How long does it take to see the whole solar system in Zagreb?

Walking to the first few inner planets takes about 60-90 minutes. However, reaching the outer planets like Neptune or Pluto (which is still included) can take a full day as they are located in the far suburbs several kilometers from the center.

Where is the Sun in Zagreb?

The Sun, known as 'Prizemljeno sunce' or The Grounded Sun, is located in Bogovićeva Street in the Lower Town. It is a large bronze sphere and serves as the starting point for the scale model solar system.

Is the Zagreb solar system walk difficult?

The inner planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars) are easy to find and located in the flat city center. Finding Jupiter and Saturn involves uphill walks or public transit, making the full quest a challenging half-day experience.

Can I see the planets at night?

While the installations are accessible 24/7, it is very difficult to find the tiny planet models (some are less than 1cm wide) in the dark. It is best to explore during daylight hours.

What is the best walking tour Zagreb has for art lovers?

The Nine Views quest is widely considered one of the most unique art experiences in the city. It combines conceptual art with a scavenger hunt, taking you through various neighborhoods to find hidden sculptures.

Are there any fees to see the Nine Views?

No, the entire installation is located in public spaces. You can explore the route for free at any time without needing tickets or reservations.

Is this activity suitable for children?

Yes, it is highly recommended for families. Children often enjoy the scavenger hunt aspect of searching for the tiny planets on building walls and learning about the scale of the solar system.

The Nine Views: Solar System Quest | Self-Guided Walking Tour

About This Guided Walking Tour

Discover a cosmic mystery hidden within the streets of the Croatian capital. This self-guided walk invites you to embark on the 'Nine Views' (Devet pogleda), a conceptual art installation that transforms the entire city into a scale model of our solar system. The journey begins with the 'Grounded Sun' (Prizemljeno sunce), a bronze sphere by artist Ivan Kožarić that has become a beloved landmark in the Lower Town. In 2004, artist Davor Preis expanded this concept by placing all nine planets at precise scale distances throughout the city, creating a scavenger hunt that blends art, science, and urban exploration. This walking route is perfect for those who want to see Zagreb through a different lens, moving beyond the standard tourist path to find tiny bronze spheres tucked away on building facades and street corners. As you explore independently, you will see how the installation makes the vastness of space tangible. The scale is 1:680,000,000, meaning every step you take represents millions of kilometers in the void. This quest takes you through the bustling cafes of Tkalčićeva, the floral beauty of Preradović Square, and the architectural grandeur of the Meštrović Pavilion. While the inner planets are clustered near the city center, reaching the outer giants like Jupiter requires a bit more effort, making this a rewarding adventure for active travelers. This walking route Zagreb offers is not just about the destinations but the thrill of the hunt. You will find yourself looking closer at the walls and street furniture than ever before, discovering the quirky side of Zagreb's art scene. Whether you are a science enthusiast or simply looking for an original way to navigate the city, this audio walk provides the context and stories behind these silent metallic observers. Prepare for a half-day of discovery as you navigate multiple neighborhoods on this uniquely challenging but fascinating urban quest.

Tour Highlights & Things to See

The Grounded Sun, a famous bronze sphere in the heart of the city
A scavenger hunt for hidden planet models at a scale of 1:680,000,000
Exploring the trendy cafes and history of Tkalčićeva street
Finding the tiny Mercury near the vibrant Flower Square
A walk to the Meštrović Pavilion to locate the planet Venus
The rewarding trek to find the larger Jupiter model in a residential neighborhood

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour.

Tour Stops & Points of Interest (6)

1

Mars

Start exploring with Zigway at Tkalčićeva 21. Here, amidst the most famous cafe-lined street in Zagreb, hides the Red Planet. Mars is represented by a tiny bronze sphere only about half a centimeter in diameter. It is often overlooked by the thousands of people who walk past it daily to grab a coffee or a beer. Finding it is the first test of your observational skills. This street was once a creek separating the two oldest hills of Zagreb, Gradec and Kaptol. Today, it serves as the city's social hub, but for you, it is the fourth planet from the sun. Look for it on the wall of a building, a silent observer of the city's vibrant nightlife.

2

Mercury

A short walk brings you to Margaretska 3, where you will find the smallest planet in our solar system. Mercury is even tinier than Mars, measuring just 0.7 centimeters. Located near the bustling 'Flower Square' (Preradović Square), this stop highlights the incredible scale of Davor Preis's work. In the real solar system, Mercury is a scorched, rocky world, but here in Zagreb, it is a modest metallic bump on a building facade. Take a moment to appreciate the contrast between the grand Austro-Hungarian architecture surrounding you and this minute artistic detail. It serves as a reminder of how much exists just outside our usual field of vision when we don't take the time to look closely.

3

The Grounded Sun

Welcome to the center of the Zagreb solar system. Located in Bogovićeva Street, 'The Grounded Sun' is a 2-meter wide bronze sphere created by Ivan Kožarić in 1971. This is the anchor for the entire 'Nine Views' project. Over the decades, it has been a victim of graffiti, a meeting point for lovers, and a canvas for local street life. Its golden-bronze surface often reflects the sun overhead, grounding the celestial in the middle of a pedestrian shopping zone. Unlike the tiny planets you are hunting, the Sun is impossible to miss. It represents the warmth and energy of the city, and from this point, all other planets are placed at their mathematically correct scale distances.

4

Earth

Continue your walking route to Varšavska 9 to find our home. Earth is represented here by a 1.9-centimeter sphere. In the context of this scale model, it is humbling to see our entire world reduced to the size of a marble. Varšavska street is a symbol of Zagreb's civic activism and urban culture, often hosting protests and art festivals. Finding Earth here feels appropriate, as this street is a place where people fight for the future of their environment. Look for the sphere high up on the building wall. It serves as a literal 'perspective shift,' making you feel the immense scale of the universe while standing in the heart of a busy European capital.

5

Venus

Head east toward the Meštrović Pavilion at Trg žrtava fašizma 9. Here you will find Venus, the second planet from the sun. At 1.7 centimeters, it is slightly smaller than Earth. The location is one of the most architecturally significant spots in the city. The pavilion itself, a circular building designed by the famous sculptor Ivan Meštrović, has served as a mosque, a museum, and an art gallery. Venus, named for the Roman goddess of love and beauty, sits near this temple of art. The walk from the center to this square shows the transition of Zagreb’s architecture into a more monumental, spacious style, mirroring the increasing distance between the planets as we move outward.

6

Jupiter

The final stop on this quest is Jupiter, located at Voćarska 71. As the largest planet in our solar system, this model is significantly bigger than the previous ones, measuring 28 centimeters in diameter. However, reaching it is a challenge. You will need to walk uphill into the residential neighborhood of Šalata. This part of the self-guided adventure takes you away from the tourist crowds and into a peaceful area of gardens and villas. Finding the gas giant here marks the end of the inner solar system journey. Jupiter’s size in the model helps you realize just how massive the outer planets are compared to the rocky inner worlds you've discovered so far. Enjoy the view from the hill before heading back down.

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Explore “The Nine Views: Solar System Quest” with your very own Private Tour Guide with Zigway. Start free on iPhone, skip the large group and the fixed routes, and hear the city come alive as you go.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Nine Views is a scale model of the solar system spread across Zagreb. It started with Ivan Kožarić's 'Grounded Sun' sculpture in 1971, and in 2004, Davor Preis added the nine planets at mathematically accurate distances and sizes relative to the Sun.