Lake Varaždin Reservoir
Reservoir on the Drava River by Varaždin
The reservoir north of Varaždin formed on the Drava River attracts anglers, windsurfers and cyclists; visitors often pair lake recreation with a visit to Varaždin's Baroque old town and its annual music festivals.
Lake Varaždin at a Glance#
Address: Varaždin area, Croatia
About Lake Varaždin#
Lake Varaždin is a reservoir on the Drava River near the city of Varaždin in northern Croatia. It was created by damming of the river and serves multiple purposes including water regulation and recreation.
The shoreline and waterbody are used for recreational activities such as boating and fishing by residents of Varaždin and surrounding communities. Facilities and access points are concentrated near urban and suburban edges of the reservoir.
The reservoir was formed when the Drava River was impounded for hydroelectric power and flow regulation; infrastructure associated with the impoundment dates from regional river management projects in the 20th century. Its character has since combined energy use with local recreation.
Geographically it lies on the Drava River corridor in northern Croatia, adjacent to the city of Varaždin and surrounded by low riverine plains and urban areas.
How to Get to Lake Varaždin#
By car: Lake Varaždin is adjacent to Varaždin town center and easily reached via local roads; short walking distances from main squares. Public transport: Varaždin has regional bus and train connections; the lake is within walking distance (10-20 minutes) of the train station.
Tips for Visiting Lake Varaždin#
- Walk the western promenade at sunset to watch local anglers and see the city lights reflect in the water.
- If visiting in summer, find a small café on the riverside - they serve simple fish dishes tied to local harvests.
- Avoid the north bank during heavy rain; flood marks are visible on walls.
Best Time to Visit Lake Varaždin#
Late spring through early autumn for comfortable walking, events and local cafes; quieter visits in shoulder seasons.
Weather & Climate near Lake Varaždin#
Lake Varaždin's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 26°C. Moderate rainfall (877 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -4° - 3° | -3° | 42 mm | overcast | 91% | 2.0 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.9h |
| February | Poor | -3° - 6° | -1° | 45 mm | overcast | 87% | 2.2 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.2h |
| March | Acceptable | 1° - 11° | 4° | 62 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 2.6 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Good | 5° - 16° | 11° | 72 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 2.6 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 13.4h |
| May | Good | 10° - 22° | 16° | 75 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 2.4 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.8h |
| June | Very Good | 13° - 24° | 19° | 98 mm | partly cloudy | 67% | 2.1 m/s | 1.6 very high | 15.6h |
| July | Very Good | 14° - 26° | 20° | 87 mm | partly cloudy | 62% | 2.1 m/s | 1.6 very high | 15.2h |
| August | Excellent | 14° - 26° | 20° | 92 mm | some cloud | 62% | 1.9 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.0h |
| September | Good | 10° - 21° | 16° | 87 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 1.9 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 12.4h |
| October | Good | 5° - 15° | 10° | 83 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 1.9 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.7h |
| November | Poor | 1° - 9° | 3° | 78 mm | overcast | 89% | 2.1 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.3h |
| December | Poor | -2° - 4° | -1° | 56 mm | overcast | 91% | 2.0 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.5h |