The Largest Lakes in Slovenia

Officially known as the Republic of Slovenia, Slovenia is a nation that is located in the southern side of Central Europe. Like any other country in the world, the nation has a number of water bodies such as rivers and lakes. The number of water bodies classified as lakes (including artificial reservoirs and intermittent lakes) in Slovenia stands at 321. The origin of most lakes goes back to glacial periods while most intermittent lakes occur due to the Karst surface. In Slovene, a lake is called a “jezero.” The largest lake in Slovenia is Lake Cerknica, which has an area of about 38 square kilometers. Lake Kreda is second with a much smaller size of only 8.74 square kilometers. Lake Ptuj and Lake Bohinj are third and fourth with areas of around 3.5 and 3.3 square kilometers respectively.

Largest lakes in Slovenia

Lake Cerknica

This intermittent lake is located in the southwestern region of Slovenia in the Carniola region. Usually, it fills up in autumn when rainfall is plentiful while the water levels dip during the dry summer. It is easily the largest lake in Slovenia while full, but loses its top spot in the dry months. As an important wildlife sanctuary, the lake is classified as a Natura 2000 area of protection.

Lake Kreda

Lake Kreda is man-made and is situated in Slovenia’s northwestern region in the Radovna Valley. Up until 1985, the area was known for its production of salt (or “kreda” in Slovene), which is where its name originated. Most of the basin was created from the salt mining. Currently used as the occasional recreation site, the lake is now conserved under Triglav National Park. The habitat is perfect for lots of amphibian species like the common toad.

Lake Ptuj

This lake is actually a reservoir located in the country’s eastern region in the town of Ptuj. The lake has a maximum length and width of 18,000 and 5,200 feet respectively while the maximum depth is 39 feet. Built in 1978, the reservoir was intended to be a dam that received its water from the Drava River. After its construction, the Formin hydroelectric power plant, which is still in operation today, was set up. Over the years, it has evolved to have other purposes such as a recreation and fishing site.

Lake Bohinj

Located in the Bohinj Valley in the Carniola region, Lake Bohinj is the largest permanent lake in Slovenia. A number of rivers feed the lake although the largest river is the Savica River. Lake Bohinj has a maximum length and width of 2.7 and 0.62 miles respectively while the maximum depth is 148 feet. Interestingly, studies have shown that this lake has a higher rate of outflow compared to the inflow. The water is a perfect habitat for fish species like brown trout and Arctic char.

Other Large Lakes in Slovenia

As stated earlier, Lake Cerknica is the largest intermittent lake when completely filled. Looking at glacial lakes, the largest lakes are Lake Bohinj and Lake Bled (147 hectares). The deepest lake in Slovenia is Wild Lake with depths of up to 520 feet.