Explorun Croatia

As a digital nomad, I’m feeling grateful for having the opportunity to pack my laptop and work from anywhere in the world.

Last month I was in Croatia, and I have to say, it’s a great place to spend some time at. The stunning scenery and friendly locals made for a wonderful backdrop to my daily work and run routine.

One of my favorite things about working remotely is the ability to explore new places and experience new cultures, and in Croatia, there was no shortage of either. From the charming medieval town of Dubrovnik, to the bustling city of Zagreb, to the idyllic countryside of Istria and the natural beauty of Plitvice Lakes, there was always something new to discover.

The country’s breathtaking scenery, from the rugged coastline and crystal clear waters to the lush green forests and mountain trails, make for a diverse and stunning running terrain. Each run is a unique adventure that you will won’t forget easily.

I can’t wait to see where my next work-from-anywhere adventure takes me!

Below you can find the longer runs of the month, with a small story and picture selection.

Long Run 01: Croatia - Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina - Republic of Srpska

Yesterday’s run was truly a great exploration of the neighborhood. The run started with a challenging but invigorating climb of 2 kilometers up a small set of stairs. The climb got my heart rate up and prepared me for the beautiful route ahead.

Next up was the border crossing, which went smoothly despite the confused looks of the border control who probable never had someone running through the checkpoint.

As I continued my run, I was struck by the stark, naked beauty of the dry mountains that surrounded me. The sun was shining and the air was crisp, making for perfect running conditions. I passed through a number of abandoned villages with half-destroyed houses, which only added to the eerie beauty of the scenery.

Although the run was wonderful, there was one sad aspect that I couldn’t ignore: the shocking amount of trash on the side of the road after Ivanica. For kilometers on end, I ran past piles and piles of garbage. Despite this, I still managed to find moments of beauty along the way, from the colorful wildflowers growing amidst the trash, to the curious lizards scurrying across my path.

Overall, yesterday’s run was a great adventure, and one that reminded me of the beauty and challenges of exploring new places. It’s experiences like these that make me love running and appreciate the natural world all the more.

Long Run 02: Zadar - Zaton - Nin - Otok Zečevo - Vrsi

Starting off with the warm sun on my face and a refreshing morning breeze, along with the sound of waves crashing against the shore, I knew it was going to be a great run.

I started off in Zadar, running along the beautiful coastline. As I continued on, I passed through the charming towns of Zaton and Nin, both with their own unique beauty and character. Running across the rocks forming a bridge to the island of Zečevo was one of the highlights of the run. The island’s rugged coastline and peaceful atmosphere made for a wonderful change of scenery.

As I ran, I couldn’t help but be amazed by the beauty of the Adriatic Sea, with its shades of blue and turquoise. The salty sea air was invigorating and added to the overall experience.

Long Run 03: Pula - Fažana - Rovinj

Starting in Pula, I was greeted with the warm sun and a stunning view of the Roman amphitheater, the only remaining Roman amphitheatre to have four side towers entirely preserved. The colorful buildings lining the streets added to the charm of the city. Moving on to Fažana, a small fishing village, the pace of life slowed down, and the narrow streets were filled with cute cafes and local shops.

The highlight of the run was reaching Rovinj, a beautiful town on the western coast of the Istrian peninsula. The old town was perched on a hill overlooking the sea, with narrow cobblestone streets and colorful buildings that looked like they came straight out of a postcard.

Throughout the run, I couldn’t help but notice the distinctiveness of Istria’s landscape and culture. The region is known for its amazing cuisine, including truffles, olive oil, and fresh seafood. So many buildings with Venetian-style facades and ornate details that you won’t find in other parts of Croatia.

Wonderful run overall, reminder of the diversity and richness of Croatia’s different regions. Exploring Istria on foot was an incredible way to immerse myself in the local culture and appreciate its unique beauty.

Long Run 04: Plitvička jezera

One of the highlights of my trip was the 6-hour run I did through the breathtaking Plitvička jezera National Park. I started early in the morning, before the park was overrun with tourists, and had the entire place practically to myself.

I took my time exploring all of the different trails and paths that wound through the park’s lush forests, towering waterfalls, and crystal-clear lakes. The scenery was simply breathtaking, and I felt truly connected to nature as I ran.

One of the things I loved most about running in Plitvička jezera was the feeling of being completely immersed in a natural wonderland. I saw countless species of plants, animals, from colorful wildflowers and butterflies, to curious deer and fire salamanders.

The uniqueness of Plitvička lies in its incredible beauty and geological history. The park features a series of cascading lakes and waterfalls that have formed over thousands of years, creating a truly unique landscape. The water in the lakes is so clear and blue that you can see straight to the bottom, where colorful fish and plant life thrive. It’s a magical place where you can experience the wonder of nature and all its glory.

Running through Plitvička jezera was an unforgettable experience.