Lake Komarnik

Komarnik Lake is one of the five reservoir lakes in the Pesnica Valley. The history of the lake's formation is linked to the noble Herberstein family, who owned the nearby Hrastovec Castle. Komarnik, which was created in the 16th century, was originally used for fish farming. In the 1960s, it was transformed into a reservoir for retaining high water. Today, Komarnik Lake is one of the five reservoir lakes in Slovenske Gorice, yet it has a completely natural appearance and is home to many different species of animals.

Around the lake runs Franckova pot, a pleasant 2.5-kilometer-long trail through blooming chamomiles. Along the path, there are explanatory boards and two bird-watching observatories. Komarnik Lake is considered one of the most important breeding grounds for waterfowl in Slovenia, and some migratory birds also find a temporary home here. The lake is also home to 35 species of dragonflies, including endangered ones such as the Loška zverca, Zgodnji trsničar, and Nosna jezerka, which are found here in the highest numbers in Europe. In many places, they have even completely disappeared.

Along the well-maintained walking path, visitors can also enjoy a beautiful view of the nearby Hrastovec Castle. A well-maintained path called Agata’s Path leads from the castle, past Komarnik, to the Črni Križ monument near Hrastovec. The path is arranged in memory of the tragic love between Agata and the nobleman Friderik Herberstein.