Zaovine Lake
Lake Artificial reservoir surrounded by Tara mountain forests
An artificial mountain lake on Tara’s western slopes, accessed by winding roads and trails; visitors kayak, hike to viewpoints and use the lake as a base for exploring nearby forested ridges.
Zaovine Lake (Zaovinsko jezero) is a lake and reservoir located on the Tara plateau in western Serbia, near the village of Zaovine. It occupies a highland area adjacent to Tara National Park and is recognised for its wooded shorelines and upland scenery.
The lake is used for boating, angling and lakeside recreation and provides scenic viewpoints over the surrounding forested ridges. Roads and viewpoints around the lake give access to multiple shoreline spots and photo points.
The waterbody was formed in the modern era as a reservoir on upland rivers to support power generation and water management; it has changed local land use patterns and created new shoreline areas used for recreation.
Zaovine Lake sits on the Tara plateau in western Serbia, within the general area of Tara National Park and the Zlatibor-Bajina Bašta region. The nearest service town is Bajina Bašta to the southwest.
- Nearest town: Nearest larger town is Bajina Bašta, which serves as the usual base for visitors to the area and to nearby Tara National Park.
How to Get to Zaovine Lake #
Zaovine Lake is accessed by regional roads from the town of Bajina Bašta; the drive into the Tara mountain region takes about one to two hours depending on route. Local signs guide visitors toward the lake and campgrounds.
Tips for Visiting Zaovine Lake #
- Drive carefully on the mountain roads to the lake; parking at official bays is limited in high season.
- Rent a boat or join a guided excursion to reach the lake's quieter coves.
- Combine a visit with a trip to Tara National Park for hiking and viewpoints.
Best Time to Visit Zaovine Lake #
Late spring through early autumn for easy access and boating; autumn for colours and fewer crowds.
Weather & Climate near Zaovine Lake #
Zaovine Lake's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 22°C. Abundant rainfall (1023 mm/year), wettest in June.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (112 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
