Kozjak Lake

Directions

Езеро Козјак · Kozjak · Liqeni i Kozjakut

Kozjak Lake is a long artificial lake on the Treska River in western North Macedonia, between the Suva Gora mountain to the west and the Jasen reserve to the east. It was created in 2004, when the Kozjak hydroelectric plant began operating, and the whole reservoir system was designed by Chinese engineers. The lake is about 32 km long and covers roughly 13.5 km², yet it is never more than a few hundred metres wide, and in places it is more than 100 m deep. Two roads lead to it: one from Makedonski Brod along the Treska, and one from Skopje under the southern slopes of Vodno. Several fish species live in the lake, which is regularly restocked.

How it formed

The rock-fill dam at Lukovica, at 130 m the tallest in the country, was built from 1994 to 2000, and the reservoir began to fill in 2003. Its main purpose is flood control, along with power generation. The steep terrain has earned the lake the name “Macedonian Grand Canyon”.

History

Jasen, on the eastern shore, was a famous hunting reserve that was once closed to ordinary citizens and kept for the political elite.

Nature

The hills around the lake hold wild goats, boar, deer and many birds, and bears and wolves are possible. There is an abundance of fish.

Gallery

3 photos

Photo: Brest at Macedonian Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0

Photo: Jovica Trajkovski · CC BY-SA 3.0

Photo: Цаци · CC BY-SA 3.0

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Visit

Getting there

Nearest settlement: Makedonski Brod

Swimming

No reliable information

Tips

The lake is about 35 km from Skopje, some 30 minutes’ drive, and it can also be visited from Makedonski Brod, but no road connects the two sides. The village of Breznica, with its traditional houses, makes a good stop on the way. Cyclists often outnumber cars on the road, and the lake is recommended for a swim in summer.

For boats into the caves and short kayak trips, Matka, downstream, is the place; arrive early to beat the tour groups. Vrelo Cave and several monasteries are nearby.