Plizio Visual Lab
Oslomej Lake
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Lake
Weather…
Water temperature…
Oslomej Lake is an artificial body of water located near the town of Kičevo in western North Macedonia. It was created in the 1980s as a technical reservoir for the nearby Oslomej Thermal Power Plant, which utilizes local lignite coal deposits. The lake was formed in the depression of a former open-pit mine once the coal extraction shifted to other areas. Today, it serves as a site for local recreational fishing and is part of a larger industrial landscape undergoing environmental transformation. The surrounding area is characterized by the massive cooling towers of the power plant and the remnants of mining infrastructure. Efforts are being made to rehabilitate the land around the lake, including the installation of solar power capacities on the former mining grounds. The lake remains a significant example of industrial impact on the regional geography of the Kičevo basin and the subsequent attempts at renaturing brownfield sites.
- Location: North Macedonia
- Top sights: Oslomej · Žubrino · Arangel
- Nearby: Plasnica Processing (17 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 14 | 18 | 22 | 22 | 17 | 11 | 6 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 59 | 51 | 55 | 59 | 67 | 54 | 38 | 41 | 59 | 66 | 66 | 64 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Finding this smaller artificial lake typically involves navigating local secondary roads heading directly toward the industrial infrastructure area of the Oslomej power plant.
Best season
Spring and summer are typically the most pleasant times to visit the shoreline, when the surrounding landscape is bustling and most optimally lit for amateur photography.
Terrain & paths
The surrounding edges of this reservoir feature generally flat dirt tracks and potentially muddy banks, depending heavily on recent local rainfall and overall water management.
What to bring
Waterproof boots are highly practical if you plan to walk closely near the water's edge, along with basic sun protection if visiting during clear, unobstructed daytime hours.
Parking
Visitors typically find informal roadside spots to pull over nearby, though official visitor infrastructure and paved parking lots are generally completely absent at this specific site.
Safety
Stay highly mindful of any restricted areas associated with the nearby power generation facilities, and completely avoid swimming as the industrial water quality is entirely uncertain.
Time needed
A brief, uncomplicated stop of thirty minutes to an hour is usually more than enough time to photograph the area and observe the unusual blend of serene nature and heavy industry.
Geography
Facts
- Created in the 1980s as an industrial reservoir
- Located in the Kičevo basin in western Macedonia
- Formed in a former open-pit lignite mine depression
- Used for cooling the Oslomej thermal power plant
- Currently used as a popular spot for local fishing
- Part of a project to install solar power on mine land
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Oslomej Lake (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is Oslomej Lake a natural lake?
No, it is an artificial lake created in connection with lignite mining.
Can you swim in the lake?
Swimming is not recommended due to water quality and industrial proximity.
Is fishing allowed?
Fishing is possible in some spots, but often requires a local permit.
Are there hiking trails around the lake?
There are informal paths that can be used for walks.
How far is the lake from Kičevo?
The lake is located about 10 km north of Kičevo.
Oslomej Lake: where is it located?
Oslomej Lake is located in North Macedonia.
Oslomej Lake: what is there to see?
Highlights include Oslomej, Žubrino, Arangel.
Oslomej Lake: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Oslomej Lake: why is it worth visiting?
Oslomej Lake is an artificial body of water located near the town of Kičevo in western North Macedonia.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in North Macedonia →
Nearby cities
Lake Mavrovo
An alpine gem in the country's largest national park, famous for its half-submerged church and premier ski resorts.
Mavrovo
A spectacular mountain resort on Lake Mavrovo, known for its national park, skiing, and the sunken St.
Gostivar
Gostivar is located on the upper course of the Vardar at the foot of the Šar Mountains.
Galicnik
A traditional mountain village in Mavrovo National Park, famous for its stone architecture and the spectacular Galicnik Wedding festival.
History & landmarks
Mother Teresa Monument - Zajas
A monument in honor of Mother Teresa in the Kičevo region.
Plasnica Mosque
The most prominent building in the Plasnica municipality, a center for the community.
Koprivnica Plateau
The Koprivnica Plateau is a high region.
Saint Jovan Bigorski Monastery
An 11th-century Orthodox masterpiece famous for its world-renowned wood-carved iconostasis and its stunning location in the Radika valley.
Nature
🗺️
Zajas Mountain Trails
Nature trails passing through the hilly landscape of Zajas.
Treska River Canyon near Drugovo
A scenic section of the Treska river flowing through rocky terrain.
Treska River near Plasnica
The Treska river flows through the valley near Plasnica.
Pesna Cave
A cave featuring one of the largest cave entrances in the Balkans.
Vardar Spring
The source of the Vardar river is located in the village of Vrutok near Gostivar.
Mavrovo Lake
An artificial lake in Mavrovo National Park, a popular tourist destination.
Stogovo Peak
The main peak of the Stogovo mountains.
Bogovinje Lake
Bogovinje Lake is a glacial lake in the Sar Mountains.
More places
Church of Saint George - Popovjane
An old village church in the village of Popovjane with historical value.
Church of Saint Peter and Paul
The main church in Kičevo with impressive architecture.
Church of Saint Elijah - Vraneštica
An old Orthodox church in the village of Vraneštica.
Monastery of the Most Pure Mother of God
A significant monastery near Kičevo, known for its spiritual atmosphere.
Church of the Holy Mother of God - Makedonski Brod
The main church of Makedonski Brod, a spiritual center of the region.
Busova Mountain
Busova Mountain is located in the west.
Mavrovo National Park
Mavrovo National Park covers large forest areas in the west of the country.
Zrze Monastery
A monastery complex perched on a limestone rock overlooking the Pelagonian plain.