SRC Jarun

If you are staying in Zagreb for a few days then you should definitely visit "Zagreb's Sea" - Jarun lake and sports recreational center! It is one of the biggest parks and lakes in Zagreb and one of the most popular destinations visited by the locals throughout all the four seasons of the year.

Personally I have been living close to Jarun for a while, been there numerous times with my best friend or with my grandparents as a child or even later, went mostly on bikes or used to slide in winter (going to be mentioned later! ). Sometimes I use to go alone listening to the music when I want to be alone, think of the project, need a break of University or other stuff... and make 2-3 circles on the bike around it. Sometimes had to go up early at dawn to take the photographs for the Uni courses and exams. I also chose Jarun as my assignment for the Uni project of Wayfinding Systems in design area. I did the research of almost every green area, bush, path, etc. I could find there and made my own visual identity, maps and the signs. However, you won't find them anywhere as they are just a student assignment no one cares about (but looks nice, trust me). Now back to reality!

Jarun - cohesion of urban and nature

Jarun is located next to the river Sava and throughout the history has been part of its curves (similar like Bundek lake) until becoming the final look relatively recently in the last decades of the 20th century. It is one of the favorite places of the local population to escape the crowds from the city and enjoy the nature. When you ask the locals what comes on their minds first when mentioning word "Jarun" the answer will be more or less always "the lake". Though there is the whole neighbourhood or district called Jarun the lake itself is one of the landmarks or symbols of Zagreb. As I said many call it "The sea of Zagreb". And as you will see not without a good reason!

This oasis of Zagreb is more than just a lake and greenery as it represents Zagreb's way of living and not rarely the night life. You can find the recreationalists in winter, spring, summer and fall, especially during the warmer days, regardless of age. Going to Jarun alone or with a friend or group of friends is one of the best things you can experience as everyone can find their place there. Great to escape the daily obligations. It is the place of energy and sport's spirit. It is also very dynamic not just with lots of activities but the shape of the lake and the area suggests it too.

A bit of the history of the neighbourhood and how it came to its shape today

This part of Zagreb was already mentioned in earlier records dating back to the 18th century. There was no lake at the time but what is known as Jarun today was part of the Sava's curves and the local population used the area as a corn field and plantages of other vegetables necessary for the life. It was not that much inhabited except for few streets and a small neighbourhood as the river was wild and there was always danger of floods. It was actually after the Great flood that occurred in 1964 when a third of Zagreb was under the water that the city authorities decided to build the protection against the future possible floods - the long dyke on both northern and southern river bank (or plain). Jarun then being cut from the river turned into a swamp. But as the workers kept digging out the stone from the bottom of the swamp and lakes thus it became deeper and started getting the form it has today, turning swamp more into lakes only. The final thing that gave its modern look is there thanks to the Universiade '89 when because of this important international event they decided to completely renovate Jarun and turn it into a sports place. And that's the story behind it. By the way, Zagreb and Rijeka are going to be the hosts of this years European Universiade 2016!

Except for two or three larger lakes there are about 6 islands.

Great! But how do you reach it? And where is it actually?

Location and how to get there?

Once you open the map of Zagreb and check the center close to the river you will notice in the center-left the huge surface of 2 and more lakes forming a thick letter P upside down like a diagonal. SRC Jarun is located to the west of the Jadranski bridge (where the tram goes) and Savski bridge (for pedestrians and cyclists, forbidden for cars to go over). It is close to the neighbourhood Knežija, Horvati, Srednjaci, Staglišće, Vrbani and Jarun.

