Lake Šator is one of my absolute favourite places in all of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Tucked below the rocky ridges of Šator Mountain, it feels like a pocket of wild, unspoiled nature that hasn’t been overrun by tourism. I keep coming back here for its peace, open skies, and endless photo opportunities. It is one of those places where one can camp freely, make a campfire, and marvel at the sounds of nature at night.
Getting There
The drive to Lake Šator is part of the adventure. Depending on which direction you are coming from, it is possible to approach the lake from the north (from Drvar or Glamoć) or the south (from Bosansko Grahovo or Livno). In both cases, the final stretch is a gravel road, and although it’s not too bad in dry conditions, a high-clearance vehicle is definitely recommended. You won’t find facilities up there, so come prepared.
Pristine and Diverse Nature
In summer, this place transforms into a floral paradise. The meadows are carpeted with wildflowers, including three kinds of lilies: Bosnian Lily, Turkish Lily, and Carniolan Lily. Edelweiss even grows here – the only place in Bosnia where I’ve found it personally. Butterflies flit everywhere, frogs hop around the water’s edge, and if you stand still in the lake, tiny fish will nibble the dead skin from your toes. It’s that kind of wild. Macro and close-up photography at its best!
Blueberries, wild raspberries, and forest strawberries are easy to find if you wander just a bit off the trail. The nearby forest provides firewood, and at the abandoned hotel, there is an abundant flow of fresh spring water.
The Lake Šator Vibe: Remote and Raw
At the lake itself, there’s an abandoned hotel in a pretty rough state. You can still walk into it, and from what I’ve seen, people occasionally squat there overnight. Nearby, there’s a large flat area where you can park and camp. Some folks with off-road vehicles even drive closer to the lake to pitch tents.
That said, the growing popularity means we need to tread lightly. If too many people start doing this, the fragile alpine nature will pay the price. Be respectful. Camp responsibly. Leave no trace.
And please, if you light a fire, reuse an existing fireplace instead of making a new one. Dead wood is scarce at this altitude – collect only what’s already fallen, and keep it minimal. A good idea is to collect firewood in the forest while driving up.
Sadly, trash is too common in the bushes and meadows. It’s always disappointing to see plastic bottles or food wrappers left behind. Take your rubbish with you. Honestly, it’s the least we can do.
Hiking to Mt Veliki Šator
The lake also serves as a great starting point for scenic hikes to nearby peaks. I chose to do a morning hike to Mt Veliki Šator. This is an easy, scenic trail with stunning views throughout. It takes about 1 to 1.5 hours and provides sweeping vistas back over the lake, deep into western Bosnia, and even toward Mount Dinara in Croatia. I suggest starting early or timing it for golden hour – the light can be truly magical. You can download my GPS track here.
Lake Šator / Šatorsko Jezero – Conclusion
I hope I’ve sparked your interest in visiting this beautiful lake! This entire region of Bosnia and Herzegovina is often underappreciated by travelers, yet it has so much to offer. Not far from the lake, you’ll find mountains with wild horses, while Una National Park in the opposite direction is perhaps more popular. However, for me personally, the wild spirit of the area—its remote and vast landscapes, mountains, wild meadows, and small villages—makes it incredibly inviting.
Check out my other stories from Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the Balkans. You can also join one of my photography workshops to explore this beautiful part of the world!
