Nature park in Dalmatia – Zadar
Vransko Lake
- Best time to go
- Apr, May, June, Sept, Oct
- Part of
- Dalmatia – Zadar
Vransko Lake is the largest natural lake in Croatia, a long, shallow lake separated from the sea by only a narrow strip of land near Pakoštane.
Its reedbeds and marshes form an important bird reserve, where herons, egrets and many other species nest and stop on migration. A flat cycle path runs around the lake, and from the Kamenjak hill above it you can see the lake, the sea and the islands at once. It is an easy half day of nature close to the beaches.
Things to do
Don't miss in Vransko Lake
- Cycle the flat path around the lake.
- Watch birds from the hides and paths at the edge of the ornithological reserve.
- Drive or walk up to the Kamenjak viewpoint for the view over the lake and the sea.
- Rent a canoe or kayak and paddle along the shore.
- Join a guided birdwatching walk, especially in spring and autumn.
- Combine the lake with an afternoon on the beaches in Pakoštane.
Where to stay
Pick your neighbourhood
Pakoštane
staying between the lake and the sea, in a small seaside village with beaches and campsites
Biograd na Moru
a lively seaside town with a big marina, close to the lake
Zadar
a city base for a half-day trip to the lake
Tours and getting around
Day trips from Vransko Lake
The park runs boat trips, birdwatching walks and bike tours in season. Day trips from Zadar sometimes stop at the lake on the way to Krka or Šibenik.
A car makes it easy to reach the lake, the visitor centre and Kamenjak. Bikes can be rented at the park and in the nearby villages, and are the nicest way to go around the lake.
Getting there
How to get to Vransko Lake
Vransko Lake lies just behind the coast between Biograd na Moru and Pakoštane, about 30 minutes by car south of Zadar and about 40 minutes north of Šibenik. The coast road passes right by it, and the park's visitor centre and the Kamenjak viewpoint are signposted from the villages. Buses between Zadar and Šibenik stop in Pakoštane and Biograd. Check opening hours, ticket prices and any road closures on the park's official website before you go, as they change with the season.