There are several ways you can reach it so here are is my advice:

• BY TRAM, BUS OR CAR

  The closest tram lines that go parallel with the lake are number 5 and 17. They go through the long Horvaćanska cesta (Horvaćanska road). If you are coming from the direction of the center take the numbers 5 and 17 in direction of Prečko and if you are leaving in the western park near Horvaćanska cesta take the numbers in direction of Maksimir and Borongaj. I suggest getting out on the stops Staglišće or Jarun as you will have to walk about half a kilometre or a bit more until reaching the lake. If you leave at Jarun then just follow the road (Ul. Hrvatskih Sokola) from the crossing until you see the lake in front of you and tons of people going in all directions. If leaving at Staglišće station do the same with the crossing and follow Hrgovići Street until you see the lake.

  The alternative plan (if you have more time to walk) is to leave at the station Knežija or Studentski dom Stjepan Radić which is right after the bridge and then it will take ca. 10-15 minutes max. until you reach the lake but you can take the different path, pass through the Student dorm neighbourhood and the bars... and ultimately walk on the dyke following the path leading towards the Jarun lake.

  With the buses is a bit tricky as well as non of them goes through Horvaćanska Road. There is the place at Savski where most of the trams 4 and 7 are turning around into another direction and that rotor is as well the place for several buses which then go back to the city or on the other side towards Novi Zagreb and the ares to the south. You can technically leave there, take the tram 5 or 17 to the Staglišće and Jarun stations... or walk 15-20 minutes till the lake.

  If you want to use the car you can park at some of the neighbourhoods nearby, especially in the Hrgovići Street or Ul. Hrvatskih Sokola. If you want to enter the SRC itself you will have to pay at the ramps. Last time I checked it was 5 HRK during the working days for the whole day and 10 HRK on weekends.

• BY BIKE

  The best vehicle that gets you anywhere pretty fast and the most enjoyable too is the bicycle. And here is how to get to Jarun lake and park if you are coming from the direction of Knežija, Savska Street and Savski most.

  You can go over the dyke of course, that's one solution. But highly unlikely that as a new one in the town you're going to for this option. The most common ways are to follow the Horvaćanska Road until you see these two streets from the tram stations and simply go there. Otherwise you can also go between the clubs and Stjepan Radić Student dorms which might be less noisy and somewhat faster way.

SRC Jarun - a place for everyone

Regardless of your personal aspirations and things you prefer I am sure you can fit into one of the categories or find what you want.

1. Long pedestrian path along the lake

At the main entrances there are two roads for the pedestrians whereas one goes right next to the lake and there are always people running or walking on it. It includes children, teenagers, students, adults and seniors. You can walk all along the promenade from the beaches in the south-eastern part till the end of the paddling track and the building. There the road goes behind it and stars splitting into more of them leading further more around the lake or giving you an option to go to the two of the biggest islands. These are the Island of Universiade '89 and the Island of Trešnjevka (the big district all the smaller neighbourhoods around are part of).

Approaching the other side you will pass by the school of riding and can see the others on the horses. There will also be the beginning two possible routes, one that goes right along the dyke and looks a bit boring and without things happening around you. It is great if you prefer more of silence and privacy. The other route is going through the forest and close by the lake with lots of playground for children and youth around it. There are also cafes and restaurants which are full of people in summer days. Continuing walking there you will pass by the small hill to your right side which is pretty popular when there's snow in winter. In the following 10 minutes it is going to be mostly forest from both sides and the swamp to your left. Nothing interesting there though I discovered something while researching for my Uni project. There is some house and a dock where you can walk on. It is in the middle of nowhere and not many, if any, go there daily, mostly swamp around you and (or kind of a swamp... okay, not actually) and the sound of the insects and the leaves in the wind.

Now approaching the other side and there are again two more paths. One that merges with he big one at the dyke, one that is in the middle and reserved for both pedestrians and bikers (not just the main road for the cars) and the one that goes close to the lake. Since there is another island or a peninsula you can choose a path that leads there and make a circle around it. It is relatively long and consists of numerous roads around it some leading through dense bushes and forest. In the middle of this island there are some stones and a big green space where many festivals and concerts take place. You can find many fishermen fishing in the shadows of the trees.

