant. If you have a look at those, you will notice a luxuriously painted interior, for which travelling painters, mostly self-taught, were responsible for.

The chapels are mostly located far from city roads, somewhat hidden in the greenery and silence of Turopolje. Their construction started in the early Middle Ages and lasted to the 20th century, and of these eleven preserved examples, most are from the 17th century. Although they have been renewed and added on to, over the centuries they have managed to preserve their originally constructed shape, and part of their inventory. In many of them you can find depictions of St. Florian (protector against fires) and St. George (protector against evil), favorite saints and the patron saints of Turopolje.

Gallery of Folk Art The most representative and largest amongst them is doubtlessly the Chapel of St. Barbara in Velika Mlaka. In that gallery of domestic art, the prettiest combination of construction, sculpture, painting, carving, and needlepoint came to be. For four centuries the chapel has withstood time, and it has been added on to, renovated, and embellished many times, while its interior is adorned with 150 painted plaques with pictures of saints that were worshipped at the time, various plant motives, etc. Next to the chapel is a 'čardak' with a porch made of carved wood, more than a hundred years old, which acts as a rectory.

A typical example of wooden construction is the Chapel of St. John the Baptist in Buševec, which originally bore the name of St. Apostol.

Besides being interesting on the outside, it also has a valuable interior.

The chapel is currently being renovated, and upon completion, the Baroque altar from the late 17th century, which has currently been transferred to the brick chapel in Buševec, will be returned to its place.

Paintings, examples of rustic paintings, can still be seen on the arches and walls of this wooden beauty. The chapel was built, equipped, and cared for by the aristocratic families of Turopolje from this place.

Photo: the Chapel of St. John the Baptist in Buševec.

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Architectural heritage

ZAGREB COUNTY

Photo: The Chapel of Wounded Jesus in Pleško polje.

Even today you can see 1896 painted on the façade of the chapel in Pleško polje, the year when the chapel was built. The money for its construction was donated

by Rozalija Plepelić, the widow of the nobleman Ladislav Plepelić, commander of the Ban region.

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In the shape of raindrops Near the Zagreb Airport, next to the bypass (which isn't a typical location for these chapels) on Pleško polje, you can find the wooden Chapel of Wounded Jesus. Although its original form was destroyed, a new chapel was built in its place of oak beams in 1896. Its most interesting detail is the façade with the slightly protruding bell tower. The columns of the porch and the beams are lavishly embellished with geometric carvings, while the ends of the beams were shaped in the form of raindrops.

The Chapel of St. Mark the Evangelist in Jakuševac is also interesting, and it is also the first post-Baroque church built outside the Noble Municipality of Turopolje. It was moved several times, which brought about its ruin and collapse. Its special feature is the main

altar, which is generously adorned with gilded acanthus leaves and statues of saints and angels.

Simple in their beauty Along with the four chapels, which are relatively easy to find, there are another seven in this area. The Chapel of St. John the Baptist on Lukinić brdo is interesting for its floor of oak blocks. There you will also see a richly carved interior and façade. The Chapel of the Holy Spirit in Lučelnica is simple in its style, just like the Chapel of St. Rocco on Cvetković brdo and the Chapel of St. Peter and Paul in Cerje Pokupsko. One of the oldest and most valuable is the Chapel of St. George in Lijevi Štefanki with boards painted with floral motifs, and ornamental decorations on the cassette ceiling. Also interesting is the Chapel

Most of the chapels are mostly locked and opened in honor of certain holidays and feast days, and the keys are kept by local families and bell ringers, who care for the maintenance of the chapel. The exceptions are the Chapel of St. Mark the Evangelist in Jakuševac and the Chapel of St. Barbara in Velika Mlaka, which act as parish churches, so masses are regularly held there.

Photos: the Chapel of St. Mark the Evangelist in Jakuševac (top left); the Chapel of St. John the Baptist on Lukinić brdo (top right); the Chapel of the Holy Spirit in Lučelnica (middle right); the Chapel of St. George in Lijevi Štefanki (bottom left); the Chapel of St. Peter and Paul in Cerje Pokupsko (bottom right).

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Architectural heritage

ZAGREB COUNTY

Photos: the Chapel of St. Rocco on Cvetković brdo (top left); the Chapel of the Holy Trinity in Gladovec Pokupsko (bottom left); the Chapel of St. Anthony of Padova in Gustelnica (right).

There were two methods of connecting the wooden walls of chapels: horvatski and nemški vuglec (Croatian and German corner).

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of St. Anthony of Padova in Gustelnica, which was renovated according to the plans of Hermana Bollé, a famous Austrian architect, so it is slightly different that the traditional domestic method of construction. The local people say it was constructed 'na žale'. The Chapel of the Holy Trinity in the village of Gladovec Pokupski is one of the rare ones that managed to stay in its original state to date. It is embellished with a Baroque altar and valuable paintings, and it offers a beautiful view.

Some of the chapels are easy to find, while others can only be 'infiltrated' by the persistent since some of them can only be reached with an inaccessible path. If you are in the second group, don't worry. Any minute and your effort will truly be worth it. 

The façade of the chapel in Gustelnica is adorned with four carved columns that branch out at the top.

tip: Before heading out to tour the chapels, make sure you have your camera with you because, although they are often locked, the charm and beauty of their exteriors is also great.

Explore Zagreb County

BEAUTIFUL NECKLACE AROUND THE CAPITAL CITY

Zagreb County Tourist Board, Preradovićeva 42, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia tel.: + 385 1 4873665, fax: +385 1 4873670, e-mail: info@tzzz.hr, www.tzzz.hr February / March 2014.

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SVETVINČENAT

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Beauties of Croatia

o: k ot Ph nšte Ku rt

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Kaštel Grimani - Morosini The stone Grimani citadel is the best preserved on the Istrian peninsula, as well as the largest building in Svetvinčenat, and the symbol of this place for centuries. In the past, soldiers, guests of nobility, travel writers and salesmen passed through it, while today it is the destination of passersby and tourists. Throughout history, it changed its appearance and owners, and Mario Grimani, who restored it according to the plans of Venetian architects in the 16th century, is responsible for the way it looks today.

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KRISTIAN ŠUSTAR Photo archive: AECH

Interview

KRISTIAN ŠUSTAR, Executive Director at HUP Zagreb and President of AECH We analyzed 2013, talked about plans for tourism in 2014, and about projects which will increase the competitiveness of Croatian tourism in the upcoming period with Executive Director at HUP Zagreb and President of the Association of Employers in Croatian Hospitality, Kristian Šustar.

The basic goal is to use green business to create synergy between economic profit, social welfare, and environmental protection.

Our goal is to present Croatia

to the world as a 'green destination' Conducted by: Željka Kunštek Photos: archive of AECH, archive of Croatian National Tourist Board (Damir Fabijanić, Sergio Gobbo, Stipe Surać, Ivo Pervan, Juraj Kopač, Boris Kragić, Hrvoje Serdar), Robert Kunštek.

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ur 2013 tourism season has passed. What was it like for hoteliers in Croatia? Have all the expectations been fulfilled, plans been accomplished?

Behind us is a complex year, which will end with positive results. We expect that most companies in the tourism sector will finish the year with growth, and the same will be significantly greater in companies

that have heterogeneous portfolios and a large percentage of camps and tourist resorts. The trend of several successful years in a row has continued, however, we still aren't competitive enough and we lack investments. The key issue is whether we are measuring success in comparison to the previous period, or in comparison to the potential we have. Our results are very humble in comparison to the latter.

Photo: Sergio Gobbo (archive: Croatian National Tourist Board)

Photo: Damir Fabijanić (archive: Croatian National Tourist Board)

Gacka River

Photo: Stipe Surać (archive: Croatian National Tourist Board)

Biokovo

Photos: Biokovo, a mountain that rises from the sea, whose peak offers a panoramic view of the Makarska Riviera (top left); the Gacka River, and the mills on Majerova vrila (top right); Plitvice Lakes National Park (bottom).

tip: You should get to know the continental region of Croatia, which is getting to be a recognizable tourist brand.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

This year we have once again shown that we are not ready for all challenges, we still aren't controlling trends in tourism in the proper way, nor do we understand the market adequately. Also, we have reopened discussions about weather or holiday schedules being the reasons for poor results, and it was all topped off with the competition's price policy as a significant issue. However, all of those are facts we knew in advance, so it is strange that such rhetoric can still find its place in the media, but also in the synopses of "serious" experts regarding the results of the tourist season.

We entered 2013 with the expectation that the continuance of "positive" results from the previous year would be added on to with new facts. Primarily, Croatia's accession to the EU which should have given us positive visibility in European media, on our key markets. It was also a

year where the sector did business with a lowered VAT rate, and a year where we adopted the new strategy for the development of tourism, which should have sent clear messages to investors.

The positive effects were short-term and at the same time we were faced with challenges to which we didn't react in the most optimal way. The introduction of visas for certain markets brought about disruptions that were beyond the expectations and practices of other countries. Late in the year we once again changed the VAT rate on tourist services and completely changed the business framework. On one hand, we definitely froze investments that create new value once again for an indefinite period, while we also created short-term problems.

Unfortunately, we aren't able to make any significant steps. On one hand we have stable business conduct during the

tourist season, while on the other we still haven't made a clear business and legal framework for a more concrete step into the future. We hope those changes will happen soon.

Upon entry of Croatia to the European Union, opportunities for using resources from EU funds for the hotel industry were opened. Are Croatian hoteliers ready for this opportunity and what sorts of projects will be in the applications for the EU funds?

We launched activities in this direction during 2012 at the AECH. Amongst other things, we presented the study "Possibilities for Financing the Hotel and Tourism Business in the Context of the Accession of the Republic of Croatia to the EU and Using Resources from EU Funds", which was created in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism and the February / March 2014.

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KRISTIAN ŠUSTAR

Photo: Ivo Pervan (archive: Croatian National Tourist Board)

Photo: Juraj Kopač (archive: Croatian National Tourist Board)

Interview

Photo: Robert Kunštek

Bol, Brač

Nin

Photos: the "Zlatni rat" beach in Bol on the island of Brač is one of the most famous Croatian beaches (top left); Croatia is a favorite destination for sailors (right); Nin, the oldest Croatian royal city (bottom left).

Croatia is beautiful and wherever you go you will come across something magical and unique.

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Center for Development and Marketing.

The study contains an overview of the existing financial programs, examples of individual investments and financing in characteristic countries of the EU, regarding the pulling of funds from structural and cohesive funds, but also from other sources with the purpose of investing in the hotel and tourism sector. The study has been available to members through an hotelier e-forum for more than a year. We continually inform members on the possibilities for financing, due to which we established close contacts with EU institutions through HOTREC, the European society of hoteliers of which we are full members.

We recognized the importance of funds, and at the recently held conference of hoteliers, we presented the possibility for co-financing projects in tourism. We believe we managed to increase the level

of knowledge and understanding and that our hoteliers will use the possibilities offered to the maximum. I must mention that AECH has sent in several projects related to staff education and training.

The AECH is the bearer of the European Union's "TOURISMlink" ICT project for Croatia. What kind of project is it, and what are its goals?

TOURISMlink is a European Union project aimed at enhancing the competitiveness in the tourism sector though improved linking of tourist services. The project will be achieved through the use of all possibilities of information and communication technology (ICT) currently available on the market. The goal of the project is quick and easy integration, for the development of essential, reservation, and statistics tourism systems in a shared database. The project will create an online

Starting in 2014, you announced the awarding of the AECH "Green Hotel" certificate to those hotels that are based on the "Green Business in Hotel Services". What criteria do hotels have to fulfil to get this certificate?

During 2013, we at AECH developed the idea and launched the pilot project "Green Business in Hotel Services" with the aim of coming up with and defining the criteria for green hotels and introducing green conduct in the 21 hotels that joined the project. Since it directly affects the competitiveness of Croatian tourism, the project is being achieved with the support of the Ministry of Tourism. The basic goal through green conduct is to achieve synergy between economic profit, social welfare, and environmental protection according to defined criteria. Upon completion of workshops for hotels within the project, we plan on awarding the "Green Hotel" certificate by March 2014. After the pilot project has finished, we will launch a

Photo: Boris Kragić (archive: Croatian National Tourist Board)

platform which will ease the flow of information between the tourist services of the suppliers and the destinations of companies in tourism. TOURISMlink will be used throughout Europe and so will enable better connections between various countries and their tourist offer. Also, this connection will create a large, high-quality database of clients, producers, and offers within Europe. It is conducted with the participation of tourist boards and other organizations in tourism for the better adaptation of the program to the practical needs of the industry. The program is especially aimed at small and mid-sized companies in order to ensure complete usability of all the possibilities of a digital marketplace.

This kind of initiative should improve the competitiveness of those companies and enable a better integration for them in the global system, without the need for them to join a larger organization.

The project is financed by the EU and is entirely free of charge in its initial phase, and from 2014 on, minimal fees will be charged for maintaining the platform.

