Where to swim in the Dumrea lakes, and where not to
Updated July 2026 · 6 min read
Merhoja is the clearest and deepest lake, with a restaurant on the shore and no lifeguard. Belsh town lake has the promenade but is busier. Some lakes drop off fast from the bank and some dry back in late summer. Here is where locals actually swim.
The best swim: Merhoja
Merhoja is 61 metres deep and the clearest water on the plateau. There is one restaurant on the shore and, like every lake here, no lifeguard. The bank shelves quickly into deep water, so it suits confident swimmers rather than small children.
Easiest with kids: Belsh
The town lake has the promenade, cafés, and a gentler feel, which makes it the easy choice with children — though it is also the busiest in July and August.
A word of caution
These are natural sinkhole lakes: cold below the surface, deep close to the edge, and unsupervised. Swim within your depth, keep an eye on children, and remember that some smaller lakes shrink or become muddy by late summer.
Common questions
Is it safe to swim in the Belsh lakes?
Yes, thousands do every summer, but there are no lifeguards and the water gets deep close to shore. Merhoja and Belsh are the usual choices; swim within your ability.
Which lake has the clearest water?
Merhoja, the deep lake south of Belsh, is widely considered the clearest on the plateau.
Planning this trip?
Tell us your dates and where you’re coming from — we’ll sort the tour or the transfer.