Radoniq Lake, lake in Kosovo

Radoniq Lake is an artificial reservoir in the municipality of Gjakova, Kosovo, with a surface area of 5.62 km², making it the second largest lake in the country after Gazivoda. Its dam holds back 113 million m³ of water, fed by the Lumbardhi i Deçanit and Përrua i Ratishit rivers.

The lake was created in 1983 when a dam was built to hold back water for regional supply needs. This infrastructure development allowed water to be distributed for irrigation and drinking water to nearby communities.

The lake takes its name from the village of Radoniq, which was submerged when the reservoir was created in the 1980s. The water is supplied by the Lumbardhi i Deçanit and Përrua i Ratishit rivers, and filling began in March 1983. In 1998 the lake was the site of the Lake Radonjić massacre.

The area is easily accessible by car from Gjakova and nearby towns, with good roads passing through open fields and small villages. There are no large facilities directly at the shore, so it is best to bring water and snacks for your visit.

The reservoir is named after the village of Radoniq, which was submerged when the lake was created in the 1980s. Filling began in March 1983, fed by the Lumbardhi i Deçanit and Përrua i Ratishit. The dam holds 113 million cubic metres, enough for a steady supply throughout the year.