February the 22nd, 2026 – Aside from being beautiful and surrounded by pristine nature, Lake Butoniga has enormous importance, as fishing and swimming are forbidden. You can only admire it from afar…
As Putni kofer writes, beautiful Istria is a firm favourite destination for tourists from all over the world, with travellers from Croatia and the surrounding region often choosing it for shorter trips and get to know every corner of it. From its old coastal towns, picturesque villages on top of misty hills in the interior, waterfalls and rivers, to its fantastic food and wine, a trip to Istria is always a good idea. Did you know, however, that the largest Croatian peninsula is home to a “forbidden fruit?” Lake Butoniga is often referred to as Istria’s best-kept secret.
strict protection and a delicate ecosystem
Lake Butoniga is an Istrian lake where fishing and swimming are strictly forbidden. This reservoir was built in 1988 primarily to ensure water supply for cities such as Pazin, Poreč and Rovinj. These Istrian urban centres still get their water from it to this very day. Due to the strict protection of drinking water, swimming and fishing are not allowed under any circumstances. Butoniga is also a very delicate and important ecosystem, home to species like carp, pike and trout.
Although Butoniga is much less well-known to the general public and those who are less familiar with Istria, its surroundings still attract walkers, nature lovers and cyclists. The lake spans an entire area of 2.45 square kilometres and its water supply capacity is an impressive 1000 litres per second. Some of the lake’s viewpoints can be found in the surrounding villages of Grdoselo or Vrh, and Google Maps will also take you to the Ukotići viewpoint, with a gorgeous view of the lake and the whole, unspoiled surrounding area.
it’s easily reachable from both pazin and motovun
Lake Butoniga offers a special experience of peace and quiet, far from the hustle and bustle to which we’ve become so accustomed, while being an excellent stop on the map when exploring Istria’s interior. It will take you about twenty minutes to drive there from Motovun, and about half an hour from Pazin.
Of the lesser known areas on the way, it’s absolutely worth exploring Zarečki Krov, which is about 15 kilometres from the lake. This natural wonder is a cave that lies along the Pazinčica river and resembles a roof. The river itself this area forms into a waterfall and another lake.
A little more than 20 kilometres from Lake Butoniga there is the Butori abyss and waterfall, another less popular attraction of the Istrian interior. It is located near the settlement of Šterna, along the road connecting Buje and Oprtalj. The visit doesn’t involve physical exertion because the abyss is located near the road. As soon as you park, you start strolling along the path that goes around the abyss, secured by a high fence.
The entrance to the abyss is free, and after you pass the fence you will come to a well-maintained path with a handrail, so the descent is safe for all. You will be greeted by a beautiful waterfall and a mystical, deep abyss. All waterfalls and rivers are best viewed in the spring when the water levels are rising.
