Prokoško LakeAbout Prokoško Lake
Prokoško Lake (Prokoško Jezero) is a small glacial lake on the Vranica mountain plateau in central Bosnia and Herzegovina, located at high altitude in the mountain massif. The lake is surrounded by alpine meadows, rocky slopes and stands of mountain vegetation.
The most distinctive feature is a small vegetated islet that carries traditional wooden shepherd huts and simple shelters used seasonally by local herders. The lake and its immediate surroundings are used for short hikes, photography and pastoral activities rather than large-scale tourism.
The lake formed in a glacial basin and sits on the Vranica range between central Bosnian towns and mountain villages. It is accessed by mountain roads and footpaths from nearby settlements in the Vranica area.
- High-altitude glacial lake: Sits at high altitude in the Vranica mountain range, approximately 1,650 metres above sea level, and is of glacial origin.
- Shepherd huts: Seasonal shepherd huts and simple wooden shelters on the islet are a distinctive local feature and traditional grazing sites.
What to See#
- Central islet and katun cluster: A small vegetated islet near the lake’s centre that carries traditional wooden shepherd huts (katuns) used seasonally by herders.
Nearby Attractions to Prokoško Lake
Best Time to Visit Prokoško Lake
Late spring through early autumn is the best window for visiting; summer offers the calmest trails and pleasant temperatures.
Weather & Climate near Prokoško Lake
Prokoško Lake's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -8°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1189 mm/year), wettest in November, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -7° - -2° | -10° | 80 mm | overcast | 92% | 3.7 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.2h |
| February | Poor | -8° - -2° | -10° | 80 mm | overcast | 90% | 4.1 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.3h |
| March | Poor | -5° - 1° | -7° | 86 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.0 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Poor | -2° - 5° | -2° | 104 mm | overcast | 80% | 3.9 m/s | 1.0 high | 13.3h |
| May | Acceptable | 2° - 12° | 5° | 104 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 3.4 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.5h |
| June | Good | 5° - 16° | 10° | 111 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 2.9 m/s | 1.8 very high | 15.2h |
| July | Very Good | 7° - 18° | 12° | 87 mm | some cloud | 65% | 2.8 m/s | 1.9 very high | 14.9h |
| August | Very Good | 7° - 18° | 12° | 88 mm | some cloud | 61% | 2.8 m/s | 1.6 very high | 13.8h |
| September | Acceptable | 4° - 14° | 7° | 100 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 3.1 m/s | 1.0 high | 12.4h |
| October | Acceptable | 1° - 9° | 2° | 109 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 3.5 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.9h |
| November | Poor | -4° - 4° | -4° | 130 mm | partly cloudy | 87% | 4.0 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.5h |
| December | Poor | -6° - 0° | -8° | 110 mm | partly cloudy | 90% | 4.1 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
How to Get to Prokoško Lake
Access is by mountain roads from Fojnica or Kupres; the final approach involves alpine tracks and a short hike. Local tour operators in nearby towns can arrange transport and guide services.
Tips for Visiting Prokoško Lake
- Hike the marked circuit that descends to the southern view platform for the best single view of the lake and its shepherd huts.
- Access tracks can be muddy after rain - consider waterproof boots and return before dusk as mountain weather changes quickly.
- Stay in nearby Fojnica or Kupres for local guide connections; many guesthouses will arrange a guided ascent.