Batlava Lake
A reservoir northeast of Pristina, the capital's nearest place to swim.
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Batlava is a reservoir in wooded hills northeast of Pristina, built to supply the capital with water and now the nearest place the city can swim, with beaches, restaurants and boats along parts of the shore. The water is clear and the surrounding hills are forested. It fills at summer weekends and is quiet the rest of the time. The dam was built in the 1960s and the lake now covers around three square kilometres. Fishing is permitted on parts of the shore and small boats operate in summer.
What you actually see
- The reservoir - the lake in wooded hills northeast of the capital.
- The shore beaches - the stretches used for swimming in summer.
- The forested hills - the wooded ground around the water.
- The quiet weekdays - a lake almost empty outside weekends.
When to go
June to September is the swimming season. Weekends are crowded and weekdays quiet. Winter leaves the lake cold and the shore empty.
Honest expectations
It is a water supply reservoir and swimming areas are limited. Facilities are seasonal and basic. Litter after busy weekends is a problem.
Nearby
Podujevë is north, and Pristina is southwest.
What to pack for Batlava Lake
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.