AUTUMN PHOTO WALK – BALKANA LAKE

Balkana Lake, located along the former “AVNOJ Route” (Jajce – Mrkonjić Grad – Bihać), is one of the most attractive excursion sites in this region.

PHOTO: Miodrag Gajić

Surrounded by pastures and dense oak and conifer forests, it offers visitors a peaceful natural setting ideal for relaxation and photography, especially in autumn when the colors of the landscape come alive.

The lake complex consists of two artificial lakes – the Small and the Large Lake – with a total area of 56,000 m². Constructed in the 20th century, the lakes are fed by mountain streams Cjeplo and Skakavac, as well as sub-lacustrine springs beneath the Large Lake. The smaller lake serves as a swimming area, while the larger one, rich in trout, attracts fishing enthusiasts throughout the year.

According to local legends, there are several stories about the creation of the lake and the origin of its name. It is said that two deep wells once existed here, full of fish. Since the Turkish word for fish is “baluk,” the place was originally called Balukhana – “the home of fish.” Over time, the name evolved into Balukana, and finally into Balkana – which, interestingly, has no connection to the term “Balkan.”

Next to the lake, visitors can enjoy a well-known restaurant famous for its traditional dishes such as cornmeal porridge (pura), cicvara, doughnuts, grilled lamb and veal cooked under the bell, and various trout specialties. Today, Balkana is not only a favorite local picnic spot but also a destination for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers eager to capture the serene beauty of autumn by the water’s edge.