The last part before reaching again the longest straight promenade where we started is passing by the northern beaches and the island. This part of Jarun is also the most visited one by the youth and adults in the evening and especially vivid as a night life destination. Why? In this small bay where there is the artificial beach covered with salt stones there are lots of bars, restaurants and clubs. There are also a few workout stations which are full almost all day long. Between the road above the beach and the car road (and another pedestrian-cyclist path on the other side) you can find many playgrounds for children and places to grill with friends. On the way to the straight promenade there are lots of sports objects such as football playground, basketball playground, volleyball on the beach, mini golf and so on.

Speaking of clubs and bars there are several of them I am going to mention in special category.

Lastly, there is the Island of rowers connected to a shore with the bridge. It might be 150 meters long, also including a small part of the beach to the northern side and some banks to sit on. There form stretches the straight promenade for the following kilometres and half maybe.

2. Cyclists and roller skating path. Runners as well.

For the most of the time it is the same road that the pedestrians can also use (divided into two halves of course separated by the painted yellow line). The path is about 5, 5 kilometres long and it takes about 20 minutes to make one circle. That's the same amount of time as if you entered the tram at Savski most and went to the main square (or one stop more) which is about 3, 5 kilometres long.

As said, the path is divided into two paths but in general the pedestrians have their own somewhere else, though not always respecting each others space and the rules of the SRC. The road is already occupied by hundreds of citizens who go cycling or roller skating early in the morning and this is pretty multiplied in summer.

Personally, when I go with my friend, we always choose the longest route so we can talk more within one circle. This then includes the road that goes along the dyke in the south and cars are not that often there so do not worry much (but pay attention to them anyway). And the road that goes alongside the promenade on the northern side of the SRC.

3. Sports playgrounds

On Jarun you will find the place to play football, sand volleyball, basketball, mini golf, roller skating park, table tennis, rowing, workout stations and places for the children. All of them are situated on the both sides of the lakes. I would even say more of them are to the south west being concentrated around the beach and between the dyke. Here is the old and the only official plan of Jarun.

Almost in the middle of the southern side there are two bigger playground for children and a park to rest for everybody which also serves as a small botanic garden with the tables and descriptions of the plants. That park is connecting the central bike-pedestrian path with the one under the dyke. And pay attention there if you are on the bike because the keeper there is going to complain if he sees you. Or even for taking photographs, I am not sure why.

On the northern side there are mini golfs, basketball and playgrounds.

4. Free fresh water when you are thirsty

This is an important thing that I cannot omit. If you're spending time there going around, especially when the weather is hot, you will most likely become thirsty. One of the stops with the tap where you can drink cold fresh water is on the north-western side in the middle of the walking promenade but next to the cyclist-pedestrian path. You will notice the house that is actually a restroom and in front of it the big stone block. There you go!

The other one is on the other side again in the middle of the south-western part but you have to be closer to the lake, not on the cyclist path. It is right next to the showers and looks the same - stone block with 2-3 taps.

5. Clubs and bars

The second popular thing some of you only care about. There are several club at the north-eastern bay and the beach that are visited every weekend. ESN Zagreb not rarely organised some big parties there and I have actually been to one last year, Erasmus Halloween Party 2014 (long time ago). The popular clubs are Mansion, Aquarius and Gallery. There is also the Piranha bar close by. I know that one of the mentioned clubs and bars was on the fire and destroyed during the night but have no idea whether they have been recovered and some new name popped up at the same place. You can listen there to the both international and the local Croatian music (or actually regional from ex-Yu countries...not commenting the taste).

Not quiet directly on Jarun but closer to the bridge are the mentioned clubs The Best, Roko & Akademija and IN Bar which are right on the other side of the road at the Studentski dom Stjepan Radić. You can find there mostly the local/regional music which attracts hundreds of visitors every weekend with the loud music and dancing till early in the morning. These are pretty easy to reach by trams 7, 14, 5 and 17, just leave the tram at the station "Studentski dom Stjepan Radić" and it takes 2-4 minutes to reach them. You will notice tons of youth going there anyway. And be sure to have your ID document with you as the police is patrolling there a lot and stops random people for the identity cards.

