Sljeme Tower Viewpoint – Zagreb from Above

Getting there is already part of the adventure. From Zagreb city center, it’s a short drive up Medvednica Mountain—just follow the winding road toward Sljeme, the highest peak (1,035 m). Along the way, you’ll pass forests, ski slopes, and traditional mountain huts. The tower itself sits just below the summit, easy to spot from the city thanks to its sheer height (169 m).

🔭 What You’ll See
🌆 Zagreb Panorama – A bird’s-eye view of Croatia’s capital, with red rooftops, the Sava River, and the distant plains stretching toward Slavonia.
⛰️ Surrounding Mountains – Medvednica’s green ridges rolling into Zagorje, with views reaching toward Slovenia on clear days.
🌊 Distant Horizons – On especially clear weather, it’s said you can even glimpse the Alps.
📸 Observation Deck – The tower has a panoramic platform designed for visitors, making it one of the best structured viewpoints near Zagreb.

⏰ Best Time to Visit
🌅 Sunset – Watch the city lights flicker on below as the horizon glows.
🍂 Autumn – Crisp air and colorful forests make the views extra dramatic.
❄️ Winter – Combine the viewpoint with a day of skiing at Sljeme.

✨ Why Visit?
Unlike many natural viewpoints in Croatia, Sljeme Tower is all about a 360-degree, urban-meets-nature panorama. It’s where the capital meets the mountain—modern engineering placed right in the middle of untouched forest. Even if you’ve seen Zagreb from above at places like Medvedgrad Fortress, the tower takes things to another level (literally).

Sljeme Tower, officially known as the OIV Tower Sljeme, is a prominent landmark situated atop the highest peak of Medvednica Mountain, just north of Zagreb, Croatia. Rising to a height of 169 meters, the tower stands at an elevation of over 1,000 meters above sea level, making it the highest point above the city and offering visitors a truly spectacular 360° panoramic view of Zagreb, the surrounding Croatian Highlands, the Zagorje region, and even as far as the Slovenian Alps on a clear day.

The history of the lookout spot on Sljeme goes back to 1859 when a wooden structure served as the first viewpoint for the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s land registry. Various incarnations followed, but it was in 1973 that construction began on the current concrete and steel tower, which was completed in 1976 on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of radio and the 20th anniversary of television in Croatia. Designed primarily as a telecommunications tower, the Sljeme Tower has also been a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts for decades, seamlessly blending technical significance with recreational value.

Throughout its history, the tower has survived both technological and political challenges. Notably, it suffered serious damage during the Croatian War of Independence in 1991, when it was struck by missiles, disrupting broadcasting but quickly repaired. Major renovations have modernized the tower, culminating in 2023 with the opening of a new observation deck featuring state-of-the-art design and accessibility for the public.

Today, the Sljeme Tower is more than just a center for radio and TV broadcasting. Visitors can enjoy an open-air observation platform at 1118 meters, perfect for photography or simply admiring the unparalleled views. The tower itself now serves as a multifaceted tourist destination, with facilities for hosting private and corporate events, and a plan for future amenities, including a rotating bar, museums, and adventure activities like ziplining.

Easily reachable from Zagreb and nestled in beautiful natural surroundings, the Sljeme Tower is an iconic combination of engineering, history, and natural beauty—a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the best views, and atmosphere, the Croatian capital can offer.

⚠️ Note: We haven’t personally been up the tower yet, so this is based on travel info and what locals say. But judging by the views, it looks like one of those must-see spots for anyone exploring Zagreb beyond the city streets.