Croatia, along with Finland and the Czech Republic have been included in the pilot phase, while the second phase will include Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and Norway, followed by Germany, Italy, Greece, and Belgium.

Hvar

wide-spread initiative so that more and more hotels join the program. Since our goal is to present ourselves on the global market as a "green destination", we plan to include other professional associations from tourism in the program, according to a similar model, by the end of 2015.

There is a list of criteria that hotels must fulfil, and they are grouped into several groups: management methods in the hotel (human resources), with a review of green conduct, energy efficiency and the use of renewable sources of energy, green supply, sales, communication, marketing, public relations, and waste management, which includes waste removal. Hotels included in the project will get a certificate if they fulfil the set criteria, and the certificates will be awarded in three categories: basic, additional, and advanced category of green hotels.

Everything will be described in detail in the criteria which will be available to the public in late January.

What other projects and activities will the AECH be focusing on this year?

What are the expectations of hoteliers for 2014?

The basic purpose of the AECH is a proactive approach in creating as favorable an economic climate as possible and gathering managers, experts, and entrepreneurs for the protection and promotion of shared, primarily professional interests of all its members. Starting from the necessity of raising the competitiveness of Croatian hotel services in a global setting, the main goals of the AECH in 2014 will

Photo: The island of Hvar is a wellknown Croatian tourist destination (top).

There is a list of criteria that hotels must fulfil to get the "Green Hotel" certificate.

be, amongst other things, to raise the competitive abilities through: raising business performance of hotels and ensuring stimulating rates of returns on funds invested in the sector; creating a product with market recognition, preserving space as a basic resource for long-term sustainable business of hotels, and high-quality development of destinations and creating hotel service sector policies with other interest groups.

One of the key projects in 2014 will be to present the AECH academy where we will, with already traditional programs, present innovative educational programs.

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KRISTIAN Ĺ USTAR

Photo: Hrvoje Serdar (archive: Croatian National Tourist Board)

Interview

Photo: Sergio Gobbo (archive: Croatian National Tourist Board)

cluster on the international market.

Furthermore, the establishment of the cluster allows the members of the cluster to apply for international projects, pull resources from EU funds, and eases communication with the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Economy, and the Ministry of Health in regulating the legal business procedures. The basic goals of the initiative are the mutual exchange of experience with the goal of advancing skills and professionalism, followed by organizing courses and presentations, as well as various forms of theoretical and practical education. The goals also include forming interest groups with other providers of the same/similar services in the country and region, connecting and cooperating with similar associations abroad for the exchange of experiences, skills, professional knowledge, etc.

Murter and Kornati

Photos: boats anchored in hidden coves are a common sight on the Adriatic, especially in the summer months (top); a view of the island of Murter and the Kornati archipelago (bottom).

Expertise is the basis of the modern tourism product and it is necessary to invest more in a highly professional staff at the national level.

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The AECH invents them in cooperation with leading domestic and foreign schools and faculties for tourism. The AECH programs will continue to follow global trends in hotel services and be achieved through an experienced team of lecturers, professors, and subcontractors. Expertise is the basis for the modern tourism product, and it is necessary to invest more in a highly professional staff at the national level.

The increase in the level of knowledge and the understanding are the key resources which will enable the creation of the preconditions for growth and development.

Recently a cluster of Croatian spas and health resorts was formed within AECH framework. What are the goals of this initiative?

The goal is to gather Croatian spas into a cluster through the national association of hoteliers. The unified offer of Croatian spas and health resorts will ease the penetration for the members of the

As a long-time expert in tourism, we must ask you which destinations you prefer to choose when travelling in your free time?

On one hand, due to limited free time, I choose short trips (mostly on weekends) which are primarily connected with the interests of my eight-year-old son. Basically, as a family we choose destinations and attractions that are child-friendly so, for example, we have visited many amusement parks in Europe, some more than once. Of course, I believe an important element of growing up is getting to know your own country, so we use short trips to get to know all parts of our beautiful country.

What are the 'must visit' destinations in Croatia, which our readers must absolutely see?

Croatia is beautiful, and wherever you go, you will come across something magical, beautiful, and unique. I believe it's unfair to single out any destination. However, since from talking to colleagues it is clear, on one hand, that we know the coastal destinations so well, which is understandable due to the develop tourist offer, we focus so little on the continental region of Croatia.

In that context, I would recommend getting to know the continental region of our beautiful country, which is becoming a more recognizable tourist brand. ď ś

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Tourism product

PHOTO & TOURS

Photo: a scene from the picturesque streets of Rovinj.

Vacation with a view through the lens Written by: Sonja Mihajlović www.icroatiatravel.com Photos: Roman Martin www.photoandtours.com

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Do you like challenges, something new and different?

We bring you suggestions for a different, active vacation, which combines history, art, architecture, food, and photography, and transforms vacations into entirely different experiences...

tip: Since Croatia is an extremely photogenic country at all seasons, we recommend this, but also similar excursions throughout Croatia, all year long.

P

hoto & tours (P&T) is an innovative tourism product, or a series of several tours that combine relaxing and active vacations, food, history and art, as well as the most important thing, photography. P&T unites holidays with easy photography workshops, where even the most experienced photographers can learn something new.

participants of these tours are not only beginners, but also advanced amateurs, and even professionals, and since the tours are held in small groups, there is always something for everyone.

Little photography tricks so become the simplest things in life. It is all held in combination with carefully chosen excursions, restaurants, and getting to know history, art, and architecture.

Little photography tricks

Travelling through Istria

The goal of these trips is to travel, get to know history, and photography basics, all through 'easy' photography workshops. It is a chance to get to know how to use the camera, what 'light' is and how to 'catch' it, and everything else for which, if you decide to learn on your own, you will need a lot of literature, plenty of free time and goodwill. The

For example, the six-day P&T itinerary looks like this: The first destination, where accommodations await, is in the Istrian pearl, Rovinj, located on the coast. The charm and photogenic quality of this town primarily comes from the old city center with its narrow stone streets, vivid houses built in the ancient style, and embellished with unique

Photos: you will often come across scenes like this in the streets of Rovinj (top left); a detail from the streets of Motovun (top right); a view of picturesque Motovun (bottom left); one of the most common motives from postcards of Rovinj (bottom right).

Did you know that according to the Guinness Book of World Records Hum is the smallest city in the world?

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Tourism product

PHOTO & TOURS

Photo: antique buggy photographed in Grožnjan (top).

tip: If you decide to take this trip, don't forget to take your photography equipment.

A lightweight tripod will come in handy for taking night shots.

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chimneys. Rovinj is literally packed with unique locations to photograph.

The evening is reserved for an outing to a tavern to try Istrian specialties and superb wines from the local hills. There is just enough time to take a walk down Rovinj's 'lungomare', or promenade next to the sea.

A visit to the interior of Istria, to Hum and Motovun, medieval towns with plenty of interesting motives to photograph, are foreseen for the second day. Here you will also discover something about history and culture and get the chance to see 'glagoljica', an ancient Slavic alphabet.

Built to be photographed The Roman amphitheater in Pula and the Brijuni National Park are our destinations the third day, while "the City of Artists", Grožnjan is on schedule for the fourth

day. Here they have foreseen a walk through its cobblestone streets, touring the medieval walls and visiting the remains of the Roman fortress. On the fifth day - a trip back to the sea, this time to the city of Poreč, located on a peninsula. The old city center, with an equilateral geometric layout of the streets that dates back to Roman times is made to be photographed.

Here, amongst other things, you can find the House of Two Saints, the Romanesque House, and the Roman Forum. Euphrasius' basilica, a monument on UNESCO's list of cultural heritage is a must see. It is an excellent opportunity to take photos of well-known mosaics and ciboriums.

A climb up to the bell tower of the basilica is foreseen for taking fantastic pictures with motives of Poreč and the surrounding area. 

Photos: coloristic motive from the medieval town of Motovun (top); the panorama near Motovun regularly leaves tourists, but also passersby, breathless (middle); Gro탑njan is known as the 'City of Artists' (bottom left); a walk through the streets of Motovun will take you back into the past, here you will truly feel as if time has stopped (bottom right).

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Excursion

DONJA KUPČINA LOCAL HISTORY MUSEUM

Photos: There are several wooden houses within the museum (top left); the well in the museum yard (top right); weaving loom (bottom left); motives from the museum (bottom right).

Ethno collection under the stars Written by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: Robert Kunštek and archive of Pisarovina Tourist Board

In the Kupa River valley, only thirty kilometers south of the city buzz of the Croatian metropolis, an entirely different story awaits you.

Meadows, fields, and forests, amongst which hides the second largest outdoor Croatian museum in the village of Donja Kupčina, which will take you back to the past, but not forgotten times...

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The people of Kupčina were famous inventors, so, for example, in one of the čardaks, you will see a baby walker.

T

he village of Donja Kupčina in the Zagreb County is only a half-hour drive away from Zagreb, popularly called 'Zagreb's Green Belt'. The village is surrounded by mountains on three sides and has always been a great place to live, and it was also well known for its many trades and craftsmen of traditional trades. Here, amongst other things, opanke (traditional handmade leather shoes), shoes, clothes, furniture, and other wooden items were made and could be bought, and besides being master carpenters (with the wood they got from the dense oak forests of the area), the people of Kupčina were master basket weavers. They were also skilled in the construction of residential buildings and outbuildings, and an interesting fact is that they were able to skillfully and adeptly, with special tools and without disassembling them, move

Photos: The spacious room on the upper floor was the center of family life (top left); a baby walker (top right); the people of Kupčina were skilled in the making of 'opanke' (bottom left); a kitchen of the times (bottom right).

them from one place to another. How? Find out in the Donja Kupčina Local History Museum...

Rescue from oblivion Currently you can see around 1400 items that the people of Kupčina used in daily life throughout the 20th century, along with the items they produced, in this outdoor museum, for which the idea for establishment came to light right after World War II. The generous collection is continually supplemented with items, which the elderly of Kupčina often find and pull out of their forgotten attics and basements so they can share the heritage of their ancestors with present and future generations and rescue them from oblivion.

tip: In the winter period (from October 1 to March 31), the museum is open daily from Tuesday to Friday from 9:00 to 16:00, and in the summer period (from April 1 to September 30) on the same days from 9:00 to 17:00 and on Saturdays from 10:00 to 14:00). Also, it is possible to reserve special time periods for group visits in advance.

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Excursion

DONJA KUPČINA LOCAL HISTORY MUSEUM In Pokuplje, the tradition of creating various flowers from crepe paper in the traditional way has been preserved. Although the tradition is also kept in other areas of Croatia, according to some ethnographic research, the largest number of different types of flowers made of paper were found in this area.

Over the past thirty years, the village has become famous for the large number of storks that have constructed their permanent nests in the village, and nest here every summer.

Photos: the people of Kupčina were famous for their woodworking skills (top left); the stone mill was also found in the čardak (top middle); crepe paper flowers (top right); storks love to nest in the village (bottom middle); there are many events organized at the museum throughout the year (bottom right).

The museum is regularly visited by schoolchildren, who participate in various workshops while here: from making traditional ornaments to making Easter eggs in the traditional way (before Easter), and dialect workshops).

Old-fashioned children's and shepherd games of the region are also organized for them, amongst which the most famous one is "Žabe Labe".

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The museum consists of several village houses: 'iža', single-story wood homes, 'čardaks', multi-level wood homes from the second half of the 19th and early 20th century, where family collectives once lived, along with several outbuildings, and many ethnographic items. In the houses, you can see the exact layouts of the rooms, with different purposes, just as it once was. The ground floor rooms were mostly used to store grains, tools, and wagons, while the upper floor always had a large spacious room, the center of family life. It was where they slept, ate, socialized, celebrated, and cried, and in the winter, a weaving loom was brought in as well. The people of Kupčina were famous for their cultivation of flax, its processing, and the creation of folk costumes. On this floor, you could also find a kitchen with a brick oven that heated the entire floor and a stone mill. In the yard was a well, with a long wooden pulley with a weight on one end, and a rope for extracting water on the other end.

Workshops for all ages In one of the wooden houses is a workshop for opanke, and here you will also see a stagecoach, traditional furniture, and various wooden, ceramic, iron, textile, and decorative items, tools for processing flax, lamps, basket-weaving molds, tools for lifting and pulling wooden houses, etc. All of those items were donated to the museum by locals over four decades, mostly after they ceased to be of use in the household. The museum's main building (the only brick building) houses the library and rooms for various thematic and artistic exhibitions, as well as creative workshops. Throughout the year, the museum is a venue for various concerts of traditional, folklore, and ethno music, as well as various lectures. If you don't know where to go on excursion next time, here's an idea! 

Explore Zagreb County

BEAUTIFUL NECKLACE AROUND THE CAPITAL CITY

Zagreb County Tourist Board, Preradovićeva 42, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia tel.: + 385 1 4873665, fax: +385 1 4873670, e-mail: info@tzzz.hr, www.tzzz.hr February / March 2014.