On the other side of Jarun where one of the main entrances is are a few more bars and restaurants. One is also to be found on the first island with the stage for the visitors and the building of the Jarun Rowing Club. Also if you follow the road on the same island and the bridge that connects you with the second one - at its end there is at least one more bar next to the beach.

6. Beaches

There are 4 main beaches where it is allowed to go swimming (and sailing! ). Two are in the north-eastern bay on the shore and the island and the much bigger one is on the south-eastern side enclosed by the islands. There are life guards too and just pay attention to respect the zone allowed for swimming. Every year it happens that at least one unfortunate person got drowned or went to the unsafe zone and came across the hidden whirlpool and could not save themselves. So everything is okay as long as you respect the rules.

In Summer Jarun really become "the sea" for many not just locals but the Croats from other parts and foreigners. Since it is a lake it gets warmer quicker than a sea. Maybe some of you are going to jump there in few months.

7. SRC Mladost and the swimming pool

Relatively close to Jarun or at its end by the mentioned clubs above was built the SRC Mladost. Also as a part of the project of Universiade '89. SRC Mladost also has an indoors and outdoors swimming pools.

8. The huge bicycle event of Večernji List (Večernjakova biciklijada)

This popular event that attracts thousands of young and old cyclists from Zagreb and surroundings has been going on as a tradition for several years. It happens usually in June where people gather around START which is on the northern side and the vast green meadow. After the whole circle of race (or going to other parts of Zagreb and back) there are organised concerts, food and drink for everyone for cheaper prices.

9. Jarun Run Nike

Another popular event I missed to join with my best friend (yet we jumped right into them from the opposite direction) was the race organised by Nike Croatia. All the participants are given the free t-shirts and of course later we enjoy the food and drink. The event takes place in October.

Speaking of numerous concerts and festivals there is one that has to be mentioned:

1. Inmusic festival

One of the best ranked world festivals (even within top 3 by some ratings) is surely Inmusic festival. It takes place on the peninsula in the middle of Jarun but with the entrance on the southern side. It is the biggest open air festival in Croatia and one of the most popular in Europe. It has been going on since 2006 and gathers big names on the scene worldwide here in Zagreb. It is a 3 day long festival with numerous bands and artists playing at the concerts on several stages. Some of the names include Arctic Monkeys, Franz Ferdinand, The Prodigy, Morrissey, Eagles of Death Metal and many more. I have never been there personally unfortunately as I always needed the money something else, classic story... but my friends go there regularly for years. I have actually met lots of foreigners even from central or northern Europe travelling all the way long here just because of the Festival. But at least you can listen to it from the other side of the shore or from your balcony if you live close by.

2. Red Bull Wake boarding and Plane race

Last few years we have witnessed Red Bull organising events at Jarun. I remember seeing the airplanes from my neighbourhood. It was this Plane race or whatever it is, some kind of a show above the lake with lots of choreography and... racing I guess. The other one was about wake boarding in the bay and they left for days later the equipment. I read somewhere there are now trainings for those interested to learn this or prepare for the upcoming competitions.

3. Open Air Cinema: Screen on the Green

Another relatively new event and project that has been going on for the last few years is the outdoors cinema or watching films on the grass. It is being organised on three big green areas in the town including Park Maksimir and the Square of Dr. Franjo Tuđman. This event is free, just bring your friends and some blanket. And hope it is not going to rain as then it would be postponed.

And there are many more things going on there. As you can see Jarun is pretty dynamic place and spot in Zagreb worth visiting. Full of energy and events. So do not waste your time in Zagreb spending it just in Zlatni Medo or Žirafa but come to Jarun!

Thanks for reading.