Slovenian Quarry Lake

The quarry lake at Škofljica lies on the southern edge of Ljubljana, where the flat Ljubljana Marsh meets the first low hills of Lower Carniola. Like many quarry lakes across Europe, it began as a working pit, where stone was dug for building and roadwork, and when the digging stopped, groundwater and rain filled the hollow, creating a lake with steep rocky sides. Over the years, vegetation has crept back, and trees, shrubs and reeds now soften the edges, so that the old industrial site has become an informal green space where people from the neighbourhood come to swim, walk and relax.

The character of the place is rough and natural rather than manicured. There are no facilities such as changing rooms, cafes or lifeguards, and the shore is a mixture of grass, rock and gravel, so that visitors usually bring what they need, from towels and shade to drinking water, and take their rubbish home. In summer, the water is a clear green and refreshingly cool, and swimmers and sunbathers gather on the banks on warm days, with families and young people the main users. The rocky walls that rise around the lake add a dramatic note to the scene and are reflected in the surface on calm mornings, a sight that photographers like.

Safety is an important consideration at any quarry lake. The water can be deep very close to the edge, the temperature below the surface is much colder than at the top, and the underwater terrain may include sharp rock or debris from the old workings, so swimming is at one's own risk and children need constant supervision. Jumping from the walls is dangerous and should be avoided. After heavy rain, the water can become cloudy, and the paths and slopes can be slippery, so appropriate shoes are advisable. In winter, the lake sometimes freezes, and ice skaters and photographers may appear, but the ice is rarely safe to walk on without checking local advice.

The lake is a pleasant place for a quiet picnic or a stroll, and birds such as ducks and herons are often seen. Škofljica itself has a few points of interest that can be combined with a visit, including the Church of St. Simon and Jude, the NLS monument, and the archaeological sites of the Ljubljana Marsh, which are discussed with the Remnants of Iron Age settlements and ancient crannogs. Cycling routes link the village with Ljubljana and the surrounding countryside, so the lake can be reached on two wheels in half an hour or so from the city. Early morning and evening are the quietest and most attractive times.