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Tourist attraction

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Dream lanterns released into the sky above Zagreb

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About ten thousand people gathered December 23, 2013 in front of the Home of the Croatian Visual Arts, or Meštrović's Pavilion in Zagreb, to release about 1500 lanterns. The goal of this spectacular event "Kapulica&Lanterns", which was reported about in global media, was to encourage people worldwide to believe in themselves and their dreams, and to fight for the achievement of their wishes. Two people were required to release one lantern, which highlighted the social spirit of this light celebration. The event was held as a part of the fair of unconventional art "Artomat", for the fourth year in a row, and the author of the project is artist Krešimir Tadija Kapulica.

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Valentine's Day

ZAGREB

Besides being the month of the carnival and Mardi Gras, February is also the month for those in love. On St. Valentine's Day, or more popularly Valentine's Day, which is celebrated February 14th, Zagrebians will not come home without a bouquet of flowers, or at least a red rose, and on that day, they will gladly recall the famous love stories of old Zagreb.

We reveal some of them below...

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Love stories that enthralled Zagreb Prepared by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photo archive: Zagreb Tourist Board

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Valentine's Day

ZAGREB

tip: On Valentine's Day, February 14, 2014, take a walking tour through Zagreb titled "Zagreb in Love" ("Zaljubljeni Zagreb") and discover the best love stories of Zagreb.

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T

hey called her "the prettiest Zagrebian" and "the prettiest girl", and they say that her appearance attracted all the men of Zagreb. Even czar Franz Joseph stared at actress Ljerka Šram, more commonly called "Lady Šram", at the formal grand opening of the Croatian National Theater in 1895 in Zagreb. Still, she caught the heart of the respectable doctor and influential journalist from Zagreb, Milivoj Dežman...

Unrequited love In her 25-year-long acting career, Ljerka Šram played many roles, both from classic, as well as contemporary repertoires, and entered the pages of Croatian acting history. But, besides being an actress, she also remained in the memories of old Zagrebians for one more role - the great unrequited love of Milivoj Dežman.

Ljerka and Milivoj knew each other from childhood, their parents were friends, and Milivoj was close to Ljerka's

When Ljerka Šram fell ill, Milivoj Dežman launched an initiative to build a hospital for respiratory illnesses on Brestovac, and thanks to his great love for her, Zagreb got its first specialized hospital of its kind.

Dora and Pavao In Kamenita Street number five, Dora Krupićeva, a good, hardworking, and beautiful girl, lived with her father, Zagreb's goldsmith Petar Krupić. At first glance she won the heart of aristocrat Pavao Gregorijanac, and she fell in love with him too. Their families came from different social classes, so despite the great love between them, they couldn't even think of a future together. The unhappy love ended with Dora being poisoned. Kamenita vrata

(the Stone Gate) and Dora Krupićeva were immortalized by August Šenoa, a famous Croatian novelist and poet, in his book "Zlatarovo zlato" from 1871. The story takes place in Zagreb in the 16th century, and the main topic of the book is the love of the two young people.

tip: You can find a statue of Dora Krupićeva on the western side of Stone Gate in Zagreb.

Rises and falls

brother Vladimir. They were separated when Milivoj headed to an aristocratic boarding school, where due to the strict regime, contact with the outer world was not permitted. While Milivoj gained knowledge in the boarding school and prepared for Medical School, Ljerka grew into an attractive girl, who caught the eye of most Zagrebians. After seeing each other in an aristocratic house on the Upper Town, where Ljerka was performing in a play, it became clear to Milivoj - either her or no one else.

A period of their intensive socializing followed, along with many encounters on dance floors and recitals. Then the day came when Milivoj had to head off to university in Graz. Although she promised she would wait for him, soon, instead of her letters, he started receiving rumors that she was no longer faithful. From his mother he received a playbill where Ljerka was first presented to the public as 'Mrs.'. Milivoj came to the play and, to his great disappointment, found out that the heart of his beloved belonged to Aleksandar Isaković, a bank clerk.

However, their love, as Milivoj had presumed, didn't last long. After an embezzlement scandal in the First Croatian Savings Bank, where he worked, Isaković disappeared from Zagreb and

Ljerka's life, leaving her with their son Saša. Milivoj saw the entire situation as a chance to get back into her life. He ignored the rumors and the jaunting, and it didn't bother him that Ljerka had a child with another man. He did everything to win her love. And he succeeded.

When they started living together, Milivoj took care of Saša as if he was his own son. Although they never married, he gave all the love and care into their shared life, and she provided respect, gratitude, and loyalty. Unfortunately, Ljerka caught tuberculosis, and despite the great care he gave, she died in his arms.  February / March 2014.

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Historical traces...

i

ZAGREB

Antun Gustav Matoš

Google maps street view location: http://goo.gl/maps/ZZUhx Address: Strossmayerovo šetalište 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

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tip: While touring Zagreb and its streets, don't miss out on strolling down the Strossmayer Promenade or taking a picture on the bench next to Antun Gustav Matoš.

Prepared by: Željka Kunštek Photo: Robert Kunštek

A. G. Matoš

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ince 1978, Zagreb's Strossmayer Promenade, which could be described as a 'promenade with a view', has been enriched with another attraction - a monument to poet, writer, and travel writer Antun Gustav Matoš. It was the first monument in Zagreb that moved away from tradition since it shows the poet sitting on a bench in a carefree fashion while watching over Zagreb. When this, one of Zagreb's most interesting statues was installed, the media stated that it "isn't a statue, but encouragement for a shared view of the city". Its author, Ivan Kožarić, obviously didn't want it to be yet another sculpture viewed from the worms-eye view, but instead wanted to bring Matoš to daily life, which, it seems, he succeeded in doing. Every day, Matoš is visited on his bench by passersby and tourists, but also schoolchildren, since it is located behind the oldest secondary school in Zagreb, founded by the Jesuits in 1607. The secondary school was once of classic, and is now of general orientation. Zagrebians most often call it "Gornjogradska gimnazija" since it is located on the Upper town (Gornji grad). 

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STARIGRAD PLAIN

Photo: Pawel Jaroszewski (archive: Stari Grad Tourist Board)

UNESCO

A masterpiece of Greek culture Photo: a birds-eye view of Starigrad plain (top).

Prepared by: Željka Kunštek Photos: Pawel Jaroszewski (archive: Stari Grad Tourist Board), Petar Botteri and Darko Alfirević (archive: Agency for Managing Starigrad plain)

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I

n the very heart of the island of Hvar, one of the most attractive Croatian islands, there is a large field. As its owners changed over the years, so did the name of the field. The Greeks called it Khora Pharu, the Romans Ager Pharensis, and in the Middle Ages, it was called Campus Sancti Stephani (St. Stephen's field), and today it is known as Starigrad plain ('Starogradsko polje').

Belly of the island For the people of Hvar, the field has always been the "belly of the island" since it has enabled life over the millenniums.

What is interesting is that for more than 2400 years, the same things have been planted here continuously: grapevines and olives. In ancient times and the Middle Ages, wheat was also sown, while

In 2008, Starigrad plain was entered into UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites, due to the fact that it is the best preserved lot division in the Mediterranean. Its parcelization also represents one of the masterpieces of Greek culture in the Mediterranean.

Starigrad plain contains about 120 archeological sites, and was protected as an archeological zone in 1993.

Photos: The field is located in the middle of the island of Hvar (top); there are many reservoirs for collecting and retaining rainwater (bottom).

figs grew in the more arid parts on the borders of the lots. Almonds have always grown near the settlements, while the olive groves climb up the small hilly fields. You can also find carob trees, and up until recently, lavender, for which Hvar is famous far and wide, was planted in these terraced fields. Starigrad plain is the largest and most fertile field of all the fields on Adriatic islands.

Special divisions The special feature of the field lies in its lot division, which makes it one of the masterpieces of Greek culture on the Mediterranean. It was because of the lot division, the best preserved in the Mediterranean, that Starigrad plain was added to UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites. Since then, the field has been managed by the "Agency for Managing Starigrad plain". Also, the field has been added to the Registry of Cultural Monuments of the Republic of Croatia, as a cultural landscape.

The field is actually a cultural landscape shaped for millenniums, and the basic design was defined 2400 years ago

by Greek colonialists. It is divided into rectangular lots, 1 x 5 furlongs (about 180 x 900 m) in size, bordered by stone walls, and all later land divisions were within the original Greek-defined lots. They were also physically marked in an equal manner with the construction of smaller or larger stone walls. Main paths also pass up and across the fields in equal increments.

Cults of the Gods of Fertility Since ancient times, the people of the area have linked their beliefs to this fertile field. Along with ancient cults, especially the cult to the god of Zeus-Jupiter, cults of fertility gods were also worshiped: Dionysus and Persephone, directly tied to the fertility of land, and Aphrodite's name has appeared in some signs. In the Middle Ages, when the field was under the protection of the patron saint of the Hvar Diocese, St. Stephen, many small churches and chapels were constructed in the field and in its vicinity. At the time, a large procession linked to the mystery of Good Friday, and the resurrection of Christ started, and has remained in the settlements surrounding the fields to today. If you happen to visit this central Dalmatian island, be sure to see this unique landscape. ď ś

Photo: Darko Alfirević (archive: Agency for Managing Starigrad plain)

Photo: Petar Botteri (archive: Agency for Managing Starigrad plain)

There are several "kaĹžuni", or circular buildings, in the fields, which served to store tools, and as protection from storms, along with many reservoirs for collecting and storing rainwater.

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Health Tourism

WELLNESS&SPA

Wellness or healthy living

Written by: Andreja Milas www.relaxino.com Photo: fotolia

tip: Many wellness packages in several countries can be found at one place at portal Relaxino.com

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Over the past few years, in accordance with trends and needs, the terms "wellness" and "spa" have found their places in Croatian tourism.

More and more hotels are adding to their wellness and spa content, and there is an increasingly larger number of tourists seeking that kind of offer and experience...

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he word "wellness" arrived in Croatia a little more than ten years ago. Only a few people knew its meaning then, and today it has become a synonym for relaxation. It is assumed that the word "wellness" came from the combination of the words "wellbeing" and "fitness", and it was first used by Dr. Halbert L. Dunn in the 1960s. He described it as a "blessed" state of body and soul, unrelated to religion, or as a mental relaxation without physical exertion, which is sometimes considered a prerequisite for attaining a high-quality state of body, mind, and soul.

Life philosophy The word "wellness" was first mentioned back in 1654 in a monograph by Sir A. Johnson in the form of "wealnesse" or "good health" Since the middle of last century to today, that term has remained in its English form and used unchanged in many languages and represents an attitude towards a healthy lifestyle. Over time that attitude has exceeded its initial meaning and become a life philosophy.

Wellness also includes self-discipline, a quest for an elevated state of the entire body, and establishes a sense of inner peace.

As the term became more popular in numerous countries and in everyday life, so other companies started

using the word in order to express their inclusion in the healthy movement.

Sauna and massages The biggest step towards that was made by hotels and wellness centers that added the term "wellness&spa" to their names in order to immediately emphasize their purpose and focus on relaxing accommodations and offer many massages and baths, as well as to send a message that they take care of balanced and healthy nutrition.

Today's modern hotels offer spa oases for relaxing stays, with a great offer of saunas: Finnish, steam, infrared, chromotherapy, Roman, and other. Massages are an irreplaceable part of the offer: aryuvedic, acupressure, aromatherapy, shiatsu, and many other that ensure relaxation for even the tensest people.

Wellness and spa There is a great difference between the terms 'wellness' and 'spa'. 'Spa means "salus per aquam", or "water for health" for healing with thermal water. In Croatia, they would be thermal waters, which isn't always practical to connect with the hotel services, so the hotels add the name 'spa'. The term 'spa' is also tied to the town of the same name in

Belgium, known for its rich thermal water springs. On the other hand, the word 'wellness' defines the entire movement towards a healthy life, although wellness does not exclude spas from its philosophy, as an important focus towards healthy body and mind.

Like good chocolate In today's modern life we come across the word 'wellness' every day. It 'ambushes' us through advertisements and commercials, and on store shelves, we are lured by wellness teas and beverages, cereals, wellness baths, shampoos, and creams. Also, there are many other products such as candles, sporting goods, and household items, which use wellness in their names. I will repeat the words of an old friend of mine and wellness fan, to who the culture of wellness is like good chocolate or dessert, a treat which does not cause addiction, but only pleasure and the need for being good, useful, and healthy to yourself.

That is what wellness is - to love nature and health, want what we have, and respect what should be respected the most - life!

The word "wellness" comes from the words "well-being" and "fitness", while spa (lat. sanus per aquam), in translation means "health through water".

