Discover Croatia: Ozalj Castle – the Red Phone Box travels the Red Phone Box travels European travels of a chocoholic London lover Skip to content Menu Home About 7 things you should know about me Places I’ve visited Contact London Posts Posted on January 14, 2017 June 4, 2018 by Tanja Discover Croatia: Ozalj Castle Ozalj castle What better way to spend a Valentine’s Day then by visiting a castle? That’s exactly what I did two years ago. How did I choose Ozalj castle? Well, I saw it featured in a magazine in an article about Croatian castles and convinced my husband to visit it with our friends. And it was the perfect day trip! About Ozalj Castle Ozalj is a small town roughly 66 km away from Croatian’s capital Zagreb and very near the Slovenian border. Its most famous period in the history was during the rule of the illustrious Croatian noble family Zrinski in the 17th century. Another notable resident of Ozalj was the Croatian deaf-mute painter Slava Raškaj who was born in Ozalj in 1877. The medieval Old Town of Ozalj perched on the stone cliff above Kupa river was transformed into a beautiful castle in the 18th century. Ozalj castle changed many hands during the turbulent Croatian history. It was owned by the King in the 13th century and then by the noble families of Babonić, Frankopan, Zrinski, Perlas, Batthyany and Thurn and Taxis. Its current owners are the “Brethren of the Croatian Dragon” society who have opened it to the public. Inside the Ozalj castle you can find a small museum and the library. The entry fee was 20 kuna which is just under 3€ at the time of my visit (Feb 2015). entrance to Ozalj castle the view of River Kupa from the castle River Kupa and castle walls inside the castle museum Our visit to Ozalj castle We drove through the snow covered landscape on our way to town Ozalj. But even before we reached our destination we saw some castle in a small village Ribnik and decided to stop there on our way back from Ozalj. What an unexpected find! We arrived early to Ozalj castle (just before the opening times) and were among the rare visitors on that cold Valentine’s Day. We wandered for a while around the Castle’s courtyard before we entered the museum. There you can see weapons, furniture, documents and many other artifacts from the castle’s history. The castle itself consists of different fortresses and a big palace in the middle (the museum is here). Some parts are in better state than others but you can enter almost all of the buildings of the castle complex. The views of the river Kupa from the castle are stunning. Its emerald green colour was in beautiful contrast to snow-white surroundings. After we’ve explored the castle to our heart’s content we crossed the road and climbed a small hill just across the castle. There’s St.Vitus church and the grave of the Croatian painter Slava Raškaj who was born in Ozalj. From up there you can see Ozalj castle quite well but if you want to take good photos you’ll be annoyed because of the TV dishes ruining otherwise a fine view. There’s not much else to do in Ozalj town after you’ve visited the castle. the church on the hill across the castle grave of Slava Raškaj, the famous deaf-mute Croatian painter the view of Ozalj castle from the hill across It was already afternoon so we chose Žganjer restaurant in a nearby village and had an excellent meal (even got some mini doughnuts for free). It was time to go back but not before checking out the castle in Ribnik village which we saw from the car on our way to Ozalj. Ribnik castle is a medieval castle and one of the rare examples of the so-called Water castle ( subdivision of the lowland castle). There wasn’t any tourist information sign around the castle and the castle itself was closed when we visited it. I’m not even sure whether it’s ever open to the public but it’s absolutely gorgeous from the outside and worth stopping by on your way to Ozalj castle. Ribnik castle All in all, it was such a perfect day trip! There are many wonderful castles in Croatia and I really should visit them all at some point 🙂 . Have you read my other Discover Croatia posts? I wrote about island Rab, Lošinj and Pag. If you want to read more about Croatia you can also read about the chocolate festival in Opatija. Let’s be social Twitter / Facebook / Bloglovin’ / Google+ This post is also available for offline reading and free download as a travel article app. If you choose to upgrade (to get GPS navigation) I’ll receive a small commission. Thank You! To get the app click here. Share this: Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Click to