By Andrea Pisac - 9 Comments - March 16, 2022 min read

When was the last time you gazed at the clouds and marvelled at their meditative effect? A long time ago?

Then come to Zagreb. Because Zagreb skies are so dramatic no one can resist looking up.

Zagreb fluffy clouds | Croatia Honestly | Photos of Croatia

The drama queen of Zagreb skies, photo by Julien Duval

If the big sky of Montana fascinates you, wait till you see the fast sky of Zagreb.

Gazing at the Zagreb clouds is like watching a thriller movie projected on a big screen. One minute they are meek and fluffy, the next they brood over the city like a giant dome.

It’s hard to tell which is more exciting. Watching the stormy sky rip in two by a lightening. Or catching the sun rays heroically beaming through it.

Zagreb fluffy clouds | Croatia Honestly | Photos of Croatia

Zagreb stormy skies, photo by Julien Duval

One thing I know – Zagreb skies are anything but boring. In fact, they make the most glorious performance that’s showing every day.

And it’s free of charge.

Find your perfect Croatian holiday

Take This Fun Quiz And Get A Tailor-Made List

Of The Best Places To Visit In Croatia

How to be a cloud gazer in Zagreb

Remember the song ‘Little Fluffy clouds’ by the British band the Orb? It starts with a question:

‘What were the skies like when you were young?’

And then the girl mumbles her answer throughout the song:

…they went on forever… and the skies always had little fluffy clouds in them… they were beautiful… the most beautiful skies as a matter of fact…

This is what Zagreb skies are like. They always have clouds in them, dancing, parading and showing off.

Zagreb fluffy clouds | Croatia Honestly | Photos of Croatia

Moody skies over St. Mark's Church, photo by Julien Duval

But even with all this aerial commotion, sky gazing in Zagreb is like a meditation. When you fix your eyes on the fast travelling clouds, you can almost see through them. You know that underneath, there lies a vast permanent sky.

Such tradition of reaching a mind altering state by cloud gazing already exists. It’s called the Tibetan sky meditation.

Here’s how to do it in Zagreb.

Find a spot where the sky is wide open. The best places are Strossmayer Parade, Zagreb Eye and Tomislav Square. Begin cloud gazing.

Just fix your eyes on their shapes and colours. When one cloud moves out of frame, focus on the approaching ones. You will soon fall into a restful state of spontaneous awareness.

Zagreb fluffy clouds | Croatia Honestly | Photos of Croatia

Zagreb clouds going on for ever, photo by Julien Duval

Everything will feel wide open and lucid. The clouds coming and going as vidid as ever. But the only reality will be the blue skies underneath.

Catching Zagreb sky map with the camera

…the sunsets were purple and red and yellow and on fire, and the clouds would catch the colours everywhere…

There are times when the weather conditions light a real bonfire on the Zagreb sky.

Then sunsets flicker with pink fluffy clouds. The sky view is ablaze with glowing ambers.

And Zagreb sky map makes it into world news!

Zagreb fluffy clouds | Croatia Honestly | Photos of Croatia

King Tomislav surrounded by purple fluffy skies, photo by Julien Duval

This is not the time for meditation. Grab your camera and snap away. Like Julien Duval did so many times.

Read more about different destinations in Croatia.

Zagreb cloud watching for the advanced

If you think cloud watching is impossible at night, think again.

There is plenty going on in dark Zagreb skies.

Zagreb fluffy clouds | Croatia Honestly | Photos of Croatia

Zagreb night sky from Medvedgrad Castle, photo by Julien Duval

The white fluffs are dimmed out, but there is still partying up there. Zagreb horizon turns even more heavenly with the full moon hung on the skyline.

Now, if you get tired straining your head upwards, try something else.

In late spring, when the skies are at their most capricious, there is the reverse sky effect.

You need to weather the short bursts of storm and wait for the big calm. After a downpour, Zagreb streets will fill with puddles.

Watch your steps but also watch for mesmerizing scenes reflecting against the water.

Zagreb fluffy clouds | Croatia Honestly | Photos of Croatia

Zagreb skies reflected in a puddle, photo by Julien Duval

See?

Now you can gaze at the clouds without looking up.

Happy sky gazing in Zagreb!

Zagreb fluffy clouds | Croatia Honestly | Photos of Croatia
Zagreb fluffy clouds post was shot by Julien Duval

Julien Duval is a French photographer specializing in travel and music. He has explored Croatia for 6 years and fallen in love with its amazing scenery. Follow him on Facebook and Instagram, or visit his website for professional photo services.

Fancy something similar?

  • stunning Andrea these are really wonderfull, your making me want to jump on a plane and get back to lovely Zagreb!

  • Wonderful photos. Will be in Zagreb about the first of August. I am very excited to visit Croatia again.

  • As Tagore would say –

    ‘Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add colour to my sunset sky.’

  • Thank you, Andrea. Your blog inspires an excitingly touristy feel to being a homegrown Purger. This post especially, in a calm soothing kind of way:) Kudos to the photographer as well!

  • Hi Andrea! I WANT MORE CROATIAN PHOTO STORIES.. I’ve been trying to login but like seems not to be working.. Thank you!.

    • Hi Anna, it’s working now, I tested it. Can you please look for my email in your spam or junk mail folder and confirm your subscription. You need to do this to be able to start receiving updates. Thanks!

  • {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}

    Find your perfect Croatian holiday

    Take the quiz and get a tailor-made list of the best places to visit in Croatia

    >
    66 Shares
    Share1
    Tweet6
    Pin53
    Share6
    WhatsApp