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Buško Lake

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Weather…

Buško Lake, also known as Buško Blato, is one of the largest artificial reservoirs in Europe, located in the southwestern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina near the Croatian border. It was created in the 1970s by flooding a karst field at an altitude of 716 meters above sea level to supply the Orlovac hydroelectric power plant. The water surface covers approximately 55 square kilometers, and the basin has a storage capacity of around 800 million cubic meters. Geographically, the lake belongs to the Cetina river basin and is primarily fed by precipitation and smaller local karst springs. Beyond its industrial significance for energy production, the lake has become an important habitat for various fish species, including the endemic Adriatic minnow. Numerous archaeological sites from the Illyrian and Roman periods are located around the lake, testifying to a long history of human settlement in the area. Today, the lake is increasingly used for recreational activities such as fishing, sailing, and tourism, benefiting from the region's mild Mediterranean-influenced climate.

Location: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Top sights: Plaža Marinivac · Marinovac
Nearby: Tomislavgrad (17 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	3	4	7	11	15	20	24	24	18	13	9	4
Rain mm	93	88	80	68	57	50	28	38	80	87	123	117

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Lake Buško is a freely accessible body of water, with its shores accessible at any time. Several beaches and picnic spots around the lake are free to enter.

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Typical hours

The lake is accessible 24/7, while surrounding restaurants and campsites have varying hours. Many facilities close in the off-season.

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Photography

Photography is allowed everywhere around the lake, with the wide water expanse and surrounding mountains offering beautiful panoramas. Drone flights may require a permit.

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Time needed

Driving around the entire lake takes about 30 minutes, while walking requires a full day. For a relaxing swim, 2 to 4 hours are enough.

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Combine with

Nearby Livno town with its old town and Franciscan church is worth a visit. Blidinje Nature Park is also not far away.

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Getting there

The lake is near the Croatian border, reachable via the M5 or local roads. A private car is practical as public transport is sparse.

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Insider tip

Bring swimwear and food as there are few kiosks. The secluded coves in the northeast are especially quiet and handy for swimming.

Geography

Coordinates

43.63330, 17.05000

Facts

Completion year: 1974
Surface area: 55.8 km²
Maximum depth: 13 meters
Elevation: 716 m above sea level
Capacity: 800 million m³
Power plant: Orlovac (Croatia)

Explore nearby

Notable places around

📍Aržano7 km · SWExplore →

📍Studenci12 km · SExplore →

📍Tijarica12 km · SWExplore →

📍Ričice14 km · SExplore →

📍Lokvičići15 km · SExplore →

📍Lovreć15 km · SExplore →

📍Dolića Draga17 km · SExplore →

Kamešnica17 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Buško Lake (2)

Plaža Marinivac

Beach section on Buško Lake, suitable for swimming and sunbathing.

Marinovac

Pebble beach on Buško Lake, used for recreation and water sports.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Buško Lake?

It is one of the largest artificial reservoirs in Europe, on the border between Bosnia and Dalmatia.

Can you swim in the lake?

Yes, there are several beaches where swimming is very popular during the summer.

Are there water sports activities?

Yes, sailing, fishing, and canoeing are possible on the lake.

Are there campsites by the lake?

Yes, there are designated areas for camping and RVs near the shore.

How is the climate at the lake?

It is a mix of alpine and Mediterranean climate, often with a pleasant breeze.

Buško Lake: where is it located?

Buško Lake is located in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Buško Lake: what is there to see?

Highlights include Plaža Marinivac, Marinovac.

Buško Lake: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Buško Lake: why is it worth visiting?

Buško Lake, also known as Buško Blato, is one of the largest artificial reservoirs in Europe, located in the southwestern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina near the Croatian border.

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