print (Opens in new window) Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Like this: Like Loading... Related Posted in CroatiaTagged castles, Croatia, discover Croatia, Ozalj, Ozalj castle, travel Post navigation Previous Top 10 of the Imperial Treasury Vienna Next 5 Unmissable London Sights 81 thoughts Pingback: Discover Croatia: Bosiljevo Castle – the Red Phone Box travels Pingback: Discover Croatia: Empirej Castle – the Red Phone Box travels Pingback: Happy Valentine’s Day! | the Red Phone Box travels Pingback: Discover Croatia: Dubovac Castle | the Red Phone Box travels Tilly Horseman says: November 29, 2018 at 5:54 pm It looked cold when you visited that’s for sure, however castles do look so pretty and romantic in the snow! It certainly has an impressive setting with incredible views over the River Kupa. Do you have a list of all the Croatian castles to visit so you can tick them off as you go along. I tried doing that with all the UK castles…the list is massive as we have soooooooo many, but its amazing how many I’ve actually been to (and how many I am yet to see, lol) Big task….. LikeLiked by 1 person Reply Tanja says: November 29, 2018 at 7:35 pm good question, no, I don’t have the list, but I should make one! I do however have an English bucket list (search for a blog post about it if you want 🙂 ). LikeLike Reply Pingback: Discover Croatia: Veliki Tabor Castle | the Red Phone Box travels Pingback: 2017 on the Red Phone Box Travels – the Red Phone Box travels Pingback: 12 months, 12 photos (2017) – the Red Phone Box travels Pingback: My 2 year of travel blogging+giveaway – the Red Phone Box travels markmhamann says: June 18, 2017 at 8:50 am 🙂 First time I hear about this castle but I have heard there are very nice castles in Croatia. LikeLiked by 1 person Reply Tanja says: June 18, 2017 at 9:27 am 🙂 yes, there are a lot of nice castles LikeLike Reply TechEbook says: May 26, 2017 at 8:05 am First time I hear about this castle but I have heard there are very nice castles in Croatia. 🙂 LikeLiked by 1 person Reply Tanja says: May 26, 2017 at 8:20 am yes, there are a number of interesting castles in Croatia:) LikeLike Reply Pingback: Travel Inspiration found among my favorite travel bloggers. (part 1) – Curlygirlabroad Pingback: Winter’s walk by the beach – the Red Phone Box travels Pingback: Monthly Blog Overview: January 2017 – the Red Phone Box travels Kat says: January 30, 2017 at 3:40 am The castle looks magical in the snow! LikeLiked by 1 person Reply Tanja says: January 30, 2017 at 9:44 am 🙂 LikeLike Reply oregongirlaroundtheworld says: January 24, 2017 at 5:59 pm Like a fairytale landscape in the snow and all the castles! Thank you for sharing with #FarawayFiles. I love seeing Croatia through your perspective! Cheers from Oregon this time! Erin LikeLiked by 1 person Reply Tanja says: January 24, 2017 at 5:59 pm 🙂 thanks! have fun in Oregon:) is there snow now too? LikeLike Reply Ruth says: January 24, 2017 at 3:12 am Wow! First time I hear about this castle but I have heard there are very nice castles in Croatia. Would be nice to use Zagreb as a base and explore. LikeLike Reply Tanja says: January 24, 2017 at 10:29 am thanks! Croatia does have quite a few interesting castles:) thanks for stopping by LikeLike Reply Clare Thomson says: January 20, 2017 at 7:01 pm My boys and I are always keen to visit a castle – it’s almost compulsory to find castles to wander around. Loved looking around this with you for #FarawayFiles LikeLiked by 1 person Reply Tanja says: January 21, 2017 at 9:14 am 🙂 thanks! LikeLike Reply Lisa (Travel Loving Family) says: January 20, 2017 at 12:17 pm Oh wow what an incredible experience! The castle looks like a very memorable place to stay. Thanks for linking to #MondayEscapes LikeLike Reply Tanja says: January 20, 2017 at 2:58 pm thanks:) LikeLike Reply katy@untoldmorsels says: January 20, 2017 at 9:37 am What a beautiful castle Tanja. I really love looking at the different styles of architecture and learning about their histories. Thanks for sharing on #farawayfiles LikeLiked by 1 person Reply Tanja says: January 20, 2017 at 9:40 am 🙂 thanks! I love castles too:) LikeLike Reply Hilary says: January 19, 2017 at 6:40 pm I envy you for being able to just go to a castle on a day trip! It looks so cold, but beautiful, especially the river views! #farawayfiles LikeLiked by 1 person Reply Tanja says: January 19, 2017 at 7:15 pm 🙂 thanks! LikeLiked by 1 person Reply Trish @ Mum's Gone To says: January 19, 2017 at 11:46 am Beautiful castle, Tanya. We are so lucky to have the chance to visit these places