Lake Trakošćan

Lake Trakošćan is an artificial lake in the Zagorje hills of northern Croatia, in Krapina-Zagorje County, close to the Slovenian border, and it forms one of the most celebrated views in the country. The lake lies in a green valley surrounded by wooded slopes, and on a hill above its northern shore stands Trakošćan Castle, whose white walls and towers are reflected in the water. The combination of castle, lake and forest is often described as a picture-postcard landscape, and it is one of the best examples of Romantic historicism in Croatia. The lake is not a natural feature. It was created in the 19th century as part of a landscaped park laid out around the castle, when the owners, the Drašković family, who held the estate for centuries, transformed the old medieval fortress into a neo-Gothic residence and the surrounding grounds into a park in the English style.

The lake and its surroundings are open to walk around. A path of about two kilometres runs along the shore, passing through shaded woodland, across small bridges and past viewpoints from which the castle can be seen from different angles, and the walk takes about an hour at a gentle pace. Benches along the way invite rests, and in the water, swans, ducks and fish, including carp and pike, can be seen. In summer, visitors can hire pedal boats and rowing boats, which gives another way to see the castle from the water, and in autumn the forest around the lake turns gold and red, creating a particularly beautiful scene. In winter, the lake sometimes freezes, and the castle in snow looks like something from a fairy tale.

The castle is the main attraction in the vicinity. It stands on a hill above the lake, and its interiors, which are open to visitors, contain furniture, portraits, weapons and household objects that tell the story of the noble family and of aristocratic life in the 19th century. The grounds and gardens, which are known as the castle park and gardens, add to the experience, with paths leading through trees and lawns. The castle is a good place to learn about the history of the region and to see how the Romantic movement shaped the idea of the medieval past in Central Europe. Opening hours for the park and lake are generally from morning to late afternoon, but it is best to check the current schedule and fees, which may vary by season.

The lake is easily reached by car from Zagreb in about an hour and a half, and from Varaždin in less than an hour. The Ivanščica mountain, a nature park, rises nearby, with hiking trails, and the Zagorje countryside offers castles, wine cellars and small villages. A restaurant near the lake serves local dishes, such as turkey with mlinci and štrukli.

The lake suits families, couples, photographers and walkers. Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for soft light and fewer people, and allow two to three hours with the castle.