We visited Vrilo, the spring responsible for supplying Buško lake!

Last autumn brought not only the golden colors of nature but also the opportunity for a new experience – grape harvesting in the vicinity of Tomislavgrad. At the invitation of our winemaker friends, we set off on a journey, ready to help collect the best berries that will later be turned into fragrant wines. However, since we were already in that area, we could not resist visiting one of the largest artificial lakes in Europe – Buško lake.

We have already written about Buško lake itself, so on this occasion, I wanted to present you with a slightly different story. Located only ten kilometers from Tomislavgrad, this huge lake dominates the landscape with its blueness and attracts travelers. However, did you know that although this lake is artificial, it still has its natural source?

Buško lake, Photo: Adria.fun

Vrilo, the main spring that feeds Buško lake, is a magical place hidden in the Ričina cave complex not far from the village of Vrelo, near the Privala pass that separates Duvanjsko polje from the lake. It is not difficult to reach it if you take the M6.1 main road that connects Tomislavgrad and Trilj in Croatia. On this main road towards the lake, there are two branches on the right that lead to the spring itself. We chose the second one, a little further away because we heard the road was in better condition.

Driving through the hamlets, our path was adorned with the winding flow of the spring that penetrates towards the lake itself and that adorns the landscape with all its greenery. It also reminded us of the flow of the Krka river itself from its source.

Buško Lake, Vrilo spring Photo: Adria.fun

Did you know that before it became one of the largest artificial lakes in Europe, Buško lake was completely different? It was a typical karst field through which the Ričina river meandered. This field, known as Buško blato, turned into a large swamp during the winter due to seasonal floods, but today it is still a huge accumulation of water, essential for hydroelectric power plants, which hides layers of history and natural wonders beneath the surface.

The interior of the Ričina cave reveals three entrances, interconnected by underground channels. These channels, which run in a southwesterly direction, were created by the intense corrosive action of groundwater, creating a space that takes the breath away of anyone who visits it.

Buško Lake, Vrilo spring Photo: Adria.fun

The first entrance to the cave system is lowered 12 meters below the field level, is about 10 meters wide and about 3 meters high, and faces northwest. A walk to the second entrance, 95 meters away in a southwesterly direction, reveals traces of archaeological research that testify to human life in this area over the centuries, while the third entrance, located in a tectonically pronounced area, fascinates geology and speleology enthusiasts because of the sharp bends of the underground channels.
This was truly an interesting experience! Just look at those rocks!

Buško Lake, Vrilo spring Photo: Adria.fun

After we explored the source itself, it was time to head to the lake itself to admire it from a bird’s eye view! Because of its potential, I believe that Buško lake will amaze you with its tourist offer, many beautiful beaches, and catering facilities. We headed towards the Eco Village Grabovica, but that’s a story for itself!