Balkana Lake

Balkana Lake is a true gem of western Bosnia, set on the slopes of Mount Lisina, just four to five kilometres from Mrkonjić Grad. The complex consists of two artificial lakes – the Small and the Large – covering about 56,000 m², fed by mountain streams and springs beneath the Large Lake. A dense belt of beech and conifers rings both lakes, while fresh mountain air and quiet make this a perfect escape from city noise.

The Small Lake is a bathing area; the Large attracts anglers with trout and other fish. The name Balkana has nothing to do with the Balkan peninsula – tradition holds that two deep wells full of fish once stood here, and since the Turkish for fish is baluk they were called Balukhana, then Balukana and finally Balkana. Every year the Mowing Days festival brings competitive mowers and folk ensembles together in celebration of local tradition.