and soak up all the history. #farawayfiles LikeLiked by 1 person Reply Tanja says: January 19, 2017 at 2:13 pm yes, thanks:) LikeLike Reply Phoebe | Lou Messugo says: January 19, 2017 at 11:06 am It looks sooooo cold, I’m shivering! #farawayfiles LikeLiked by 1 person Reply Tanja says: January 19, 2017 at 2:12 pm 🙂 LikeLike Reply The Wandering Feline says: January 19, 2017 at 7:39 am What a stunning way to spend Valentine’s day 🙂 LikeLiked by 1 person Reply Tanja says: January 19, 2017 at 9:07 am 🙂 LikeLiked by 1 person Reply Sarah CC says: January 18, 2017 at 10:47 pm This is really silly, as I know Croatia is near Slovenia where they have all seasons, but I’d never associated snow with Croatia before! It looks like it could almost be in Germany! LikeLiked by 1 person Reply Tanja says: January 19, 2017 at 9:06 am well, we’ve got the seaside and hot weather in the summer but also mountains and snow in the winter in most areas too:)) LikeLike Reply Marcella ~ WhatAWonderfulWorld says: January 18, 2017 at 6:51 pm How beautiful! And it’s even more picturesque with the beautiful snow, it looks like a real winter wonderland! LikeLiked by 1 person Reply Tanja says: January 19, 2017 at 9:05 am yes, it does:)thanks! LikeLike Reply aandj8804 says: January 18, 2017 at 5:01 pm Visit all of the castles in Croatia? You’ve got a lot ahead of you! 🙂 But I agree that this does sound like the perfect way to spend Valentine’s Day! It doesn’t look like there were many people out that day? LikeLiked by 1 person Reply Tanja says: January 18, 2017 at 6:32 pm no, there were five other people at the castle when we visited it:)) LikeLike Reply vanbrune says: January 18, 2017 at 2:36 pm When I think of Croatia, I automatically think about beaches and sunshine. It looks so different in winter but still absolutely gorgeous. And castles always make for a great visit!! LikeLiked by 1 person Reply Tanja says: January 18, 2017 at 2:40 pm 🙂 yes, there are mountains, castles, fields and all sorts of places and terrains in Croatia besides the seaside:) but we’re known for the beach so.. 🙂 LikeLike Reply largerfamily says: January 18, 2017 at 1:10 pm Croatia looks so beautiful! We are looking forward to our first visit there in a couple of months but have a feeling we may need to return for a longer stay! LikeLiked by 1 person Reply Tanja says: January 18, 2017 at 2:12 pm great! 🙂 LikeLike Reply Allison says: January 18, 2017 at 12:39 pm I have never been to Croatia but it’s at the top of my wish list. And we love visiting castles whenever we get the chance. I will put this on the list of thins to see when we go. #wanderfulwednesday LikeLiked by 1 person Reply Tanja says: January 18, 2017 at 2:12 pm great! I’m glad you like it:) LikeLike Reply RobRob @TravelLatte(.net) says: January 18, 2017 at 5:55 am The more we see of Croatia, the more we want to spend some time there. It seems like a great country to wander through, discovering all of the towns and castles like Ozalj! Thanks for putting this one on our radar. LikeLiked by 1 person Reply Tanja says: January 18, 2017 at 9:12 am you’re welcome!:) thanks for stopping by:) LikeLike Reply schwartzmeyerllc says: January 18, 2017 at 3:51 am Reblogged this on L'arte Di Vivere. LikeLiked by 1 person Reply Tanja says: January 18, 2017 at 9:11 am ok:) LikeLike Reply Emma Thelondonkiwi says: January 17, 2017 at 8:08 am Valentine’s Day is MADE for visiting castles! LikeLiked by 1 person Reply Tanja says: January 17, 2017 at 8:12 am 🙂 LikeLike Reply Gina Caro @ Gypsy Soul says: January 16, 2017 at 4:14 pm What a fantastic place to stay. I’d never really thought of Croatia as a holiday destination until we did a travel quiz a few days ago and Croatia was mentioned a lot. I’ve also just discovered that a lot of Game of Thrones was filmed there, I’d love to go and see the locations. LikeLiked by 1 person Reply Tanja says: January 16, 2017 at 4:23 pm yes, GOT was mainly filmed in stunning old seaside town of Dubrovnik!:) there are plenty of nice beaches around too!:) thanks for stopping by LikeLike Reply Urska - Slovenian Girl Abroad says: January 16, 2017 at 1:28 pm Lovely castle. Reminds me a bit of Ptuj castle in Slovenia. 🙂 LikeLiked by 1 person Reply Tanja says: January 16, 2017 at 2:16 pm 🙂 really? I haven’t been to Ptuj LikeLike Reply Urska - Slovenian Girl Abroad says: January 16, 2017 at 6:42 pm Yes, I still see some resemblances in the architectural style. Also, the museum inside the castle seems to have the similar objects presented in a similar way as the museum in Ptuj castle. 