Red Lake (Croatia) Lake

Address: Red Lake (Crveno Jezero), near Imotski, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia

Admission: Free to visit (outdoor natural site)

Red Lake (Crveno Jezero) is a karst sinkhole lake near the town of Imotski in Split‑Dalmatia County, Croatia. The site is noted for its steep, nearly vertical cliffs surrounding a water‑filled doline.

The principal attraction is the dramatic natural amphitheater formed by the collapse of karst limestone, with sheer rock faces around the water and paths and viewpoints on the rim offering panoramic views. The lake sits adjacent to a separate feature called the Blue Lake; both are notable examples of karst geomorphology in the region.

The sinkhole developed through karst processes over geological time; the modern water body fills the collapsed depression and varies seasonally. The area has been visited for its geology and scenic value rather than a long built history.

Red Lake lies a short distance west of Imotski in inland Dalmatia, southern Croatia, set in a rugged karst plateau rather than on the coast. The nearest larger city is Split, roughly 80-90 kilometers to the northwest by road.

• Viewing points: Lookouts on the rim provide the clearest views of the steep vertical walls that drop to the water; approach from Imotski on marked paths.

Red Lake (Crveno jezero) is located just outside the town of Imotski in Split-Dalmatia County. From Split take the A1 motorway and exit toward Zagvozd/Imotski, then follow the regional roads (D62/D60 and local roads) into Imotski and follow signs to the Red Lake viewpoint; there is parking at the rim and a short paved path/steps down to the main viewing platforms.

• Visit at sunrise for the most dramatic lighting and calmer water surface in the sinkhole; early visits also avoid the busiest afternoon periods in summer.
• Use the main rim viewpoints rather than attempting to descend - access to the bottom is often restricted for safety, so plan to view the sinkhole from the established east and west rim platforms.
• Combine a visit to Red Lake with nearby Blue Lake (Modro Jezero) in Imotski on the same day; both sinkholes are close together and show very different colors and geology.