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Sports Tourism

SKIING

Holiday on the slopes The months of winter, but also early spring, are made for skiing. In February and March, the crowds on the slopes are smaller, there is still plenty of snow, and the sun heats more than the previous months, which experienced skiers know well. If you aren't a skier, and blankets of snow have always made you smile, along with other winter activities, maybe it's time you tried skiing.

We bring you first-hand experience and advice...

Written by: Vlatka VuŞić Photos: fotolia

tip: Before heading out onto the snow, equip yourself with the appropriate equipment, and for beginners, the best option is - to rent. If you decide to buy some equipment, buy ski boots!

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kiing is definitely a great form of recreation in nature, but it isn't for everyone. If the thought of winter makes you cringe, if you don't enjoy the vision of snow falling through the window, if you have never made a snow angel, then you will

The longer the skis, the faster you go.

Accordingly, experienced skiers generally choose skis 15 to 20 cm longer than their height, while 10 cm longer is adequate for average skiers.

The two most important pieces of advice a beginner skier can hear are: "don't be afraid, be courageous", and "on the slopes be responsible and cautious for yourself, but also for others".

Ski slope rules

probably never enjoy heading down the snow covered slopes on skis.

On the other hand, if you find blankets of snow breathtaking, if like me, you complain if there's no snow for Christmas so you can't make snowmen, if just envisioning yourself in a "winter wonderland" (sweater, hat with a pompom, warm drink) makes you smile, then skiing is a sport you should definitely try. Very soon after you try, you will know if it is the sport for you.

Alpine and Nordic skiing Today's, 'modern' skiing is divided into two basic types: alpine skiing (downhill)

and Nordic (cross-country, including ski jumps), from which alpine skiing was derived.

You might be able to learn to ski on your own, watching others, but the most effective solution is to enroll in ski school (cheaper option), or to hire a private ski instructor (more expensive option). In any case, the instructor will save you the effort and time you would use to explore skiing techniques on your own. With the help of your ski instructor, after a few hours, you will master the basic techniques and be ready to head down the slope in accordance with your abilities. First you will learn how to go forward, how to turn around, and (possibly most importantly) how to fall 'smartly' and get up after a fall, without hurting yourself or others on the slope.

Skiing can and should be fun and pleasant for all fans of nature, but only under the condition that all those on the slope (and outside it) respect certain rules. A good skier skis safely and smartly, and the greatest danger on the slopes is a skier who loses control.

It is most often the skier who skis too quickly on a slope that is too difficult for them. In order to stay out of that category, it is important to learn to read the map of the ski resort (always have it with you) and to watch out for signs on the trails, so that you won't end up on those that are too difficult for your level of ski skills.

One of the rules is that the skiers beneath and in front of you have the right of way. They cannot see you, so it is your responsibility to avoid them.

It is also important to be aware of the

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Sports Tourism

SKIING

tip: On the slopes, skiers are expected to act responsibly and with caution, for themselves, but also for others.

Did you know that the average speed of recreational skiers is about 45 km/h?

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skiers behind you, even if you have the right of way because, unfortunately, "kamikaze" skiers, who don't care about their own safety or the safety of others, are more and more common on the slopes.

Cautious or not, one thing in skiing is certain - and that is that you will fall.

Snow is a relatively soft surface for falling, so in the initial phase, when you are still skiing slowly and unsurely, falls will hurt your ego more than the parts of the body where you fell. Your ski instructor will teach you falling methods that will decrease the risk of injury. You should always try to fall turned to the top of the hill, and on the outer side of your leg or on your bottom. It is easier to get up and continue skiing from that position.

Also, it is extremely important to try

and get off the slope as soon as possible after falling so that you don't block the pat for others. Of course, if you are not seriously injured and require the assistance of others.

Get equipped...

Whether you are a professional or an amateur, you cannot head out onto the snow without equipment. For beginners, the best option is to rent equipment: ski boots, skis and bindings, poles, goggles, and helmets, because it takes time, as you advance as a skier, to recognize which models are best for you. On the other hand, there is no point in buying expensive equipment only to conclude after the initial excitement that skiing isn't the sport for you. Ski suits or pants can also be rented, but you won't be making a mistake if you buy them because you will certainly use them off the ski slopes. The same is true for

warm gloves and hats, and another very important part of ski equipment is facial cream with an SPF factor, which you must apply before heading out to the slopes.

Good physical fitness and appropriate nutrition is also important along with high quality equipment. Skiing demands great physical effort which will be endured best by those who engage in some form of physical activity throughout the year. When skiing, you are constantly on the move, your body is working in overtime, intensively burning calories, and so nutrition is of great importance so you're your body can retain heat and energy in the cold mountain environment.

The importance of nutrition Before heading out to the slopes, it is important to eat as many foods rich in carbohydrates as possible. You can

also consume more sugar and fat than usual. It is important to consume protein rich food with fat, such as the delicacies very popular amongst skiers: sausages, bacon, and cabbage rolls. It is important to drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine because the body loses fluids more quickly because of it.

On the slopes, if you're skiing, you should definitely avoid the aromatic warm cups of mulled wine because if you drink - don't drive! There is plenty of time for toasts in the evening, after a good dinner, before heading to the spa, which, in my opinion, is the ideal end to every day of skiing.

After you have gathered up the good will and courage, and equipped yourself well (internally and externally), all you have to do is invite along a happy crew to keep you company on the slopes. ď ś

tip: Keep you ski pass safe, and before heading out to the slopes, write down the data written on it. It is the only way to get a new one if you lose the first. Otherwise, this expensive sport could become even more expensive!

The symbols that mark the difficulty of slopes are different in Europe and America. In Europe, the slopes are marked from the easiest to the most advanced in the following colors: green, blue, red, and black. In America, the same order of difficulty is marked with: green, blue, black diamond, and double black diamond.

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Croatia

ONLINE

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websites and mobile applications

Diverse tourist offer Here you can find out where to find interesting ideas for travelling through Croatia, recipes for Croatian delicacies, recommendations for spa retreats, advice on health and nutrition, the offer of private accommodation capacities in Zagreb, and a lot of useful information about the Croatian metropolis...

WEB& Wish.hr

Prepared by: Željka Kunštek

Different, informative and interesting... Amongst other things, that is the description for the website for the culture of living, Wish.hr or the "website of life's pleasures". It is divided into six categories: Mosaic, Good life, Etiquette, Top 7, Travel, and Gastro, where you can find many diverse topics: from events in town and recommendations, advice on interior and landscape design, to wedding etiquette and behavior to information related to travelling in Croatia and abroad, unusual hotels worldwide, and tasty recipes. Here, for example, you can also read interesting articles about the top 7 most unusual sports in world, the rarest postage stamps in the world, ancient buildings, and if you like to read interviews, you will come across interesting people from here and abroad in the "Wish stars" section. The website is in Croatian. www.wish.hr

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Menu Menu is a magazine for food and tourism, which is available in print, but you can also read it on the website www.menu.hr.

On its site, you can find reports on destinations in Croatia and abroad, interviews with representatives of the tourism sector, recipes, ideas for weekend excursions, advice related to health and gastronomy, and many interesting facts. While reading the magazine, you will also come across enological topics, presentations of restaurants, cookbooks, and the kitchens of celebrities from Croatia and abroad. The magazine is published in Croatian. www.menu.hr

APPS Rent Zagreb

Rent Zagreb is a useful website which should definitely be visited if you plan to visit and stay in Zagreb, the Croatian metropolis. Here, in one place, you can find the selection of private accommodation capacities in Zagreb: suites, rooms, and studio apartments.

The website shows the capacity of the accommodation units, prices, photo galleries, and other useful information, and accommodations can also be reserved on the website. Here you will also find basic information on Zagreb and a search engine that helps you choose, and the website is translated into eleven international languages. www.rent-zagreb.com

Wellbis You can find everything about new treatments, devices, creams, and cosmetics, or equipment for cosmetic and hair salons and spa centers in the Wellbis magazine, which has been issued in print and digital form since October 2010.

Here you will also find articles on beauty, health, nutrition, and lifestyle topics. Besides finding the current issue at www.wellbis.hr, you can also read all the issues of the magazine to date in the archives, and get information on subscriptions. Although Wellbis is primarily aimed at professionals from the world of cosmetics and wellness, and as of recently at hairstylists (in b2b form), its content is also interesting for the general public. The magazine is issued in Croatian.

iZagreb Here is a useful application for all those who visit the Croatian metropolis. The iZagreb travel guide will take you through the city with a series of photographs, short and interesting texts, and many interactive features. It is divided into eight sections, where the history of Zagreb, its main tourist attractions, food, culture and art, and the possibilities for entertainment and night life are presented. You will also find information on accommodation capacities in Zagreb, as well as service information. The application is in English, and available in the AppStore & Google Play.

www.wellbis.hr

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Croatia through philately

LIGHTHOUSES Presenting postage stamps

a c i č n o St The waters of sunken ships

Prepared by: Željka Kunštek

Fishermen and sailors love to stop by to visit the lighthouse keeper of Stončica, despite the fact that strong winds blow daily in these waters. However, the waters surrounding Pt. Stončica, for which the lighthouse got its name, houses many interesting features. For example, did you know that it hides many sunken ships from historical battles?

S tip: The stamp was issued in 2013, and philatelists in Croatia can get the stamp in Croatian Post's postal offices.

Readers and philatelists from abroad can order the stamp via email: filatelija@posta.hr

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tončica, a lighthouse on the point of the same name on the northeastern side of the island of Vis, is interesting for many reasons. It is one of the tallest towers in the Adriatic, and amongst the most important light beacons in the surrounding waters. It was constructed in 1865 on the jutting point, which prior to construction, presented a great risk for night sailing. Since it is located on an important passage through the awkward Vis Channel, Stončica has a light beam of 17 nautical miles in length. Even today, the lighthouse is incredibly important due to the congested nautical traffic in this part of the Adriatic, and many sailors find shelter in the coves and inlets of the island of Vis en route from the islands of Hvar, Korčula and Lastovo.

The lighthouse is located next to a large lighthouse keepers building, 250 square meters in size. It was built in the Austro-Hungarian era, in the style of Austrian military bases, and it has auxiliary buildings that once housed ammunition and grenades. Today, those rooms have been repurposed, and are now home to an authentic Dalmatian tavern.

The surrounding waters also have their own story. They are home to many sunken ships from various historical battles, of which one of the largest was in 1866, only a year after the lighthouse was constructed. The lives of many sailors, whose bones still lie at the depths of the sea beneath Stončica, were lost in the battle between the Italian and Austro-Hungarian navies. It was the first battle in history between armored ships. It is a tale gladly told by the lighthouse keeper, who has been living here since 1998, and is often visited by many sailors and fishermen, despite the strong winds that blow here daily. At night, north-eastern winds are common, while at noon, winds from the west strengthen. In summer, when mistral winds blow in the afternoon hours, there are safe harbors and coves east of Stončica. It is good to know, especially if you are a sailor who love to spend the summer months sailing the Adriatic and discovering the beauty of the islands of southern Dalmatia.

Stamps named "Lighthouses" were issued by the Croatian Post with motives of the Pločica, Stončica, and Sućuraj lighthouses on September 26, 2013. They were issued in 100 thousand copies per motive, 48.28 mm x 29.82 mm in size, and a first day cover (FDC) was also issued. The author is Orsat Franković, a designer from Zagreb, and the photographer was Andrija Carli, from Split. 

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The Panorama Zagreb Hotel, the tallest hotel in Croatia, has a total of 228 rooms and 51 suites, with a functional design, modern details, and one of its special features is the panoramic view of Zagreb and of Zagreb's Mount Medvednica. Enjoy the unique panoramic view of the Croatian metropolis, offered by all 19 floors of the hotel. As part of the special promotional campaign, special discounts are offered to those who reserve accommodations with breakfast.

When reserving two nights, the discount is 20 percent, and 30 percent for three nights!

Find out more at: www.panorama-zagreb.com

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Special offer at the Panorama Zagreb Hotel

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A romantic dinner, cocktails, a package with accommodations...

Spend Valentine's Day with a loved one in Zagreb's Hotel Esplanade, which has prepared special offers for Valentine's Day. One of them is the Valentine's Package, which includes two cocktails at the bar, a romantic dinner for two in Zinfandel's restaurant, a glass of champagne to welcome you at the hotel reception, a one-night stay in the luxurious Superior room, breakfast served in the room, use of the fitness center and sauna, and wireless internet access.

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The month of love in Thalasso Wellness Center Opatija For February, the month of love, Thalasso Wellness Center Opatija has prepared special packages for its visitors. The "Valentine's Day Pass" includes use of the pool, jacuzzi, fitness center, and spa relax zone for 190 kuna + 1 free.

The "Valentine's fit" is a monthly pass for the use of the pool, jacuzzi, fitness center (500 kn + 1 free), and the "Valentine's relax" is a monthly pass for the use of the pool, jacuzzi, fitness center, and spa relax zone (900 kn + 1 free). For the month of couples in love, they also came up with the "Valentine's duo" package, a two-hour program in a luxury room, with a special ambiance with candles and soothing music.

