Jablanicko Lake

The Neretva was dammed at Jablanica in 1953 and the reservoir behind the dam runs for around thirty kilometres up the valley to Konjic, a long narrow lake of a strong turquoise from the mineral load the river carries, with the Prenj massif on one side and Cvrsnica beyond, so the setting does most of the work. The main road and the railway run along the shore, which makes it easy to see and hard to escape traffic noise at the accessible points. Swimming, kayaking and fishing are the uses, with campsites and restaurants at intervals, and the villages of Ostrozac and Celebici sit on the water. The colour is strongest in spring and early summer.

The landscape

• The turquoise water - the reservoir colour along the valley.
• Prenj and Cvrsnica - the ranges framing the lake.
• The shore road - the M17 and the railway running beside the water.
• Camps and beaches - the access points along the shore.

When to go

May to September for swimming and the strongest colour, which is best in late spring. Weekends bring visitors from Sarajevo and Mostar. Levels vary with dam operation.

Good to know

The main road and railway run along the shore and traffic noise carries. Access points are limited and often crowded. Levels change with dam operation, exposing muddy margins. There are no lifeguards.

Nearby

Konjic lies north; Jablanica is at the dam to the south.

Key facts