Lake Bajer

Lake Bajer is an artificial lake at the edge of the village of Fužine, in Gorski Kotar, the forested mountain region between Rijeka and Zagreb. It was created in 1952 when the Ličanka river was dammed to feed a hydroelectric power plant, and it is the oldest of the reservoirs built in this part of the highlands. Over the decades the lake has become part of the natural scenery, and the hills and conifer forests that surround it make it look more like an alpine lake than a man-made one. Fužine itself has attracted visitors for a long time, since its fresh mountain air made it a summer retreat from the coast.

A well-kept path runs around the lake's shore, and the walk is easy enough for families with children, runners and anyone who wants a gentle stroll. There are benches, small pavilions and viewpoints where you can stop to look across the water toward the village church and the forested ridges beyond. In summer, the lake is used for boating and paddling. Visitors can rent canoes and kayaks, and the wind conditions allow windsurfing and sailing. Tourist boats offer short sightseeing trips on the water, which gives a different view of the shoreline. Swimming is possible in designated areas, although the water stays cool and is fed from mountain streams.

In autumn the surrounding beech and fir forests turn yellow and red, and the lake reflects the colours. Winter can be cold and snowy, and the area has a longer season of cold weather than the coast, only an hour away. Being a reservoir, the water level can change, so the look of the shoreline varies by season.

There is more to Fužine than the main lake. Lake Lepenica, a smaller lake nearby, has its own viewpoint and can be combined with Bajer on a longer walk or cycle, and a World War I memorial plaque is among the small historic markers in the area. The village has restaurants serving mountain dishes, such as game, local cheese and homemade desserts, and several guest houses offer accommodation. Forest trails around the village add further walking options.

The lake is a good stop for drivers who travel between Zagreb and the coast and want a break in the green interior. It can be busy at weekends and during holidays, so a weekday morning is usually calmer.