One can easily get lost in the many natural beauties of Kopaonik. However, only a few wander to a place that hides an interesting phenomenon and a mysterious legend. That is why it’s high time we introduce you to a lake on whose islands you can take a ride. Yes, we’ve said it – you can take a ride using an ISLAND!
On first glance, there is nothing out of the ordinary going on with this lake which is located in the very heart of Serbia’s best ski centre. Calm waters reflecting the sun, dense greenery decorating its ridges and a gentle breeze that makes the tall glass sway. And then something highly unusual caught our eye. Something that made us flinch, rub our eyes and look twice.
Something passed right by us. And it was nothing less than – an island. It wasn’t a mirage! A local from the village of Semeteš saw our bewildered faces, approached us and reassured us we weren’t hallucinating. He told us more about this most extraordinary phenomenon.
“We don’t know when nor how it came to be. What we do know is that it’s a very rare phenomenon and that we own a yet undiscovered jewel.”, he told us with a smile on his face.
The Semeteš lake is located on the west side of the Kopaonik mountain, near the village of Semeš, about 200 meters from the Kopaonik National Park. The lake is around 80 metres wide and geologist claim that it is what is left from a glacier that existed millions of years ago.
We know what all of you are wondering, and the answer is yes. You can take a ride on these magical floating islands! All you need are paddles so that you can move these unusual boats. Because that’s precisely what these floating islands are. These out-of-the-ordinary “nature-made” boats will grant you a most unique and unforgettable experience!
A dragon, a priest or a fairy
One of the biggest mysteries tied to this unusual lake in the heart of Kopaonik is the one regarding its creation. Scientist have their opinions and the locals have their presumptions. Still, we were intrigued by two interesting legends that explain the creation of this wonder of nature.
The first one tells the story of a priest who wanted to do the threshing on Saint Cyril’s Day even though the locals warned him not to do it on that particular day. He started the threshing, the earth opened and swallowed both him and his horses. And after that water came gushing out of the gape and formed a lake whose surface never stops quivering.
The second legend speaks of fairies which used to gather here, as well as of the eerie voice of a mysterious aquatic monster which scared all those who passed near the lake during the night. As soon as the sun set everyone would go to their houses, lock their doors and shut their windows in fear of the monster. Today, the locals say they don’t fear the beast anymore not any odd sounds.
We also think there’s really nothing to fear here. In the village of Semeteš, you’ll be greeted by kind hosts, beautiful nature and a lake that won’t leave your imagination at ease. So head straight to Raška and don’t forget to tell us all about your unreal and unforgettable sailing experience!
Since you are already here, don’t miss…
Visiting Mt. Kopaonik, a protected National Park, “the Sunny Mountain”, and the most famous skiing resort in the region. In the winter besides the ski slopes for beginners and experts try the combination of parachuting and skiing, mulled wine in a log cabin on a long winter night, and after that crazy fun in cafes.
If you go to Kopaonik in the summer don’t miss the walking tours, Monastery tours, wine routes – Visiting the Župa Aleksandrovačka, rafting down Ibar, paragliding, hiking and riding.
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