Easter in Croatia: giant painted eggs and spring events near the Hungarian border

As the Easter long weekend approaches, Easter in Croatia is becoming an increasingly popular choice for Hungarian travellers looking for a quick, easy break. Croatia’s regions close to the Hungarian border offer a mix of accessibility, a calm and safe atmosphere, and a surprisingly rich spring programme, ideal for families, couples, or spontaneous weekend trips.

For foreign readers, it is worth noting that Croatia is not only about the Adriatic coast. The inland northern areas near Hungary can be reached by car in just a few hours and tend to be less crowded than the country’s best-known seaside destinations, especially outside the summer season.

Giant Easter eggs and traditions in Koprivnica

One of the most distinctive Easter attractions in northern Croatia can be found in Koprivnica (Kapronca in Hungarian), located around 25 kilometres from the Hungarian border. During the Easter period, the town takes on a festive look, with its main square — Zrínyi Square — transformed into an open-air exhibition space as part of the programme titled “Pisanica od srca” (“Easter surprise from the heart”).

The centrepiece of the event is a collection of hand-painted Easter eggs, each more than two metres tall. According to the information provided, these giant eggs:

• reflect folk motifs from the Podravina region
• are created by local artists in a naïve style
• have become an internationally recognised cultural attraction

An especially interesting aspect of the region’s Easter heritage is the wax-resist egg-writing technique, which has been part of local tradition for centuries and remains a living element of the area’s cultural identity.

The exhibition is part of the wider “Spring in Koprivnica” programme series and can be visited until 14 April 2026.

Active programmes close to Hungary

The area is not only about culture: travellers looking for outdoor activities will also find several organised events in the region around Easter.

4 April 2026: Hrvatska Sahara Trail

A trail running competition is held near Đurđevac, in an area nicknamed the “Croatian Sahara”. Visitors can also spot camels and llamas in a mini zoo next to the Stari grad fortress, adding a family-friendly twist to the sporting event.

6 April 2026: Dergez cycling tour

On 6 April, a family-friendly cycling programme offers a relaxed way to explore rural landscapes and spend Easter Monday outdoors.

6 April 2026: Easter motorcycle meeting in Đurđevac

Motorbike fans can join a community event in Đurđevac, described as a lively, visually impressive gathering.

6 April 2026: Motorcycle and cycling meeting in Križevci

Križevci also hosts a combined motorbike and cycling event, mixing active leisure with a social atmosphere.

If you missed it – Good Friday in Hungary: what changes during the four-day-long weekend?

Unusual customs and museum highlights

The Podravina region’s Easter traditions are described as deeply rooted in local culture. One particularly distinctive custom is “matkanje”, a symbolic ritual in which young people form a “brotherhood” bond, strengthened through the exchange of decorated eggs.

Those interested in exhibitions can also head to Čakovec, where the Međimurje Museum is said to present a special display featuring:

• black Easter eggs
• decoration techniques traced back as far as the 15th century
• unique regional motifs

Nature, calm atmosphere, easy access

For many travellers, the biggest advantage of spending Easter in Croatia near the Hungarian border is how straightforward it is. The region is described as offering:

• short travel times (often just a few hours by car)
• a less crowded, calmer environment
• an ideal setup for family trips or last-minute weekend plans

With parks, walking routes and open countryside, the area provides a relaxed spring setting for those who want a break without a long journey.

What’s next: The tradition of sprinkling on Easter Monday in Hungary

FAQ: Easter in Croatia