marunada in Lovran 2026: three chestnut weekends and how to pick one
The 51st Marunada chestnut festival runs 9–25 October in Lovran, Dobreć and Liganj. What happens where, what to eat, and the taxi boat from Opatija.
If you're anywhere near Rijeka or Opatija in October, the smell of roasting chestnuts will pull you to Lovran sooner or later. Marunada, the town's chestnut festival, is in its 51st edition this year. It runs over three weekends, and each weekend it moves to a different place, so it pays to pick your day.
three weekends, three places
According to the official programme from the Lovran Tourist Board, here's how it works:
| Weekend | Where | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 9–11 October | Lovran (town centre and Brajdice car park) | a big party, concerts and the most stalls |
| 17–18 October | Dobreć and Liganj (villages near Lovran) | families with kids and a quieter village day |
| 24–25 October | Liganj | a walk through the chestnut woods, smaller crowds |
The first weekend is the loudest. It opens on Friday 9 October at 5 pm with a parade through Lovran, and the evening concerts at Brajdice go on late into the night. Saturday and Sunday also have a daytime programme, so you don't have to stay up past midnight to get the feel of it.
what to eat
The *marun* (the local word for the large, prized chestnuts grown on the hills around Lovran) is the symbol of the town. Besides the classic paper cone of roasted *maruni*, expect chestnut cakes, chestnut ice cream and even a chestnut cocktail. On Saturday 17 October at 3 pm, a 10-metre chestnut roll cake is made on St George's Square (Trg sv. Jurja) in Lovran. The same day at 11 am there's a guided food and music tour of the old town called "Secrets of Lovran" (15 € fee, register by 15 October).
In Dobreć, local family farms (*OPG*, small registered family producers) present their products, which is a good chance to take something homemade back with you.
getting there without the parking stress
There's a free car park at Kamenjar. If you're staying in Opatija, coming by sea is far more pleasant: on the first weekend (10 and 11 October) a taxi boat leaves Opatija at 11 am and 3 pm, returning from Lovran at 2:30 pm and 6 pm. Adults pay 10 € including a welcome drink, and children under 12 ride free. Book your seat on +385 91 528 3771.
tips
- Pick your vibe: concerts and crowds are the first weekend in Lovran; a calmer family day is in Dobreć and Liganj.
- With kids, come on Friday 9 October from 1:30 pm for the Children's Marunada at Brajdice, or to Dobreć on Saturday 17 October.
- For a walk, sign up for the free guided Chestnut Trail (Staza maruna) walk on Sunday 25 October at 10 am, starting from Dom Liganj (the village community centre). Places are limited; register at info@visitlovran.com.
- Dress in layers and wear proper shoes: part of the programme is outdoors and in the woods, and October evenings by the sea can get chilly.
- Check the programme before you go, as individual events can change. The current version is on the Lovran Tourist Board website.