First Maksimir Pond

First Maksimir Pond is the largest of the lakes inside Maksimir Park in Zagreb, sitting right by the park's side entrance on Maksimirska Street, near the northern stand of Maksimir Stadium. It dates back to 1839, covers roughly 1.5 hectares and reaches a depth of about 3.3 metres. It's the busiest spot in the park for a reason — a lakeside café, a boat rental point and resident swans gliding across the water all draw visitors here.

How do you get there?

Maksimir Park sits on the eastern edge of Zagreb, a short tram ride from the city centre (several lines terminate right at the Maksimir loop). The side gate leading straight to First Pond is on Maksimirska Street, next to the football stadium. Entry to the park itself is free, and it's roughly a fifteen-minute walk from the main gate to the pond along tree-lined chestnut avenues.

What can you see around the pond?

A small island sits in the middle of First Pond, known as Swan Island — this is where Zagreb Zoo was born in 1925, starting out with just two owls and three foxes. The collection grew quickly, and within two years the zoo had spread to the neighbouring peninsula, where landmark structures such as the Lion Bridge and the Monkey Pavilion were built. Today the zoo covers several hectares around the pond and remains one of the park's main draws.

The pond underwent a major restoration completed in December 2021, after nearly twenty years without cleaning. Workers removed accumulated silt and organic sediment, and more than 7,000 fish, 2,000 native freshwater mussels and 200 freshwater crustaceans were relocated to safe holding tanks during the works. The pond also now serves as a controlled habitat for the invasive red-eared slider turtle, keeping the species contained rather than letting it spread further into the wild.

In 2024, four wooden boats named Flora, Pomona, Juraj and Perun returned to the water, reviving a boating tradition on the lake that generations of Zagreb residents have enjoyed.

When is the best time to visit?

Maksimir Park, founded in 1787 by Bishop Vrhovac and opened to the public in 1794 as the first promenade park in this part of Europe, is open year-round, but First Pond is at its best in spring and summer, when the boat rental is running and the surrounding trees offer shade on hot days. Autumn brings vivid foliage around the water, and winter visits are quieter, though it's worth checking ahead whether the boat dock is operating.

How much time should you set aside?

Walking a full loop of First Pond takes about 20–30 minutes, but combined with a visit to the zoo and a stroll past the park's other lakes (there are five in total), plan on spending two to four hours in Maksimir.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for the pond? The park and access to the pond are free. Fees only apply to entry into Zagreb Zoo and to renting a boat.

Can you go boating on the pond? Yes, boat rental runs seasonally, and since 2024 four restored wooden boats — Flora, Pomona, Juraj and Perun — have been back on the water.

Are there real swans on the pond? Yes, swans and other waterfowl are a regular sight, and the island at the centre of the pond is still known today as Swan Island.

How big is First Maksimir Pond? It covers about 1.5 hectares and reaches up to 3.3 metres deep, making it the largest of Maksimir Park's five lakes.