Batllava Lake
Batllava Lake[lower-alpha 1] refers to both a lake and resort located in Kosovo.[1]
| Batllava Lake | |
|---|---|
 View of the lake | |
  Batllava Lake  Batllava Lake | |
| Location | Podujevo, Kosovo |
| Coordinates | 42°49′16″N 21°18′28″E |
| Primary inflows | Batllava River |
| Basin countries | Kosovo |
| Max. length | 6 km (3.7 mi) |
| Max. width | 700 m (2,300 ft) |
| Surface area | 3.07 km2 (1.19 sq mi) |
| Average depth | 35 m (115 ft) |
| Surface elevation | 640 m (2,100 ft) |
| Islands | 0 |
History
Batllava Lake's dam started to be built in 1961 and was finished in 1965. The purpose of its construction was to supply water to the coal-fired power plants in Obiliq. But, after the construction of Ujman Lake, from where the power plants are now supplied.
Batllava Lake, nowadays, supplies water to the largest water supply company, the regional water supply company "Prishtina", respectively the cities and villages of the municipalities of Podujeva, Pristina and Obiliq.[2]
Geography
Batllava Lake is located in north-eastern Kosovo in the municipality of Podujeva. It is 13 km (8.1 mi) away from Podujeva and around 30 km (19 mi) from Pristina.
The lake extends west to east, since its dam is in the west of the lake and it is fed by the Batllava River. The lake is about 6 km (3.7 mi) long and it has a width up to 700 m (2,300 ft). The depth of the lake fluctuates by the seasons but it can have a depth up to 48 m (157 ft). The lake has a height of 3.29 km2 (1.27 sq mi) and is one of the largest lakes in Kosovo. Batllava Lake, being an artificial lake, it has a dam with a height of 40.5 m (133 ft). [2]
Present day
As one of the main tourist destinations in Kosovo, Batllava Lake is surrounded by mountains and high forests rich in various plants. The natural landscape is amazing all year round, especially in summer.[2] Apart from its main function, the drinking water supply for some cities, the lake is also a suitable place for other sports activities; swimming, fishing and boating.[2] On the shores of the lake there are several well-known restaurants with fish menu and traditional food. Around the lake, in certain picturesque places, many mountain houses and holiday lodges have been built for tourists. The beauties of the lake and the forests around it attract many visitors at any time of the year.[2]
Because the lake is rich in fish, especially carp and northern pike, fishing is quite developed and attractive to many regular visitors. Fishing competitions are also organized every year.[2]
Swimming is also an activity during the summer months. Swimming competitions are held in the lake from time to time. Organized by the Kosovo Swimming Federation, the International Swimming Marathon is held every year in Batllava Lake.[2] The "Kosova 2021" marathon was held, when 27 swimmers from Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia competed on a 4.2 km (2.6 mi) path.[2] On the surface of the lake, apart from swimming, other water sports can be practiced, such as diving, kayaking, water skiing, etc. Even boating on the lake is a special pleasure.[2]
References
- "Batllava lake Swimming Camping Watersports Batlava Kosovo". www.kosovo-vacations.com. Retrieved 2022-09-08.
- Gjini, Xhevat (2022-01-31). "Berat Luzha: Shtegtime nëpër Atdhe (CLXXII) – Liqeni i Batllavës – mes natyrës së paprekur dhe mjedisit të ndotur". Gazeta LËVIZJA (in Albanian). Retrieved 2023-06-24.
