Beneath this lake in Lika, a submerged village is hidden: in times of drought, the bell tower of the church and the ruins of houses still emerge today.
Lake Kruščica is an artificial reservoir created in 1966 with the construction of a dam. It is beloved by anglers and those who enjoy the peace and quiet of nature.
Like oil, the lake’s calm surface, surrounded by greenery gently swaying in the soft breeze, blends with the blue of the sky on a clear summer day. This is the view that will greet you if you venture to Lika, into the famous Lika Field, and visit the little-known Lake Kruščica. This beautiful and peaceful oasis is a perfect destination for a day trip, but beneath its surface lies a story that will particularly intrigue you and give your nature experience a whole new dimension. Beneath Kruščica, there is a submerged village that, during low water levels, still reveals its outlines to this day!
THE LAKE WAS ARTIFICIALLY CREATED BY THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN 80-METER HIGH DAM
Lake Kruščica is located literally in the heart of Lika. The nearest larger town is Perušić, about a 35-minute drive by car. Nearby is the famous Grabovača Cave Park, and the distance from Gospić is around 25 kilometers. The lake lies on the course of the Lika River, one of Croatia’s longest sinking rivers, a karst beauty winding through nature and creating incredible landscapes.
One of the most significant spots on the Lika River, which is becoming increasingly popular for kayaking trips, is the Kruščica reservoir. It was artificially created in 1966 by building an 80-meter high dam for the construction of a hydroelectric power plant. It is located on the lower course of the river near the village of Mlakva and is named after the village of Kruščica. This village, which gave its name to the lake, was submerged during the construction, and its inhabitants were relocated to surrounding areas.
AT LOW WATER LEVELS, THE BELL TOWER OF THE CHURCH OF SAINT ELIJAH EMERGES FROM THE LAKE
During the summer months, when water levels are low, the ruins of the Church of Saint Elijah, along with houses, estates, and roads of the submerged village, can still be seen. Today, the lake can be visited by boat along the Lika River or by hiking trails from the villages of Kaluđerovac or Vaganac. Besides being important for energy production, the lake is also a popular spot for anglers.
Near the village of Vaganac, a communal grave was created where the relocated remains from the village cemetery were reburied. The Lika Tourist Board also notes that a monument honoring more than three hundred deceased is located not far from the lake.
THE LAKE WAS LAST DRAINED IN 2010, WITH NEW CLEANING PLANNED
The lake was last drained in 2010, when 128 million cubic meters of water were released to allow inspection of the lakebed, dam, and equipment, as well as to repair any possible damage. At that time, fish retreated along the Lika Riverbed, and the remains of houses once again became visible. Draining is planned every ten years; in 2022, a report was prepared for a new operation, but it has not yet taken place.
IN ITS DEEPEST PARTS, THE LAKE IS UP TO 30 METERS DEEP
Lake Kruščica remains important today for water supply and energy production in the region. It is beloved by anglers and, in recent years, has also been discovered by nature lovers. The lake is about 7 kilometers long, up to 2.5 kilometers wide, and approximately 30 meters deep at its deepest points. Its size, calm surface, and the reflection of the surrounding mountains visible in the morning hours make it a truly special place.
SWIMMING IS NOT PROHIBITED, BUT NOT RECOMMENDED: THERE ARE MANY NICER SPOTS ALONG THE LIKA RIVER
Although swimming is not explicitly prohibited—except near the hydroelectric power plant area—it is not recommended. There are many more beautiful spots along the upper and lower reaches of the Lika River for enjoying and cooling off. Visiting the lake, given its ideal location, is perfect to combine with exploring other beauties of this part of Lika—from the previously mentioned Gospić, Perušić, and Grabovača, to the somewhat more distant Otočac and Gacka Valley, Smiljan, the birthplace of Nikola Tesla, and Kuterevo, home to a bear sanctuary. A trip to Lika always reveals a new attraction!
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