Created for the 1987 Summer Universiade, the man-made lake in Croatia's capital is a popular getaway from the hustle and bustle. The placid waters and green banks are much more than a geographic feature. Hosting music festivals and sports events, the lake is a cultural and social hub of Zagreb. Here's our top five things to check out at Jarun this year.
Food Truck Festival
X-factor tastiness is added whenever you order food from a truck. Running this year from May 31 to June 18, this annual festival on four wheels attracts more than 20,000 visitors to the north bank of Jarun. For more information, see the Facebook page.
Bike Trails
Part of a new initiative from Zagreb's mayoral office to make the capital more friendly for cyclists. The road that used to circumambulate the lake has recently been replaced with a modern bike path and is now one of the best places in the city for a leisurely ride or a two-wheeled workout.
World Rowing Cup
Some of the world's top sportsmen will be appearing at Jarun over the weekend of May 5-7 for the first stage of the World Rowing Cup. The lake will welcome muscle-bound rowers in one-, two- and eight-man boats. For the full schedule of races, live updates and information, take a look at the competition website.
Ping-pong, football and horse-riding
Jarun and the complex surrounding it are one of the major centres for sporting recreation in Croatia. This laid-back leisure zone features football courts, outdoor gyms, tennis and squash courts, a running track, dozens of outdoor ping-pong tables, and even a horse-riding plot. If you're looking for a green spot for a game of footie or frisbee, Jarun is the place to be.
Klub Aquarius
One of Zagreb's oldest and most famous nightspots sits right on the lakefront. While Aquarius moves out to the coast in summer, there's still time to catch events such as the drum 'n' bass festival taking place here in May. To see the line-up, check the Facebook page.