Modern & artCentral Croatia

Zagreb TV Tower: the broadcasting landmark above the city

The Zagreb TV Tower (Radiotelevizijski toranj Sljeme) is a 169 m tall radio and television tower of reinforced concrete and steel on the summit of Sljeme, on Medvednica mountain north of Zagreb. Finished in 1976, it is a landmark of Yugoslav-era engineering and of the Zagreb skyline, and one of the more unusual hidden gems in Croatia for anyone who enjoys modern structures and mountain views.

The first thing many travellers see when they approach Zagreb is a slim tower on a mountain top. It replaced earlier iron towers and, over the decades, has become one of the city's recognisable symbols.

WhereSummit of Sljeme, Medvednica mountain, north of Zagreb

TypeRadio and television tower of reinforced concrete and steel, 169 m tall

Best forModern architecture fans, mountain views, a day above Zagreb

Getting thereOn the summit area of Sljeme; Medvedgrad castle is about 3 km away. Check how to reach the summit before you go

The history of the Zagreb TV Tower

Sljeme has carried towers for a long time. The first wooden construction, which also served as a trigonometric point, went up in the 19th century. In 1889, the year the Eiffel Tower was built, a 12 m iron observation tower was erected on the summit. As radio technology advanced, the tower was used more and more as a transmitter. In 1960 an iron tower 82 m tall was built on Sljeme, and by 1965 it was open to visitors, while the 1889 tower was moved to Japetić, the highest peak of the nearby Samoborsko Gorje. Even the 82 m tower was soon demolished to make way for the present one.

The decision to build a larger tower came out of the plans of the 1960s. Television Zagreb planned a second television programme for the republic, and the post and telecommunications company planned new radio relay systems, with the end station for Zagreb on Sljeme. The two organisations therefore built a joint structure. Two designs were drawn up: one kept a steel lattice mast and turned the old one into a viewpoint, the other put all the technical and other rooms inside a tower, with dish antennas on platforms and other antennas hung from the steel part. The second was chosen as a modern, functional and attractive solution.

Work began in 1973. The tower was finished and officially put into service in 1976, starting with two television and three radio programmes. It is 169 m tall: the reinforced-concrete tower itself is 92 m and the steel antenna adds 77 m. Because the top is at about 1,196 m above sea level, its broadcasts carry a long way. Zagreb is recognisable by this tower, since it is the first thing seen at the entrances to the city.

The tower was damaged in 1991, during the Croatian War of Independence, when it was attacked from the air and broadcasting was interrupted. The alternative transmitters had already been put in place in case such an attack happened, and the tower was repaired and put back in use. Since 2019, renovation work has been reported. Sources differ on exactly when and how visitors can go up, so check the current situation before you plan a visit.

Curiosities about the Zagreb TV Tower

An iron observation tower only 12 m tall was built on Sljeme in 1889, the same year as the Eiffel Tower, and was later moved to Japetić.
The tower is the first thing many people see at the entrances to Zagreb, which has made it a symbol of the city.
Its design places all the technical rooms inside the tower, with the dish antennas on platforms and the other antennas hung from the steel part.
From the summit of the tower at about 1,196 m above sea level, signals reach very far: DAB radio from Sljeme has been received in south-west Slovakia, 300 km away.
Backup transmitters were already in position when the tower was attacked in 1991, because an attack had been considered possible.
Another transmitter tower, a smaller concrete one used mainly for mobile phones and radio links, stands about 1 km east of the main tower.

Tours near Zagreb TV Tower

Experiences in the area that you can book online with Viator:

Zagreb Highlights: Old Town, WWII tunnels, Funicular & Tastings

★ 5 (1218 reviews) · 2 h

See details ›

Plitvice Lakes with Ticket & Rastoke Guided Tour from Zagreb

★ 4.9 (1038 reviews) · 10 h

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From Zagreb: Ljubljana and Lake Bled Guided Day Tour

★ 4.8 (761 reviews) · 10.5 h

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Walking tour of Zagreb

★ 4.9 (504 reviews) · 2 h

See details ›

Visiting the Zagreb TV Tower

The tower stands near the summit of Sljeme on Medvednica mountain, so the visit is as much about the mountain and its views as about the tower itself.
Sources describe a café and a panoramic terrace at around 80 to 90 m, but give different figures and dates for opening to the public, so check what is currently open.
Medvedgrad, a medieval castle, is about 3 km away and combines well with a day on Medvednica.
Mirogoj Cemetery is about 8 km away and, like the tower, can be fitted into a day around Zagreb.
Check the current situation, opening hours and how to reach the summit before you go.

Opening hours, access and conditions can change. Check before you go.