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.

Main image

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.

Summer
June-August · 20-30°C
Pleasant evenings and outdoor dining along the shore.
Spring/Autumn
April-May, September-October · 10-20°C
Good walking weather and fewer tourists.
Winter
November-March · -5-5°C
Cold and quiet; some services are reduced.

Weather & Climate near Lake Varaždin#

Climate

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).

Air Quality: AQI 55 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
AugustJuneJuly
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
40°
Warmest Month
-25°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
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

Nearby Attractions to Lake Varaždin#