The largest reservoir in Slovenia, covering an expansive 1.07 km², lake Šmartinsko lies north of Celje, close to the town of Vojnik. The lake offers a lot to those looking for some outdoor recreation, with many places around the lake to eat, drink, rent boats or kayaks, and picnic areas are also available for hire - contact Celje's tourist info office for more details (tic@celje.si). Originally created to kill two birds with one stone: contain potential city-centre floods due to the Savinja - and ease a burgeoning water supply problem - the Koprivnica stream (a tributary to the Savinja) was dammed and thus the lake was born. The south-western bank is home to a boathouse and restaurant. Boat rides on the lake are operated throughout the summer months, as are angling activities and swimming competitions. To get here, head north on a minor road from north-western Celje (Nova Vas), continue for about 10 minutes (by car) or 35 minutes (on foot) until you reach the southern embankment of the lake.
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