🙂 LikeLiked by 1 person Tanja says: January 16, 2017 at 8:50 pm 🙂 LikeLike Nanouk | Digital Nomad with Kids says: January 16, 2017 at 12:23 pm Croatia is high on our travel wish list and these kind of castles are exactly why! It looks great, especially with all the snow. #mondayescapes LikeLiked by 1 person Reply Tanja says: January 16, 2017 at 1:12 pm that’s great! thanks! LikeLike Reply Coombe Mill says: January 16, 2017 at 10:04 am I’m not sure if I’m more excited about the snow or the castle! It all looks very interesting and somewhere I’ve never visited. #MondayEscapes LikeLiked by 1 person Reply Tanja says: January 16, 2017 at 1:13 pm 🙂 thanks! LikeLike Reply javealife says: January 15, 2017 at 12:54 pm Looks interesting , somewhere I had never heard of, thanks LikeLiked by 1 person Reply Tanja says: January 15, 2017 at 1:05 pm 🙂 thanks! LikeLike Reply emilyabernathy says: January 14, 2017 at 6:19 pm What a great castle! I love going to tourist attractions during off-season because it’s so nice to be able to explore at your own leisure and take photos without dodging crowds! I really hope to go to Croatia in the near future, and I’ll be sure this castle is on our list. 🙂 LikeLiked by 1 person Reply Tanja says: January 14, 2017 at 7:40 pm great! if you need any advice for your future Croatian trip let me know:) LikeLike Reply darwinontherocks says: January 14, 2017 at 3:44 pm I have never seen pictures of Croatia under the snow ! This looks amazing ! LikeLiked by 1 person Reply Tanja says: January 14, 2017 at 7:40 pm 🙂 this is from two years ago, but a lot of Croatia is under the snow at the moment, including the seaside!:) LikeLike Reply Jennifer says: January 14, 2017 at 3:19 pm I really enjoy your posts about Croatia. They are really making me want to plan a trip there. LikeLiked by 1 person Reply Tanja says: January 14, 2017 at 3:25 pm thanks!:) LikeLike Reply aroundtheworldin80pairsofshoes says: January 14, 2017 at 12:05 pm What a cute little castle Tanja – will need to do some castle hunting on my next visit to Croatia x LikeLiked by 1 person Reply Tanja says: January 14, 2017 at 1:56 pm sure you do!:)x LikeLike Reply Fede says: January 14, 2017 at 9:20 am I did not know about this place! Thanks veeyrmuch for sharing,it looks beautiful 🙂 LikeLiked by 1 person Reply Tanja says: January 14, 2017 at 9:28 am thanks for reading! I don’t think many people know of it:) LikeLiked by 1 person Reply The Vegan Mystic says: January 14, 2017 at 9:17 am Wonderful! LikeLiked by 1 person Reply Tanja says: January 14, 2017 at 9:28 am thanks!:) LikeLiked by 1 person Reply AlicevstheWorld says: January 14, 2017 at 9:09 am This looks so cool, I bet the history was fascinating! LikeLiked by 1 person Reply Tanja says: January 14, 2017 at 9:27 am yes, it was!:) LikeLiked by 1 person Reply Leave a comment Cancel reply Enter your comment here... Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: Email (required) (Address never made public) Name (required) Website You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. ( Log Out / Change ) You are commenting using your Twitter account. ( Log Out / Change ) You are commenting using your Facebook account. ( Log Out / Change ) Cancel Connecting to %s Notify me of new comments via email. Notify me of new posts via email. Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. Welcome! I'm Tanja. Come and explore Croatia & Europe & London with me! Social View theredphoneboxtravels’s profile on Facebook View redphoneboxblog’s profile on Twitter View theredphoneboxtravels’s profile on Instagram Follow the Red Phone Box travels on WordPress.com Looking for something? 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Somewhere in Malta..but you can guess where exactly if you look closely at the photo😉I have been blogging for 7 years about my travels and life on my blog theredphoneboxtravels.com a lot has changed in my life since then. I am now a mum to two adorable kids and my career has changed its direction several times. And I haven't been to London in ages..I miss it. We spent Sunday hiking with the kids in Kamačnik gorge,all the way from the entrance, where you can find a nice restaurant where we had lunch later, to the source of the river. So proud of my kids for walking all the way! Restaurant at entrance of Kamačnik gorge.we hiked all the way to river source...with the kids #kamačnik @lokvarka Happy #traveltuesday with a photo from Rovinj, Croatia. Actually I needed an umbrella this morning but now it is sunny again.honestly, I'm done with summer heat and want some autumn chillness... 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