Prokoško lake below the peaks of Vranica mountain
DarBosnia Official DarBosnia account Sarajevo

Central Bosnia mountains

Prokoško lake and Fojnica travel guide

Region
Central Bosnia Canton
From Sarajevo
80 km · 1 h 30 min
Best time
June–September
Time to allow
A full day

Quick answer

Prokoško lake is a glacial lake at about 1,600 m on Vranica mountain, around 80 km from Sarajevo — about an hour and a half by road. Wooden cottages line the shore, the air is cool even in August, and the lake is a protected natural monument. The final stretch of road is narrow and partly unpaved, and rental companies, including our partner, do not allow their cars on it — the easy way up is with a local driver. On the way, the town of Fojnica has a spa and a historic Franciscan monastery.

A lake above the clouds

Prokoško is one of the most photographed places in Bosnia: a still lake in a bowl of mountains, wooden cottages on the shore and the rocky ridge of Vranica behind. Families come for a picnic and the cool air; walkers continue up to the high pastures.

Prokoško lake
Prokoško lake

The lake features in several of our ready-made programmes. Combine it with lunch in Fojnica on the way back to Sarajevo, or plan it as a nature day in a longer nature and waterfalls route.

Explore

What to see

#PlaceWhat it isTime neededGoogle Maps
1Prokoško lakeMountain lakeHalf a day
Google Maps Directions
2Walks on VranicaMountain hiking2–4 h
Google Maps Directions
3Fojnica Franciscan monasteryMonastery & museumAbout 1 h
Google Maps Directions
4Fojnica spaSpaHalf a day
Google Maps Directions

  1. Prokoško lake

    A green-blue lake below the rocky peaks of Vranica, with walking paths around the shore, wooden cottages and small restaurants in summer.

    Google Maps Directions

  2. Walks on Vranica

    Marked paths climb from the lake towards the high pastures and peaks of Vranica — for fit walkers with proper shoes.

    Google Maps Directions

  3. Fojnica Franciscan monastery

    The monastery keeps the Ahdnama, the 1463 charter of Sultan Mehmed II that guaranteed the Franciscans' freedom of religion, along with a museum and library.

    Google Maps Directions

  4. Fojnica spa

    Fojnica's thermal waters have been used for centuries; the spa hotel offers pools and treatments.

    Google Maps Directions

Practical notes

  • The last kilometres to the lake are narrow and partly gravel — not ideal for low cars or in rain.
  • Rental cars from our partner may not be driven to Prokoško Lake — the full deposit is kept if they are. Book a car with a driver for this day instead.
  • It is much cooler at the lake than in Sarajevo; bring a jacket.
  • In winter the road is usually snowbound.
FromToDistanceDrive time
SarajevoProkoško Lake80 km1 h 30 min

Road distance and drive time without stops, calculated with OSRM on OpenStreetMap data (October 2026). Mountain roads, weather, border queues and photo stops add time.

Prices, timetables and entry rules change. We checked the facts on this page on the date shown; confirm time-sensitive details before you travel.

Questions travellers ask

Can I drive a rental car to Prokoško lake?

No — our partner's rental terms do not allow their cars on the Prokoško road, and the whole deposit is kept if a car is taken there. The final stretch is narrow and partly unpaved. Go with a car and a local driver instead.

When is the best time to visit Prokoško lake?

June to September. Outside summer the weather changes quickly, and in winter the road is usually closed by snow.

Sources and further reading

Plan the rest of your trip