The package includes a relaxing whole-body massage for each, and a shared bath for two with fruit and champagne. The price of the package for two is 790 kn. A special gift certificate was also made with a 30 percent discount for those who would like to enjoy chocolate treatments for the face and body.

Find out more at: www.esplanade.hr

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Gourmet Croatia

ZAGREB

Photos: venison in dark soup and veal in lemon juice are specialties of Zagreb's cuisine, although it's possible to find them on the tables of surrounding countries (left and right).

Gastronomy knows no borders

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Written by: Sanja Plješa Photos: Robert Kunštek Photos were taken in the "Stari Puntijar" restaurant in Zagreb.

ocated in the northwestern part of Croatia, the capital city of Zagreb has always been the intersection of north and south, east and west. Its history, culture, tradition, but also food, has been influenced by four nations: the Hungarians, Germans, Italians, and Croats themselves. All of them, for various political or economic reasons, passed through Zagreb, and each of them brought with them recipes from their area and country, certain ingredients and spices that influenced

Many dishes from the region have influenced the creation of authentic Zagreb dishes. Over the past century, some ingredients and spices were changed so that every dish was adapted to the tastes of each new time.

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Zagreb's gastronomy. Ingredients from recipes were mixed, something was added, something was taken away, but it was always adapted to the tastes of the people of Zagreb and the surrounding area.

Mixing recipes Today it's relatively difficult to establish which dishes are truly from Zagreb.

Many of those dishes, created by mixing various recipes, became Croatian, or original Zagreb dishes. A connoisseur of the history of gastronomy in our area, a collector, and a caterer with a family tradition 175 years long, Zagrebian Zlatko Puntijar, explains that not a single cuisine of any foreign city shows only the gastronomy of that region. For example, Viennese cuisine isn't just the cuisine of Vienna and Austria, but of the entire Austro-Hungarian Empire, which influenced the creation of certain types of dishes throughout history. Zagreb's cuisine is similar.

Photos: Bavarian steak goes very well with a side of spinach (top); 'štrukli' soup is a specialty from Zagreb, Prigorje, and Croatian Zagorje (bottom left); apple dumplings are a dessert that melts in your mouth (bottom right).

Vegetarianism isn't a modern topic for Zagreb and Zagrebians, which is proven by a vegetarian cookbook, published in 1936. Still, Zagreb was a bit behind since Prague had its own vegetarian cookbook back in the 19th century.

tip: When in Zagreb, definitely try baked 'štrukli', 'štrukli' soup, and gingerbread.

"The distant beginnings of Croatian, but also Zagreb's, gastronomy was written about in the first cookbook printed in 1813. It was written by Ivan Birling, a canon from Kaptol. That cookbook is of importance for gastronomy, but also culturally", explained Puntijar. Recipes from the cookbooks of Count Nikola Zrinski and Max Rumpelt, Head Chef for the Prince of Mainz, printed in the 16th century, influenced the creation of Zagreb cuisine. Along with the many dishes, the cookbooks also list advice for preparing as tasty a meal as possible. For example, if you would like as delicious a parsley soup as possible, you must remove the "heart" from the root, with which you avoid having hard parts of vegetables in the dish.

Štrukli and gingerbread Which dishes make Zagreb cuisine stand out from other Croatian cuisines?

Primarily, štrukli soup, a recipe that existed before cooks started preparing

baked štrukli. That soup was prepared for generations in the Puntijar family, and it is also well known in Prigorje and Croatian Zagorje. Gingerbread also holds a special place in Zagreb's cuisine, and their preparation has an interesting story tied to them. Long ago, men competed to see who could carve the prettiest mold for making gingerbread, while the women competed to see who could make the tastiest dough. Gingerbread is also mentioned in the legendary book "Zlatarevo zlato" by writer August Šenoa.

After Birling and Zrinski, the development of Zagreb's cuisine was also influenced by recipes from Đure Deželić's cookbook from 1868, and the New Zagreb Cookbook, written by Marija Kumičić.

Fish and spices There are many specialties in Zagreb's cuisine that can also be found in the other surrounding countries: veal in lemon juice, Bavarian steak, apple dumplings, or venison in dark soup. As far as desserts

go, apples in a blanket, various strudels, 'bučnica' (zucchini strudel), 'zlevanka' (cornbread), 'tenka gibanica' (thin cheese strudel), 'makovnjača' (poppy seed roll), 'orehnjača' (walnut roll), 'buhtle' (jam filled buns), 'salenjake' (lard buns), and during Lent, doughnuts. Along with the usual poultry, pork, and veal, other meats used include lamb, mutton, and chevon, and it is interesting that even in the 17th century salt-water fish from the Adriatic found its ways to the tables of Zagreb's aristocrats and citizens. Spices, used even today, also played an important role, including: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, pepper, and olive oil. High quality continental Croatian wines go well with dishes from Zagreb.

Zagreb's cuisine is highly sophisticated, and dishes are traditionally made from high-quality ingredients. Dishes once prepared for aristocracy and citizens have now been modernized in order to adapt to the palate of the modern taste-testers. So, welcome to Zagreb's restaurants! 

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First-hand experience...

ANTONOV 225

Traveling with the largest airplane in the world

Written by: Martina Dragojević Trcol Photos of Antonov 225: Miljenko Trcol Photos of the Philippines: Branka Čekolj

At the end of 2013, the landing of the largest airplane in the world, the Antonov 225, at the Zagreb Airport raised a lot of dust, both on the runway, as well as in the media and amongst the general public in all of Croatia.

This sensational event occurred only a month before the 25th anniversary of the first flight of the unique plane...

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he Antonov An-225, a cargo plane with exceptional performance (length: 84 m; height 18.1 m; wingspan: 88.4 m; number of engines: 6), specialized for the air transport of extremely heavy and large cargo, arrived in Zagreb "on business" - for a special package. A heavy transformer, produced by the "Končar Energetski Transformatori" company for a client on the Philippines, took off November 10, 2013 in the Antonov 225 from Zagreb to the Philippines, while some parts of the transformer were sent to their destination by sea. Many find it difficult to imagine how such large and heavy cargo can be transported by air, and it is equally difficult to imagine what flying in such a cargo plane is like.

Today, depending on the 'depth' of

Photos: Antonov 225

their pockets, a large number of people can buy a ticket for a passenger flight, those more affluent can afford a ride in a military fighter or even to the moon, if they would like, but still it is impossible to buy some flights. At least for now.

Amongst them are flights with the largest airplane in the world - the Antonov 225.

A lucky few get the chance of a lifetime.

Generally, it is only possible to travel in the Antonov on business - if you are accompanying cargo that is being flown, or if, for example, you are preparing a report on it.

Antonov's flight attendants The standard crew of the Antonov includes six flight crew members, who

are organized into two shifts so that they can rest during long flights, as well as the auxiliary crew. Along with the captain, co-pilot, navigator, telegrapher, head electrical engineer, and hydraulic engineer, another ten workers specialized in loading, unloading, and securing cargo travel with the Antonov 225. They are the so-called "Antonov" flight attendants. Since they only work while the plane is grounded, they pass

the time travelling by playing cards, arm wrestling, and playing board games. So this transformer was also accompanied by five people who got the opportunity to travel with this plane. Amongst them was Miljenko Trcol who was willing to share his experiences with us and you.

Unattractive interior Since the basic purpose of the aircraft is to transport goods, not passengers, its interior is actually a huge empty cargo bay, with only a small part designated for transporting people, said Miljenko. And while the airplane literally swallows its cargo through its vertically risen nose, people board

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First-hand experience...

ANTONOV 225

Photos: unloading the cargo from the Antonov 225 on the Philippines (left); scenes from the Philippines, the final destination of this flight (top right and bottom).

It is interesting that at the security check of carry-on baggage at the airport, the Antonov's passengers didn't have to part with the domestic food they took with themselves, considering that they weren't travelling by passenger plane so the same rules didn't apply to them as to the other "regular" passengers in passenger planes.

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through the door, no different from those on passenger planes. However, the passenger cabin is different from that of passenger planes, which makes it very interesting, even despite the fact that it is relatively unattractive and run-down considering it hasn't been renovated since the plane was constructed. In 2009, the plane was redesigned only from the outside. The passenger area was located on the top deck, as was the cockpit, and it is reached with a set of narrow stairs that can be passed by people, but not large suitcases. So, only the most important things are taken into that area, while luggage is kept in a separate area.

Here, precautions must be made that devices such as laptops, tablets, mobile phones, and other electronic devices are not left in the luggage so that they do not freeze due to the extremely low temperatures.

The passenger cabin does not have any windows so the passengers do not have an idea whether it is day or night. Since the seats are not equipped with seatbelts, there is no fastening seatbelts during takeoff and landing, so that in this plane, you can even take off, for example, playing cards at the large table located between the two rows of seats. Luckily, the plane takes off and

lands at the minimum possible angle so that the cargo does not move, despite the fact that it is held in place with heavy-duty chains. In the sleeping area, beds are placed in the shape of a cross, and there is a 'primitive' toilet available for use.

More than 30 hours The passenger cabin was air conditioned throughout the entire flight to the temperature of 20°C, and as passenger Miljenko said, they didn't use the sleeping bags during the flight since everyone slept on their own passenger couch. Food was loaded at every airport they landed at, and they could eat their meals whenever they wanted. They also had a galley available with an electric oven for reheating food.

This unforgettable journey, although not so attractive as it was unique, lasted more than 30 hours, they flew an average speed of 800 km/h, and a total of 350 tons of fuel were used for the trip. The first landing for refueling was in Georgia, the second in Kazakhstan, and then in China, where they changed two of the 32 wheels of the landing gear, before landing at the final destination the Philippine island of Cebu, where the transformer was unloaded. ď ś

Inte

Englishman published a book about life on Hvar After spending a decade living in Jelsa on the island of Hvar, British writer and blogger Paul Bradbury published a book about life, and himself as a foreigner, on this Croatian island. He titled the book "Lavender, Dormice and a Donkey Named Mercedes" and it is aimed at both domestic readers and tourists. "Hvar is a wonderful island and I thought it would be interesting for people to read a little about real life here, as I experienced it. For example, my relationship with vegetables changed completely since I moved to Hvar, I've learned more than I should have about olives", said Bradbury. The first edition of the book titled "Lavender, Dormice and a Donkey Named Mercedes" was published in digital form for the Kindle e-book reader. www.croatiaweek.com

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Photo: Robert Kunštek

Photo: Robert Kunštek

Hvar, photo: fotolia

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Croatia amongst the top 10 destinations for honeymoons Mediterranean cuisine on the World Cultural Heritage list In early December 2013, the meeting of UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage was held in Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan. At the time, it was confirmed that the multinational candidacy of Spain, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Morocco, Portugal, and Croatia titled "Mediterranean Cuisine" was added to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. With that, Croatia, added another type of intangible cultural heritage to its list and became the second in Europe and the fifth in the world for the number of elements on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage..

According to searches on the Google search engine, Croatia was listed amongst the top ten destinations for honeymoons over the past year. This was announced, amongst others, by one of the largest news websites in the world, the American Huffington Post, which said that the 'list' could help all those who wish to find a special location for their honeymoons. Croatia is described as "a Mediterranean country with beautiful beaches" and as a land where there is plenty to explore, from ancient cities, secret gardens, and quaint towns in Istria, like Rovinj and Motovun, to glamorous and gorgeous Dubrovnik. The first three locations in this group were taken by New Zealand, Cancun, and the Maldives, followed by the Caribbean, Tahiti, St. Lucia (Caribbean), Belize, Thailand, Bali, and Croatia.

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Travel writers

DVINA MELER

"I love the taste of adventure" Photo: on her many travels, Dvina has met and gotten to know many tribes, their culture, and traditions (top).

tip: A passport is a must-have and never head out on a trip without it. You can do without everything else, even money.

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Prepared by: Vlatka VuŞić ◆ Photo archive: Dvina Meler

Travel is their greatest passion and they will all stress that it has enriched them in the most diverse ways possible. In order to motivate others to head out and explore that type of wealth, they have decided to put their experiences on paper and bind them all together into a book. They are travel writers, who can tell you a lot about the experiences and adventures from their many travels around the world. We believe they will also motivate you take a risk - and head out on an adventure!

To start off, meet Dvina Meler.

T

he unknown, freedom, revelations... God, how I love the taste of adventure - is a sentence taken from the newly published book of famous traveler, Dvina Meler, and it best describes the motivation of this young woman, adventurer and thrill-seeker, who, as she says, is most attracted by getting to know the "mystic, intriguing, and forbidden" when travelling. So far, she has been to 136 countries and published two travel books: "Za sve je kriv Tom Sawyer" ("Blame Tom Sawyer"- published by Profil, 2006) and "Nepodnošljiva lakoća putovanja - 100 stvari na putu koje život znače" ("The Unbearable Ease of Travel 100 Things that Mean the World on the Road" - published by V.B.Z. in 2013). The publication of the second part of the book is expected, while Dvina continues to travel with unbearable ease...

