Čiče

Čiče is a chain of lakes east of the centre of the City of Velika Gorica, in Zagreb County, Croatia, formed after decades of gravel extraction. The largest and deepest of them, Novo Čiče (New Čiče), lies roughly 4 km southeast of the city. The whole area once consisted of several separate pits known as Veliko jezero (Big Lake), Crno jezero (Black Lake) and Omladinsko jezero (Youth Lake), which over time merged into a single body of water covering almost a square kilometre and reaching depths of up to 38 metres.

What exactly is Lake Čiče?

It's an artificial lake — the result of many years of gravel and sand quarrying for local construction. Once extraction stopped, the resulting pits filled with groundwater, creating a deep, clear basin known for its striking blue colour. Locals sometimes call it "Turopoljsko more" — the Sea of Turopolje, after the region where Velika Gorica sits.

How do you get there?

The lake sits practically on the outskirts of Velika Gorica, about 20-25 minutes by car south of central Zagreb. A network of local roads connects the city to the surrounding villages, and in recent years a new paved cycling and pedestrian path has been built around the lake, linking it directly to central Velika Gorica so visitors can reach it on foot or by bike without a car.

What can you do at the lake?

Walking and cycling are the main draws — the loop around the water is an easy, flat circuit that takes about an hour and twenty minutes on foot. The surrounding terrain is wooded and level, which also makes it popular for jogging and family outings. Historically, the southern shores served as an informal swimming spot for residents of Velika Gorica and Zagreb, and in 1979 the lake even hosted a European water skiing championship. Swimming is officially banned today, since the lake still lacks a sanctioned, regulated bathing area.

Are there any changes planned?

The City of Velika Gorica is working through a process to exclude part of Novo Čiče from the active quarrying zone, which would finally allow for a legal, regulated beach on that stretch of the lake. Plans also include a dedicated sports and recreation centre, along with a "Čič Beach" development featuring promenades, green spaces, and an expanded network of walking and cycling paths around the shoreline.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and summer bring the most visitors, when the paths are fully usable and warm weather invites longer walks along the water. Autumn and winter suit visitors looking for quieter cycling routes and a chance to spot waterfowl on the calmer, less-frequented parts of the lake.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim in Lake Čiče? Not officially — the lake has no government-approved bathing area, even though it has served informally as a swimming spot for years. The city is working to change that for part of Novo Čiče.

How far is the lake from Zagreb? It's about 20-25 minutes by car south of central Zagreb, within the City of Velika Gorica.

Can you reach it by bike? Yes. A paved cycling and pedestrian path circles the lake and connects it to central Velika Gorica, making a car-free visit easy.

How long does it take to walk around the lake? The easy loop around the water takes roughly an hour and twenty minutes, on flat, wooded terrain.