Mavrovskoe Lake

This lake, located in the north-west of Macedonia, the main attraction of the region, is less than 60 years old. It was formed as a result of the construction of the dam, but it is no less picturesque and significant for the population of the country.

The length is approximately 9 km.
The width is 2.5 km.
The area is 13.2 km2.
The maximum depth is 51 m.
The coastline is 34.7 km long.
The height above sea level is 1200 m.

The Verkhnyaya Radika River, which is only 8 kilometers long, and the Mavrovo River provide all surrounding settlements with electricity. And around the artificial reservoir there is the largest nature reserve in the country — Mavrovo National Park, where the Zara Lazarevski Ski Center is open. The presence of steep and gentle slopes allows both beginners and professional skiers to find their route here.

For the small state of Macedonia, the lake is an important industrial and tourist destination. In summer, it becomes a place of pilgrimage for water sports enthusiasts, and in winter it turns into a giant skating rink 10 kilometers long and about 5 wide. Dense beech forests grow along the shores of the skating rink, and beautiful mountains rise. Mavrovskoe Lake is rightfully considered an excellent place for photo shoots in nature, especially since this natural area is characterized by peace and quiet and is not teeming with annoying tourists.

The water in the lake, even in the warmest months of the year, is never warmer than +20 ° C. In spring and autumn, the water temperature drops noticeably, so it is rare to meet tourists swimming in the reservoir. Only brave and seasoned daredevils come here, or those who prefer water sports — catamarans or boats.

Despite the fact that the lake appeared in the valley of the Radika River relatively recently, it perfectly fits into the ecosystem of a unique natural complex. Spreading between the mountain peaks of Bistra, Sar and Vlajnica, Mavrovskoe Lake has created conditions for the conservation of the biological diversity of the national park. It is estimated that more than 1,000 plant species grow on the territory of the reserve, 60 of them are endemic, that is, they are not found anywhere else in the world, or relict plants. Picturesque gorges, magnificent waterfalls, karst fields, depressions, numerous caves, circuses and crystal blue glacial lakes complement the landscape diversity of the region.

An amazing discovery is made by those tourists who happened to visit the shore of the lake at the time of its partial shallowing. At this time, the dome and sometimes the walls of St. Nicholas Church appear above the water surface. This temple, located in the middle of mountain meadows where local peasants grazed their cattle, was in a flood zone and will probably never be used for its intended purpose.    

You will definitely be offered delicious Macedonian trout dishes in the restaurants of the surrounding hotels. But fishing enthusiasts will be completely bored here — fishing in the lake is prohibited.

It's not difficult to get to Mavrovsky Lake and see firsthand the beautiful artificial reservoir that spills over into an excellent mountain corner. The lake is located just 70 kilometers from the capital of Macedonia, the city of Skopje. The journey by bus will take no more than an hour and a half. You will have to walk a little further, but before that you can leave your things at any of the modern hotels located in the vicinity of the reservoir.