"Za sve je kriv Tom Sawyer" ("Blame Tom Sawyer") is your first book, and you chose your trip to Madagascar to be the one to introduce readers to your adventurer lifestyle. What was your first distant journey, your most recent one, and where do you plan on going next?

Since I was an athlete for 18 years, my first trip was in 1994 when I travelled to Amsterdam for a competition as a member of the national karate team. It wasn't the trip I had always dreamt of, but it was my first trip abroad, so it is a fond memory. I remember I couldn't sleep all night from the excitement of going away. A decade later, I started to back out of sports and develop a more adventure-oriented lifestyle, so the first trip of its kind - to Peru and Bolivia, followed. Last year, I was in Armenia, Iran, Uzbekistan, Tadzhikistan, Kirgizstan, and Kazakhstan, and currently I am in the Paris airport typing these answers while waiting for a flight to the Caribbean.

Photos: So far, Dvina has visited 136 countries, and she says she would love to see all the countries of the world and then return to the ones she loved the most.

In your new book, "Nepodnošljiva lakoća putovanja" ("The Unbearable Ease of Travel"), with the subtitle "100 stvari na putu koje život znače" ("100 Things that Mean the World on the Road"), you listed 50 things (the following 50 will be published in the second part of the book). If you had to choose only five things you couldn't head out on an adventure trip like yours without, what would you select?

It's hard to single out the five most important things because it always happens that at a certain time, a traveler needs exactly what they forgot to take with them. However, all jokes aside, I think the only item you truly need to travel is a passport. You can do without anything else. Even money...

So far, you have visited 136 countries.

Which one remains in fondest memory, or where would you definitely like to go again?

I can't single out just one country. I met the loveliest people in Bangladesh, Rwanda enchanted me with its landscapes, Haiti impressed me with the pride and dignity of the people, Galapagos (Ecuador) with its incredible flora and fauna, the Bahamas with the islands of paradise, Benin with voodoo religion, the way of life in Bhutan, Peru with its history, Guatemala with the culture and colors, Cambodia with its architecture... I could also mention Honduras, Moldova, Chad, Guinea Bissau, Vietnam, Columbia, Niger, Mexico, Indonesia... I would love to visit all the February / March 2014.

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Travel writers

DVINA MELER

In 2006, together with her partner Darko Dovedan and friend Boris Vrhovac, Dvina established the "Kairos" association for promoting culture, cultural programs and friendship amongst nations: http://www.facebook. com/pages/Kairos-DvinaMeler/163750213733291

Photos: in Benin, Toga, and Ghana, you will often come across voodoo markets, where they sell various 'healing' concoctions. You can also buy the head and skulls of various animals, and even drinks made of animals (top).

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countries in the world and go back to where I loved it the most.

When travelling you have had the chance to taste the delicacies of various exotic cuisines. Which of the local specialties did you find the tastiest, and what would you never try again?

I loved the tarantulas in Cambodia the most, although I was one the line as to whether I should try them at all because every time I looked the fried hairy giants, my stomach turned. Later I was glad I had managed to overcome my disgust since the tarantulas tasted like crab so I had a few pieces. I didn't mind mud potatoes in Peru, Cayman from the Amazon... On the other hand, I would never eat rats (a delicacy in Vietnam) or hairy caterpillar that are sold like French fries at the markets in Congo again. Once was more than enough.

On the trips you described in the first book, your only company was your partner D. In the second book, you are traveling in a group with your partner and male friends, but also alone with a female friend. What were the most difficult situations that two women came across traveling through various "untamed" regions? Is the feeling of security greater when you're travelling in a larger group?

It might sound strange, but I believe it's much easier for women to travel in 'complicated' patriarchal areas of third world countries, where there is great corruption and where the armed military and police literally financially 'rips off' travelers going through their territory.

I wrote a lot about that phenomenon in the "Unbearable Ease of Travelling".

It's a psychological game, and twisting all the theoretical disadvantages into a practical advantage on the spot.

Photos: Dvina has published her experiences and impressions from travelling the world in two travel books, and the second part of her book, "Nepodnošljiva lakoća putovanja 100 stvari na putu koje život znače" ("The Unbearable Ease of Travel - 100 Things that Mean the World on the Road"), is expected soon.

Furthermore, a larger group doesn't necessarily mean greater security.

Sometimes it just means you're easier to notice where you wouldn't want to or should be.

Co-travelers aside, which was the best, and the worst, experience that you had while travelling?

When travelling, it's hard to classify something as the best or the worst since there are a lot of factors in question, and things are relative. I'll give you two examples. In the village of the Korowai tribe, which is known for cannibalism (the West Papua province on the island of New Guinea, Indonesia), I slept in the tree canopy twenty meters above ground. The house built of twigs sways lightly, humidity was nearly at a hundred percent, mosquitos frantically attacked, and yet, I think that was the best overnight stay I ever had.

The second example was an overnight stay in the Nigerian Sahara, where due to cold (the temperature dropped to about zero overnight, and due to an unusual combination of circumstances, we didn't have and blankets or sleeping bags) we had to dig ourselves into the sand and huddle together like sardines to warm one another with our body temperature (there were three of us). Regardless of all of that, I consider that to be a great memory because I don't recall when I last awaited morning and sunshine with such joy like after that sleepless night.

In your books, you describe your distant journeys, but you also travel throughout Europe and Croatia. Which European destinations impressed you the most, and which destinations in Croatia would you escape to on a long weekend?

I truly love Moldova and Bulgaria for their superb, affordable wine and excellent food, as well as the friendly people. As far as Croatia is concerned... I love all of it, but my heart pulls me to Istria... :)  February / March 2014.

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Send and...

WIN

The "Send and... win" competition continues on!

Dear all, our "Send and... win" competition continues! We looked over all the photographs you sent us while travelling through the world (and thank you for them!), and have selected and decided to publish a few of the best, chosen by the editors. The authors, who we decided had the 'best eye for photography' will get a book published

by Profil, in Croatian (published in the last three issues of tipTravel magazine).

Sounds good, doesn't it?

By March 1, 2014.

Young Buddhist monks in the tow n of Xiahe in the Chinese province of Gansu, on the hills of the Tibetan plateau.

(Author: Lucija Čurić, Zagreb, Croatia )

You can send us interesing and beautiful photographs (min. 5 mpix in size) from a recent trip around the world and everything attractive you experienced and saw by March 1, 2014. We will send the authors of the three best photos a book/travel guide published by Profil as a gift. And of course, the best photos will be published in the next issue of the magazine so that others can also enjoy them :-) You can send us the photos at info@tiptravelmagazine.com The condition is that the authors of the photographs send their name and surname, city and country, and email address where we can contact them, as well as a short description of the photograph.

And don't forget: the campaign is only valid for readers who have signed up for the newsletter of tipTravel magazine, so if you haven't signed up yet, what are you waiting for?!

mites, Italy.

The summit of Col dei Bos in the Dolo atia) Cro , reb Zag (Author: Irena Stanko,

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You can sign up at: www.tiptravelmagazine.com (as a reminder, we only send the newsletter once a month, and promise not to stuff your inbox :-))

City Tower on Korzo, Rijeka, Croatia.

(Author: Robert Pilepić, Rijeka, Croatia)

Madrid, Rome, Berlin, Barcelona and Catalonia Madrid, Rome, Berlin, Barcelona and Catalonia are just some of the well-known destinations presented in a series of the world-renowned Eyewitness Travel Guides, published by Dorling Kindersley. They bring together information gathered on numerous sites, stores, restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues. The guides also bring advice and recommendations, such as: how to manage, where to eat, where to stay, where to walk, and what tour to choose. Also, there are plenty of attractive photos and illustrations, but also maps that will help you find your way in these destinations. www.profil-mozaik.hr

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CULTURAL SCENE

Croatian MusicalCultural Treat

A Prepared by: Vlatka Vužić

CULTURAL SCENE

tip: Tell us why you should be the one to win tickets for one of the listed concerts/shows (of your choice).

Send your answer to info@tiptravelmagazine.com and the eight fastest lucky people amongst you will get two tickets each for the concert or show of your choice!

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* One person can get a maximum of two tickets for one of the listed concerts/ performances, so don't forget to mention which concert or show you are interested in, answer the question, and send your contact information (name and surname, mobile phone number, e-mail) so we can contact you.

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t tipTravel magazine, we decided to ring in the new year with a new section - Cultural Scene, which we thought could be interesting for those of you already in Croatia, but also for those of you who aren't - so we could entice you to visit us as soon as possible :-) Here we will bring announcements for various cultural events in Croatia, take you through the concert halls, theaters,

and museums of Croatian cities, and in cooperation with our partners, we will make that "tour" more than virtual for the luckiest amongst you - in each issue, we will give away tickets for various cultural events in Croatia!

On these pages you will also find short interviews with some of the famous people from the Croatian cultural and art scene, who will reveal their "cultural" side. We chose famous musician Massimo as our first guest.

Massimo in Zagreb and Split Massimo will celebrate Valentine's Day, February 14, 2014 with a large concert in Dom Sportova.

Croatia's most awarded male vocal singer, but also one of Croatia's best guitarists will bring his magical evening of music, filled with the most beautiful songs from his 30-year career to the public in Split on February 22. * Aquarius Records is giving away 1x2 tickets for the Zagreb concert on February 14, and 1x2 tickets for the concert in Split on February 22.

Bajaga in Zagreb

* Tvornica kulture is giving away 1x2 tickets to the March 6 concert in Zagreb!

Zagreb's Tvornica kulture will celebrate the 30-year anniversary of the career of Bajaga and his "Instruktori" with a series of concerts to be held from March 6 to 8. At this three-day long musical event, Bajaga will present songs from his entire career, but also promote his current album "Daljina, dim i prašina" (Distance, Smoke, and Dust).

Teatar EXIT in Split

"The Barber of Seville" in Zagreb

"Ljubavnik" (Lover) in Dubrovnik On Valentine's Day in Dubrovnik's Marin Držić theater, the performance "Ljubavnik" (Lover), directed by Lawrence Kiiru, will be reshown.

The performance tells the story of the reality of a middle aged married couple that searches for a unique way to overcome love and life routines and monotony. * The Marin Držić Theater is giving away 1x2 tickets to the performance on February 14!

Rossini's most popular opera "The Barber of Seville" will be performed in the Croatian National Theater in Zagreb on February 4 and 7, 2014. It was written in only three weeks, won the hearts of the audience and critics worldwide. Although the premiere was an utter fiasco, this opera is still considered to be one of the best comic operas ever written and one of the most performed operas in history. * HNK Zagreb is giving away 1x2 tickets to the opera on February 4!

On Friday, February 7, 2014, in the Dom HV Lora in Split, Teatar Exit will visit with the performance "Njuške" (The Dog Logs). The new intriguing performance by the popular Zagreb theater has been adapted from the text The Dog Logs by author CJ Johnson. The director and screenwriter is Matko Raguž.

The following day, the audience will be able to enjoy Exit's incredibly popular show "Kako misliš mene nema?!" ("What do you mean I'm not here?!") at the same venue. * Teatar Exit is giving away 1x2 tickets for the "Njuške" performance in Split on February 7!

Neno Belan & Fiumens

* Dallas Records and Mars Music are giving away 1x2 tickets to the concert in Zagreb on February 6, and 1x2 tickets to the concert in Varaždin on February 8!

Simple Minds in Zagreb The legendary Scottish group "Simple Minds" will perform in Zagreb's Dom Sportova on March 4, 2014 as part of their "Greatest Hits" tournament. It will be their first concert in Croatia since four years ago, when they performed before a crowd of six thousand people in Spaladium Arena in Split. During the current "Greatest Hits" tour, this famous ban will remind the audience of their rich catalog of hits from their impressive 36-year long career.

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CULTURAL SCENE

The popular songwriter Neno Belan will celebrate Valentine's Day with a concert in the Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall in Zagreb on February 6, 2014 accompanied by his, expanded for this occasion, band "Fiumens Mediteran Orchestra". Two days later, on February 8, he will sing his love ballads in Varaždin's Arena at a concert to be held with the popular a capella group "Kampanel".

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CULTURAL SCENE

Massimo Savić Conducted by: Vlatka Vužić

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I adore Zagreb

CULTURAL SCENE

Just before his big concerts in Zagreb and Split, we spoke to Croatian singer Massimo Savić, found out where he likes to relax, where he would like to travel, and where he feels at home…

You were born in Pula and lived in Istria for several years. Where would you like to return to in Istria?

I love to go back to a small place called Trget. I don't know what it looks like now, but in the 80s it looked like, if you made a monochrome photo and lied that it was taken in the 30s, people would have believed you. There was nothing there that reminded you of modern times. They were all old sailboats…

You also spent part of your life in Italy. Which Italian destinations are familiar to you, and which would you like to visit?

