The Lovrenc Lakes

The Lovrenc lakes are not true lakes. They are true high peat swampland, which developed here 8000 years ago, after the Ice Ages. Glaciers retreated, hollowing out the Pohorje tonalite and leaving depressions, which were covered by water. They quickly became marshes and over the centuries, true bogs arose. Lack of contact with groundwater is characteristic and it is fed by precipitations alone.

Lovrenc lake vegetation is of particular interest. Swamps are acid in nature, producing a characteristic vegetation favouring acidity. Dwarfpine (Pinus Mugo) predominates here, but we can also find unique items such as the carniverous rotund-leaf-form sundew (Drosera Rotundifolia), as well as rust coloured rhododendron shrubs (Rhododendron Ferrugineum).

We should not forget the animal world. In the vicinity of the small lakes, grouse and swamp Tringa, the mountain rabbit, may also be seen, and if we are patient enough the amphibious mountain newt we may be spotted in the lakes.

The road to the lakes is undemanding, as it is without steep gradients and we can reach the end in one hour. We can approach the Lovrenc lakes from Rogla itself (on a wide marked road), or we can drive on to the Koča na Pesku cottage and beyond to the crossing by Mašin žaga. We can also reach Mašin žaga by way of Lovrenc.

Marija Osvald Novak
from Vedno zeleno Pohorje, Jurij Pivka