Hostel Forum Blog

Situated in Zadar’s historical core next to the remains of the ancient Roman Forum, the building itself is a valuable piece of post-WWII architecture. Designed in 1964 by renowned Croatian architect Bruno Milić, the building was initially home to hotel Forum, then it became the head office of the company Turisthotel. In 2012 the building was adapted and reconstructed, and so it became hostel Forum’s home sweet home.  

Zrmanja… Zrm-, say whaaat?! Yes, it’s one of those lovely Croatian geographical names, so difficult to pronounce, but well worth remembering. It refers to a 69-kilometre long river in the Zadar hinterland that flows from southern Lika, ie northern Dalmatia, towards the sea. Together with its tributary Krupa, it’s a remarkable place for rafting trips in spring (particularly April and May) and autumn...

Once again it’s going to be one lovely day in Zadar. Once again the city is going to open its heart. Once again it’s going to be a part of a unique world event. Once again it’s going to welcome with open arms visitors (- participants) in a race for a good cause. Wings for Life World Run Adriatika is going to take place in Zadar on May 3 2015. Once again.

Spring is here! You must have already seen the first blossoming tree, noticed the green displacing the gloomy colourless scenery of winter, enjoyed the first warm rays of sunshine with your jacket off… And the first thing to do is hop on a bike and go for a ride. No excuses. Unless you’ve already done it. As have many people already, since cycling is becoming more and more popular in Croatia, not only as a means of transport...

A light breeze on a hot summer day - it’s a very welcome means of refreshment. Would you give it a second thought? Probably not. But people at the seaside in Croatia would. Popular songs have been sung, important pieces of literature written, generally known sayings coined, its effects discussed over coffee - yes, many get really wound up by the wind.    

Ball - a round object that makes the world go round. Indeed, in Zadar everything revolves around the ball and if you want to strike up a conversation with a local, forget about the ‘weather’, just mention ‘basketball’. It’s the number one topic that makes the eyes of any Zadran shine. In fact, the city even prides itself on having invented basketball - hence the line ‘God may have created man, but Zadar created basketball’. 

Traced the history by roaming the ancient streets of Zadar? Check. Admired the skyline and the best view ever from the bell-tower of St Anastasia’s cathedral or, even better, your hostel room? Check. Got a totally different perspective by looking at Zadar from the sea while being active at the same time? No? Than there’s a very simple and convenient way to do that - go on a kayak tour.

We have remained the same at heart - we give travellers a hearty welcome and a place to stay, a place to make friends and find out funny and interesting stories about Zadar, Dalmatia and Croatia, we surprise them with our little treats, we make them fall in love with our city no matter how short their stay. But the time has come to make a change and so we have. But one thing’s for sure - it’s all for you.

A modern traveller, particularly of the younger generation, strives to experience it all, right here, right now and preferably at a low cost. The point is to direct money extra, saved as a result of choosing cheap(er) accommodation, to fun activities, sights, nightlife … This doesn’t imply that a bench in the park is the way to go. In fact, nowadays a traveller doesn’t necessarily need to renounce comfort totally...