I know Milano and the surrounding area very well, but I would definitely like to go to Palermo. They say Palermo is one of the prettiest cities in the world.

Besides living in Italy, you also spent some time in Sweden. Which way of life suits you more?

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The lifestyle in Sweden didn't suit me at all, except in the spring. In the winter, temperatures there can be very low, while, on the other hand, spring and summer in Stockholm are truly an unforgettable experience.

You currently live in Zagreb. What are your favorite places in Zagreb?

Currently I'm not in a situation to head out to places of mass gathering, so what I enjoy most in Zagreb are its greenery, hiking on Sljeme, and fantastic long walks with my dog and friends on the river embankment.

Are there any cities in Croatia that specially delight you and attract you in a way that you love to return to them?

That city is Zagreb. Zagreb is my only city. I adore it. I am a true local patriot. I wasn't born in Zagreb, but my entire family and I see Zagreb almost as something alive.

Something warm and adapted to humans. I think Zagreb satisfies all those who wish to feel the metropolis, but also those who want to enjoy a beautiful city full of greenery.

Where do you like to relax?

There are two destinations. One is definitely Zadar, where the family home of my wife and her parents is located, and since they have accepted me as one their own, I can freely enjoy all the advantages that house has to offer. And it is in one of the most beautiful parts of Zagreb. The second destination is near Poreč, at my friend Darko Rausch's place, Castello Rausch.

You held a concert promotion for your album "Dodirni me slučajno" throughout Croatia and the region.

Did concerts in any of the cities remain in memory for their special, different, energy?

Several concerts in Bosnia, where I barely made any money, were truly special for me. There was a special energy in the audience, and I would single out the concert in Zenica as the best of the series. Profit isn't the only thing that defines what a concert looks and sounds like at the end of the day.

You have big concerts in Zagreb and Split coming up. Are you planning to take a short break after them or are you continuing on at the same pace?

I have a conceptual work structure with my band so I can't afford to take large breaks between concerts. I work with professionals, and I can't come up and say: "I'm heading off somewhere for three, four months". I want loyalty, but I also must be loyal. 

tip: Reserve January 31 in your planners for a free tour of Croatian museums.

Museum night in Croatia Just like every last Friday of January over the past seven years, this year (January 31) is also reserved for "Museum Night". The event, organized by the Croatian Museum Association, has a greater number of cities and institutions participating every year. Last year, one hundred cities participated with 226 museums, galleries, and other cultural institutions, and the number of visitors who could look at the collections, participate at workshops, or list to lectures free of charge, exceeded 324 thousand. This year, in accordance with the growing trend of interest, an even larger number of visitors is expected.

Milka Trnina world famous opera diva

The exhibition "Milka Trnina world famous opera diva" can be seen in the Zagreb City Museum until February 28, 2014.

With this monograph exhibition, the museum marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of the famous soprano. The exhibition in London, set up in 2006 in the Royal Opera House titled "Milka Trnina and The Royal Opera House, in honor of the hundredth anniversary of her last performance in the venue where she performed 56 times, was a kind of announcement for this large exhibition.

Museum of Childhood The Museum of Childhood, opened in Rijeka in October 2013, is an empire of color and positive energy. Entering it will take you back to the good, old times, as if you entered a time machine. The museum spreads over 240 square meters, on two floors, with more than 600 exhibits, and the collection, thanks to donations, continues to grow. You can contribute to the growth with donations (or by lending) some of your dear, old toys.

Museum of Broken Relationships The Museum of Broken Relationships was created from a travelling exhibition with the concept of broken relationships and donated personal items ("remnants of love") from those that are closing the chapters of their love life in that way. The concept was devised by former partners Olinka Vištia and Dražen Grubišić, who travelled the world with their "travelling exhibition" and collected new ones on the way.

We recommend those who do not like Valentine's Day visit this unusual museum February 14th.

The Croatian Museum of Tourism In 2007, the Croatian Museum of Tourism was opened in Opatija, and it tells the story of the history of Tourism in Croatia, but also of how tourism affects all of us today - how cities change, and how we change by travelling and receiving guests.

The headquarters and exhibition hall are in Villa Angiolina, while the permanent exhibition "Greetings from Opatija" is displayed in the "Swiss House".

Art exhibitions are set up in the "Juraj Šporer" Art Pavilion.

February / March 2014.

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UNICEF

WORLD

Millions of children

worldwide need our help Natural disasters and wars have taken the right to a carefree childhood from millions of children. The children of Syria, the Philippines, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic need help - TODAY.

UNICEF / Jeoffrey Maitem

UNICEF / UKLA2012-00867 / Karin Schermbrucker

Text: UNICEF Croatia Photo archive: UNICEF

Photos: children in front of the UNICEF camp on the Philippines (left); children in Syria (right).

See what UNICEF did in 2013: http://uni.cf/1bu8mCh, but also what needs to be done to save children's lives in current humanitarian crises.

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n such situations, children suffer the most. It is irrelevant whether they are caused by natural disasters, such as in the Philippines, or in wars that have affected Syria and South Sudan, children suffer the greatest consequences because they have been left without their loved ones, their homes, their schools. Their trauma is great, and after all that they have survived through, they are also threatened by an unstable future full of risk of illness, abuse, neglect, and loss of identity. In order to offer the necessary assistance for survival to all children who suffer from the effects of natural or war disasters, UNICEF, with its partners, secures assistance on location with drinking water, food, medicine, and housing, and cares for the continued education and psychosocial support for refugee children.

The right to a childhood The extent of catastrophes that sometimes seem surreal to us are best described by real numbers. However, behind those numbers is a child who has the right to a childhood that children his age have in happier parts of the world.

Millions of children have had that right taken from them, and UNICEF has said it can and must be changed. Children who have found new homes in refugee camps find refuge in the continuation of education, new friendships, and games.

Their dreams for a better future are vivid, as are they, and the world must come together to help them achieve them.

It is estimated that so far 81 thousand people, mostly women and children, have been forced to leave their homes in Southern Sudan due to the conflicts.

Reports warn that children seeking

UNICEF / Dhiraj Singh

refuge are exposed to sun and heat during the day and cold during the night because they don't have any shelter. They need food and water, and are threatened by disease since people are forced to relieve themselves out in the open. In cooperation with partners on site, UNICEF is expeditiously setting up camps for refugees and supplying drinking water and food, and trying to unite families in midst of the conflict.

Building a new life The conflicts in the Central African Republic have transformed the lives of 2.3 million children. In caring for refugees who need everything: food, water, medicine, and shelter, children who suffer from acute malnourishment are in great danger. More nutritional centers are closing their doors due to high level of insecurity, and children have remained without adequate care. It is feared that the number of children suffering from malnourishment could increase very quickly. At the same time, children have become living weapons and reports talk

UNICEF Africa

UNICEF / PFPG2013P-0445 / Duvillier

about the recruitment of an ever larger number of boys and girls, which must be quickly stopped.

After the destructive Typhoon Haiyan, millions of Filipinos need to build their new lives from scratch. Their houses, schools, and hospitals have been completely destroyed. And in this natural disaster, children have suffered the most.

It is estimated that 4 million children have been affected by the consequences of the typhoon and they and their families need help from the international community to survive and build a new life.

The conflicts in Syria, which have been destroying the country for years, have deprived an entire generation of children of education, health care, and social welfare. More than three million children have been affected by the Syrian crisis and continue to require the assistance of the international community because their rights are constantly being breached. After they were exposed to armed conflicts, we have heard shocking stories about killing, torturing, and abusing children. And another cold winter lies ahead. ď ś

UNICEF / Salam Abdulmenem

Photos: children in Africa and Syria suffer the most due to the conflicts in their countries.

tip: UNICEF delivers aid where it is needed the most, but the needs are constantly growing. You too can also help by donating for children, and you can find out more at: http://www.supportunicef. org/site/c.dvKUI9OWInJ6H/ b.7549291/k.BDF0/ Home.htm

UNICEF / Haidar

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News

WORLD Global tourism in 2013 exceeded expectations

London, photo: Luka Šmalcelj

Prague, photo: Robert Kunštek

Last year, global tourism exceeded even the most optimistic expectations, with nearly 1.1 billion international tourist arrivals, which is five percent more than in 2012. That is data from the UNWTO (World Tourism Organization), which has forecast the continued growth of tourist arrivals for this year, in the amount of 4.5 percent. Last year, Europe retained the position of the most visited region of the year, and of the European sub-regions, the best results last year were achieved in central and eastern Europe and its southern Mediterranean region. According to UNWTO forecasts, this year, Europe can once again hope for increases from 3 to 4 percent, like in both Americas. The largest increase, of 6 percent, has been foreseen by the UNWTO for the regions of Asia, the Pacific, and Africa, which also had the same percentage of growth last year.

Budapest, photo: Luka Šmalcelj

Paris, photo: Željka Kunštek

London, Paris and Toronto the favorite destinations for Americans

The best congress destinations of southeast Europe As chosen by the experts of the regional magazine "Kongres", Dubrovnik is, along with Prague and Budapest, one of the top three congress destinations in southeast Europe, amongst 34 cities of southeast Europe. On the list of the 30 most influential people in the region, the same magazine included the director of the Dubrovnik Tourist Board, Romana Vlašić. "Kongres" magazine is one of the leading communication media in the congress industry of southeast Europe. www.croatiameetings.com

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While London and Paris continue to hold the top two places on the list of favorite destinations abroad for Americans, several cities have shown significant growth in American tourism last year. Toronto passed Rome, which has firmly held third place since 2010, while Mexico City joined the Top 20 destinations for American tourists. The tourist board of the city has invested great effort in promoting the new campaign "Live it to Believe it", as well as using their culinary and cultural tourist products to try to attract as many tourists as possible to their city. On the other side of the world, Dubai, with its 16 superb new hotels and newly opened airline connections, continues to attract more and more Americans.

Shakespeare's tour In celebration of the 450th anniversary of the birth of famous writer William Shakespeare, the Brits have come up with a special five day tour, inspired by the commute that Shakespeare made between the Globe Theater in London and his home in Stratford-upon-Avon.

The route passed through English towns and villages, amongst others, through Oxford and Woodstock, and reveals his inspiration and a series of facts about his life. Unlike Shakespeare, the tourists will travel by luxury bus, and stay in superb hotels, and during their trip they will have the opportunity to enjoy firstclass performances of Shakespeare's works in the Globe Theater and Stratford's Royal Shakespeare Theater.

The tour will be led by professional Shakespearean actor James Howard, and the first tour will take place from May 16 to 21, 2014.

Natura 2000 for environmental protection in Europe

Photo: Luka Šmalcelj

Photo archive: ITB

Photo: Željka Kunštek

Photo: Luka Šmalcelj

"Natura 2000" is the name of the award launched by the European Commission to pay homage to the best practices in environmental protection in Europe. The award will be given for excellence in managing and promoting the "Natura 2000" network and its goals, and its purpose is to show all the activities connected to the mentioned network, which gave their contribution to the local economy. All those directly involved in the network can apply for the award: public bodies and local governments, entrepreneurs, property owners, educational institutions, and individuals. The first winners of the award will be announced in May 2014 at a ceremony in Brussels. Five awards will be awarded every year for various fields including communications, preservation measures, social-economic advantages, managing and understanding opposite interests, and networking and international cooperation.

Tourism and media conference held Mexico partner country of the ITB Berlin 2014 fair The largest tourism fair in the world, the International Tourist Exchange ITB Berlin, which traditionally brings together representatives of the tourism industry from the entire world, will be held from March 5 to 9, and the partner country will be Mexico. A series of events, presentations, and meetings will be held at the fair, and some of the topics include the possibilities of social media in securing new customers, and market rules for placing luxury products. Annually, approximately 11 thousand exhibitors come to this fair from 180 countries, which attracts around 170 thousand visitors. The fair is also an excellent B2B platform.

The effects of technological innovations and the development of media channels on tourist communication were the main topics of the third UNWTO international conference on tourism and media, held in December 2013 in Estoril, Portugal.

At the conference they discussed the presence of tourism topics in the media, the new media surroundings, the appearance of bloggers as an influential source of information, and the effect of technology on all forms of communication. The conference gathered 200 participants from 30 countries, including representatives of the public and private tourism sector, media workers, and the academic community.

UNWTO and UNESCO: joint promotion of sustainable tourism In late November 2013, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and UNESCO signed a treaty regarding collaboration in the area of sustainable tourism, and the protection of natural and cultural heritage. The two organizations will work together, besides other things, on UNESCO's world heritage and sustainable tourism program, as well as the identification, development, and connection of initiatives of sustainable tourism, as well as the development of transnational tourism initiatives for the promotion and protection of shared heritage on the Silk Road.

