Vlasina lake, a true undiscovered jewel with floating peat islands, is the perfect location for peaceful holiday far from the hustle and bustle of big cities.
Floating peat islands on the water surface with color changing from light gray to dark blue offer a unique experience. This rarity of nature can be seen on Vlasina Lake, the highest and the biggest artificial lake in Serbia, known for its crystal clear water reflecting the surrounding forests and mountains.
The lake was created by waters of two incoming rivers, the Vlasina and the Vrla, and its beauty was mentioned for the first time in the 18th century.
Significant cultural and historical landmarks can also be seen around the lake.
Vlasina Lake is a true hidden jewel of untouched nature and the right place for everyone eager to spend the holiday in peace and quiet, far from hustle and bustle of big cities.
By visiting this lake you will enjoy the beautiful nature and cultural landmarks and you will be stunned by something truly unusual – the “floating islands”. Two cubic meters of the purest water from the rivers Vlasina, Vrla, Jerma, Božička reka, Lisinska reka, Ljubotenska reka, Strvna and Čemerčica with its 110 tributaries, empty into the lake each minute.
Vlasina Lake, 12 kilometers long and 35 meters deep, is a place of exceptional beauty and interesting flora and fauna. The lake is situated on Vlasina plateau in Southeastern Serbia at 1,213 meters above sea level.
It is an artificial lake created in the fifties of the 20th century when the peat bog was closed by a dam. Swift flowing mountain rivers feed the lake with water of the best quality, making it ideal for bathing, water sports and fishing. Vlasina Lake abounds in fish, predominantly cat fish, carp, bass and trout.
The lake has two islands – Stratorija (it existed before the dam was built) and Dugi del (once it used to be a peninsula). However, the “floating islands” – pieces of cut off land floating on the Vlasina lake surface are the biggest attraction of the lake. Some bigger islands with willows and birches look like little oasis in the middle of the blue lake.
The mountain ranges of Čemernik and Vardenik surround this true paradise for nature lovers, fishermen and everyone looking for recreation and bird watching.
Small villages, perfect for relaxation in nature are set among the vast meadows, pastures, forests and streams. Surrounding mountains offer perfect conditions for winter sports, while idyllic surrounding of the Vlasina lake with tree shades is perfect for hot summer days.
Cultural sites like churches in Božica, Klisura and Crna Trava and the monastery in Palja enrich this already appealing destination offering you the opportunity to meet Serbia in a unique way.
How to get to the lake of floating islands?
If traveling from the direction of Belgrade take the E-75 highway to Niš, and then via Babušnica and Crna Trava you will get to Vlasina Lake. The distance from Belgrade to this lake is 350 km, from Niš it is 119 km, from Skoplje 143 km, and 157 km from Sophia.
A direct bus from Belgrade to the lake is available once a day, and from other cities it is possible to get to Vlasotince and then take a local bus from there.
If you are already here, don’t miss…
Taking a ride along the lake on one of the floating islands and visiting the Palja monastery as well as the church in the Božica village.
The summer provides the most opportunities for a quality vacation. Walks, cycling, a stay on the water, boat rides, swimming, fishing, picking forest fruits and herbs, getting to know the mountain peaks which surround the lake are all activities you shouldn’t miss.
In winter, besides the walks on the frozen lake try out the terrains of the surrounding mountains Čemernik and Besna kobila which are good for Jet-skiing, snow mobiles, skiing and sledding.
Photo: Marbella82/Wikimedia commons
