These two artificial lakes on the Sava, not far from Ljubljana, have become a hit place for lovers of nature and enjoyment

Almost halfway from Ljubljana to Kranj, to be exact, about 30 minutes drive separates you from not one, but two artificial lakes created on the Sava River for the needs of hydroelectric power plants. Although this was supposed to be their only purpose, they have become tourist destinations the local population enjoys.

Zbilje and Trboj lakes are a real escape from the city hustle and bustle.

Lake Trboj, Photo: Eleassar, CC BY-SA 3.0

Lake Zbilje is located in the settlement of Zbilje, approximately 15 kilometers from the capital’s center. It was created as an accumulation lake in 1953 during the construction of the Medvode hydroelectric power plant and connects the settlements of Zbilje, Podreča, and Dragočajna. It has an area of ​​69 hectares, is 5 kilometers long, and 250 meters wide.

For years, the Sava brought gravel and silt into the lake, so there was no space for tourism development. At the beginning of the 90s, however, that changed, and since then, tourism has flourished it every year.

Lake Zbilje, Photo: Alan Kosmač, Sidarta d.o.o., www.slovenia.info

Next to lake Zbilje, you can now find a promenade, a sunbathing area, a cafe and a restaurant, a volleyball court and a children’s playground, and the occasional picnic spot. In addition to enjoying the nature with which it is surrounded, Zbilje is a popular place for fishing.

For those who love boats or romance, you can rent a canoe or a boat on the lake.

 

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Trboj lake, also known as Mavčič lake or Kranj lake, is located approximately 6 kilometers upstream of Zbilje lake, in the settlement of Trboje, about 10 kilometers from Kranj, and is surrounded by the villages of Jama and Praše.

It was created as a result of the Mavčiče hydroelectric power plant in 1986. It covers 1 square kilometer and reaches a depth of 17 meters. It is known for being home to a diverse fauna, including about 140 species of birds.

Lake Trboj, Photo: Doremo, CC BY-SA 3.0

Trboj lake is not as developed for tourism as Zbilje lake because of the road that runs along the lake itself. Lake Trboj can be accessed at the Čolnarna cafe, which is a kind of oasis for enjoyment, and in Praša, where the Empirej restaurant is located.

 

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Both lakes, in addition to the natural idyll, provide an excellent atmosphere for enjoyment and rest. Visitors love them the most because of the large number of swans that make their home here and enjoy being the attraction of the day. We heard that both have magical sunsets that you definitely have to experience at least once!