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World attractions

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AUSTRALIA

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Sydney Harbour Bridge

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The Harbour Bridge in Sydney, affectionately called "the Coathanger", is one of the main symbols of the Australian continent and, along with the Sydney Opera House, the most important tourist attraction in Sydney. After six years of construction, the longest single-arch bridge in the world was opened in 1932. It is 1149 meters long and the arch spans 503 meters. It is made of steel and consists of six million handmade rivets. More than 200 thousand vehicles cross its eight lanes every day, and the bridge is also crossed by two train lines, a bicycle trail, and a pedestrian lane. It takes about 20 minutes to cross the bridge on foot from one end to another. The bridge also has a museum dedicated to the history of the bridge, as well as a viewpoint that offers a spectacular view of the city and surrounding area.

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Winter Tourism

MARIBOR

Wellness delights nestled in Pohorje

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Photos: Hotel Habakuk offers many spa services (left); view of the ski slopes on Pohorje (top); Terme Maribor are a well-known spa and food resort (right and bottom).

Written by: Željka Kunštek Photos: archive of Hotel Habakuk and Bellevue, archive of Maribor Pohorje Tourist Board, Robert Kunštek

Did you know that Maribor, a city in the heart of Styria, is home to the oldest grapevine in the world, which has even been entered into the Guinness Book of Records? And did you know that this city is a well-known ski and spa destination?

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oday, ski and spa have become indivisible terms. While a decade ago it was unimaginable (and honestly, not commonly offered) to spend an evening after skiing relaxing in a pool and sauna, or enjoying a massage, and, for example, a chocolatebased body treatment, today, these offers perfectly and commonly complement one another, which is logical. The body needs to relax and cool down after intense physical activity throughout the day, before enjoying dinner with domestic specialties, a crackling fire in the fireplace, songs and guitar music...

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Winter Tourism

MARIBOR

Photo: Karmen Razlag (archive: Maribor Pohorje Tourist Board)

tip: When in Maribor, definitely take a walk through Lent, the oldest part of town, with monumental towers and the remains of walls.

Photos: Lent, the old part of Maribor (top left); Hiša Stare trte with the oldest grapevine in the world (top right); view of Maribor (bottom).

Maribor is also a well-known university city, so you will see a lot of students in its streets. In 2012, the city was proclaimed the European Capital of Culture.

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The oldest grapevine in the world Maribor is an example of a destination that binds these two offers well, and additionally enriches it with cultural, food, wine, and other features. It is the second largest city in Slovenia and the capital of the region of Styria, located at the foot of Pohorje, one of the largest ski resorts in Slovenia. While it mostly attracts skiers and fans of winter sports in the winter, during the rest of the year, Maribor also entices tourists of varied interests - fans of nature and adventurers who explore the lush forests of Pohorje and enjoy walking and riding bicycles around the many lakes and waterfalls.

Some come specifically for the enological experiences since this area is known for its winegrowing hills and high quality

wines. It is also home to the oldest grapevine in the world, entered in the Guinness Book of Records. You can see it in front of the Tourist Information Center "Hiša Stare trte" (House of the Old Grapevine) where they also have a winery where you can see, taste, but also buy wine produced in this region.

This building, located on the Drava River, is also the hub of wine, but also other various events.

The discovery of hypothermal water Still, skiing and spas are the first association today's tourists have when mentioned Maribor, while Terme Maribor have become a synonym for medical and spa tourism. Moreover, this thermal spa, lead by a young ambitious

Photo: Karmen Razlag (archive: Maribor Pohorje Tourist Board)

Photo archive: Maribor Pohorje Tourist Board

team, have been trying more and more to position themselves as one of the leading centers of its kind in the region. One of the turning points in their development was the discovery of hypothermal mineral water in the StraĹžun forest in 1990. The water, rich in minerals and mineral substances, comes from a depth of 800 to 1400 meters, which they use to fill the pools of Hotel Habakuk, one of the five hotels of this group, every morning. Along with the indoor and outdoor pools with healing waters, this hotel, located on the hills of Maribor's Pohorje (which makes it popular with skiers) also houses several types of saunas, many spa services, a fitness center, and a congress center that can host up to 830 participants. It is also often visited by athletes due to its vicinity near facilities for soccer, hockey,

basketball, handball, and volleyball. The spa is also home to the Fontana MedicalSpa Center with, amongst other things, centers for diagnostics, physical therapy, and recreation.

At 1050 meters Only meters away from the Habakuk hotel is the cable car station which will take you to an entirely different world. The first thing you will notice when you arrive at Pohorje, 1050 meters above sea level, is the fresh mountain air, and the beautiful view of Maribor. You can seek refreshment here at the Bellevue Hotel, a favorite amongst skiers who like to leave their hotel on skis on their way to the slopes.

If you are one of them, hurry up and reserve a room or a suite. ď ś

Photos: Maribor's winter idyll at dusk (top); Hotel Habakuk (bottom left); the cable car that connects Maribor with Pohorje (bottom right).

tip: You can enjoy typical food specialties of the Maribor region in the pleasant ambiance of the restaurant "Pri treh ribnikih", or you can also try them in the Habakuk and Bellevue hotels. For wine connoisseurs, we recommend the Hafner wine cellar, especially the old part where wine tasting will be an even greater experience.

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We're taking you to...

SCANDINAVIA

Photo: A view of the picturesque fishing village of Reine on the island of Lofoten, which was named the prettiest place in Norway.

Written by: Andrea Drmić Photos: Andrea Drmić, Bastian and Julian Arnold

Our adventure through Scandinavia lasted a full six weeks, during which time we toured Sweden, passed through Finland, and travelled through all of Norway, from north to south. Truly a trip to remember.

Since an entire book wouldn't be enough to write all our impressions, I will try to bring the magic of these northern countries to you through photos.

We started our trip from Bonn towards Lübeck, where we took a ferry to Trelleborg, Sweden...

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SCANDINAVIA SWEDEN, FINLAND AND NORWAY

Our adventure through northern Europe

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SCANDINAVIA

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The town of SmÜgen on the island of the same name, on the Bohuslän coast in Sweden, northwest of GÜteborg, famous for its smooth granite boulders, fishing, fishing villages, and, especially, for its shrimp. This chain of islands is one of the favorite summer destinations for wealthy Swedes, many of which have their own summer homes here. The place is also popular amongst sailors, and it is also famous for its many churches, mostly white, and simply designed.

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SCANDINAVIA

If you head on a trip to Sweden, this is a scene you will often see. Typical red wooden houses in greenery, surrounded by wildflowers, called Lupinus. When in bloom, the flower grows more than a meter in height.

Like in the whole country, in Strandsjon near Färgeland, the locals paint their wooden houses and cottages with a red paint, which they call "Falu rödfärg". The paint comes from the copper mines in the Swedish town of Falun, for which this kind of paint was named. This traditional paint is still popular in Sweden today, mostly for its efficient protection of wood.

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We arrive in Finland, the land of forests and lakes, where you can often see such scenes.

On the trip between the towns of Saariselk채 and Ivalo, we stop by for coffee in a traditional Lapland house, called a jurta, to visit a family who lives in the woods, on a large estate, and raises reindeer.

Coffee that is drunk from traditional, handmade dishes, called guksi, in Finland. The people of Lapland, the northern part of Scandinavia, make them from birch wood that grows in a slightly deformed manner. We had the coffee in the traditional house of Lapland.

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SCANDINAVIA

We continue our trip through Norway.

The little Norwegian village of Grense Jakobselv, on the Russian border, with a famous stone chapel, Oskar II kapell, which got its name from the Swedish and Norwegian King Oscar II. Nearby is Lille Sandbukt beach, an excellent place for whale-watching.

The Norwegian peninsula of Varanger, on the most eastern point of the city of Vardo, is the only part of Europe in the Arctic.

Here the famous Norwegian Hurtigruten boats are a daily sight. It is interesting that the people of Vardo wait for the arrival of these boats every day so that they can have a cup of coffee and find out news from the ship.

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The Varanger peninsula has other interesting features, such as Ekkeroy, a site famous for its bird colony.

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SCANDINAVIA

The tower of the city of Vardo is the only one, besides the one in Oslo, which fires a cannon for the King's birthday, or for some other event. Since Vardo is in the Arctic, there are no trees in the city to the great cold. Besides one, which the locals keep well and wrap and protect it from all sides before each winter. Traditionally, children unwrap it in the spring, with a celebration.

On the north of the Varanger peninsula is the old abandoned fishing village of Hamningberg, known for its interesting rock formations, and there is also a photogenic lighthouse. In the spring, there is a great chance to see killer whales (orcas) from this place. In this part of Norway, called Finnmark, it is also possible to see many remnants left by the Germans in World War II. Witnesses of that time are old derelict buildings, fragments of weapons, and even canned goods. Since the Germans burned everything left in sight upon leaving Norway, it is rare to see a building here older than 1945.

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A common sight in all of the northern part of Norway are codfish that locals hang on poles to dry.

Still, the island of Lofoten is most famous for cod, while the greatest importer of cod is Italy. There is an interesting story tied to this island and Italy. In the 15th century, the commercial ship of Captain Pietro Querini from Venice found itself in a horrible storm on the western coast of France. The storm destroyed the ship, and the sailors were forced to board the lifeboats. For weeks, they fought the storm and cold, and many of them drowned due to exhaustion and starvation. Those who survived in the lifeboats were taken by the strong gulfstream far across the North Sea, all the way to Lofoten Island. Of the 68 crew members, only eleven managed to survive.

After almost a month, they were found by local fishermen, after which the Italian sailors spent about another three months with them and the locals on the island. This dramatic event is considered to be the start of trade between the north of Norway and Italy, which, amongst other things, bound together Norwegian cod, and Italian cuisine. And that strong love continues on even today.

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SCANDINAVIA

On the trip from Hamningberg to the town of Vardo, in Sandfjord, there is a beach reindeer like to visit.

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SCANDINAVIA

We continued our adventure in the north of Norway. We came to the viewpoint in Kvaenangsfjell, and then to the city of Tromso, where we took a funicular to the hill, which offered an incredible view of the city and fjords.

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The beach on the island of Sommaroy, west of the city of Tromso, where the citizens of Tromso have their cottages.

The island is a popular tourist destination thanks to its white sandy beaches and beautiful landscape.

We took the funicular to the viewpoint with a view of Tromso, a popular student city. During the ride, we noticed a lot of families with small children hiking up the incredibly steep hill to the viewpoint, and found out that in Norway, it common for children to get used to outdoor excursions, and even steep slopes, at a young age. An interesting fact is that even after World War II, a system of tunnels was constructed underground, and recently parking lots, and even roundabouts. So, below the surface, 'underground' life continues on at the same time as the one at ground level.

A view of the island of Senja, the second largest Norwegian island, and home to the largest elf in the world, Senja, who has been in the Guinness Book of World Records since 1997. Here you can also find an amusement park dedicated to the elf Senja, which is based on legends from fairy tales about this island.

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SCANDINAVIA

We have arrived at the attractive island of Lofoten, in the north of Norway, located far above the Arctic Circle. In the summer, day lasts 24 hours, just like night in the winter. The Polar Lights are visible here from September to April, and the diverse wildlife can be seen every day.

The photo shows the beautiful "Haukland Beach", which looks like a Caribbean beach. Since it was a sunny day, it was truly hard to believe that we were located above the Arctic Circle...

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Like the Norwegians, for whom it is normal, we too hiked up the steep hill between the two beaches: "Haukland Beach" and "Utakleiv Beach". We simply couldn't resist these unimaginable viewpoints. On the beach we met a family who told us that their four-yearold daughter once climbed this hill on her own.

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SCANDINAVIA

These traditional fishing houses, "rorbu", as they're called here, mostly serve as fishermen's cottages, and they are located within fishing villages. They are built on land, and partly stand on pillars in the water to ensure simple access for boats. Although they can be seen in the northern and western part of Norway, most of them are on Lofoten Island.

Since they are used less and less for fishing, rorbu are now used in tourism and are rented out to tourists.

A typical scene from the north of Norway.

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The "Dovrefjell - Sunndalsfjella" National Park is part of the mountain range of the same name in central Norway. Its locals are, amongst others, the muskox, an Arctic mammal from the Bovidae family, known for its thick coat and pungent odor, which males release to attract females during mating season.

They mostly live in the Canadian Arctic and Greenland, and a smaller number live in Norway, Sweden, Siberia, and Alaska.

"Moltebeere" or "Nordic Berries" (Rubus chamaemorus) look like raspberries or blackberries.

When they are ripe, they turn a golden yellow color, they are soft and juicy, and full of vitamin C. Most often, these berries are used to make juices, jams, pies, and liqueurs. The fruit is typical for Norway, and grows almost everywhere, so you will often see Norwegians picking them.

We finished our trip through this fascinating country in the Fjell & Fjord region, known for its combination of fjords, mountains, waterfalls, and icebergs. Here you can also find NÌrøyfjord, which has been on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites since 2005, and which National Geographic Magazine called 'the world's best preserved tourist destination'.

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CROATIA

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