Bilećko Lake, reservoir in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bilećko Lake is a large artificial reservoir near the town of Bileća, created in 1968 when the Grančarevo Dam was constructed across the Trebišnjica River. The lake covers about 33 square kilometers, reaches depths exceeding 100 meters, sits at roughly 400 meters elevation, and is surrounded by white limestone mountains and rugged terrain.
The lake was created in 1968 when the Grančarevo Dam was built across the Trebišnjica River for hydroelectric power and irrigation, resulting in the flooding of a small village at its bottom. This dam project made it the largest artificial reservoir in the Balkans.
The name Bileća dates to 1387, and the region became known for building stećak tombstones from the 14th to 16th centuries. These ancient monuments still stand on the lake's shores today, telling stories of the people who once lived in this area.
The lake is best visited during warm months when swimming and water sports like kayaking and fishing are especially rewarding. Bring comfortable walking shoes, swimwear, and appropriate gear for activities, and plan time to explore the surrounding green hills and forests.
On the lake's shores lies one of the region's largest stećak necropolises, an ancient burial ground with hundreds of intricately carved medieval tombstones. Some stones disappeared underwater when the valley was flooded, but many others still stand as reminders of centuries of history at this location.
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