largest natural lake in Croatia, special Ornithological Reserve in the northwestern part of the lake, a karst valley filled with brackish water as well as cryptodepression, hot spot for birds – more than 260 different bird species recorded, largest wetland area of the eastern Adriatic coast – centre of biodiversity of the wider area in the region, Ramsar site, habitat for four bird species endangered on European level, habitat for seven bird species endangered on national level, the biggest nesting population of the Pygmy Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pygmeus) in Croatia, only nesting area in Mediterranean part of Croatia for Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea), Great White Egret (Egretta alba), Little Egret (Egretta garzetta), and Pygmy Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pygmeus), habitat for species included in the Bonn Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals, the number of waterbirds spending the winter on the lake exceeds 100,000 individuals, rich history (first findings date from 2000 BC).

Ardea purpurea, Botaurus Stellaris, Casmerodius albus, Circus aeruginosus, Circus cyaneus, Circus pygargus, Himantopus himantopus, Crex crex, Porzana parva, Porzana porzana, Fulica atra, Acrocephalus melanopogon, Phalacrocorax pygmaeus, Ardeola ralloides, Alcedo atthis, Alectoris graeca, Falco columbarius, Egretta garzetta, Lindenia tetraphylla, Aythya nyroca, Bubo bubo, Caprimulgus europaeus, Chlidonias hybrida, Chlidonias niger, Circaetus gallicus, Ixobrychus minutus, Lanius minor, Luscinia svecica, Lymnocryptes minimus, Knipowitschia panizzae, Testudo hermanni, Elaphe quatuorlineata, Chouardii litardierei, Anisus vorticulus, Numenius arquata, Nycticorax nycticorax, Philomachus pugnax, Platalea leucorodia, Plegadis falcinellus, Tringa glareola.

• climate regulation
• water for consumption (domestic, agriculture)
• soil fertility (soil formation)
• water quality (natural filtration and water treatment, water purification)
• flood flows, erosion control, natural hazard (water-land interaction, infrastructures)
• recreation (bird watching, tours, bike, kayak, fishing, sport)
• tourism (entrance),
• existence value (personal satisfaction for landscape, aesthetic).

Archaeological localities, olive groves and dry stone walls (Modrave –The largest and most compact olive grove on the eastern Adriatic coast blended in unique stone wall network).

The information centres are located at three locations in the Park: Info centre Crkvine at the ornithological reserve, Info centre Kamenjak at the Kamenjak viewpoint, and Info centre Prosika at the Prosika harbour. There are also toilet facilities and garbage collection within each information centre. Along the entire Nature Park there are thematic educational trails: Educational trail Vransko Lake Birds, Educational trail Viewpoint Kamenjak, Educational botanical trail, Fish Educational trail, Educational trail Modrave – channel Prosika, Educational Path Birds of prey.

Visitors can also rent kayaks, bicycles, binoculars and bird guides. There are numerous benches for rest. There are over 50 kilometers of the bike routes going all around the Vransko Lake. Visitors can experience adventures in the adventure park near Info centre Crkvine.

Vransko Lake Nature Park staff organizes educational programs for large groups, individuals or small groups of visitors. All visitors must contact the Public Institution to make a reservation about their stay in the Park area. The programs include the services of trained guides – educators, lectures, and field learning about the natural and cultural values of the park, educational games, demonstration of research methods of wildlife in the water/plants and birdwatching (depending on weather conditions) as well as interactive learning of new skills. We offer educational programs for groups of visitors – minimum of 15 people:

1. TOUR – THE SECRETS OF VRANSKO LAKE
2. TOUR – LAKE AT YOUR PLEASURE
3. JUNIOR HYDROLOGISTS AND ICHTHYOLOGISTS
4. JUNIOR BOTANISTS
5. JUNIOR ORNITHOLOGISTS AND WETLAND EXPLORERS
6. ALONG HISTORIC TRAILS OF CULTURAL HERITAGE
7. DISCOVER BIODIVERSITY
8. TEAM BUILDING PROGRAM
9. WORKSHOPS – DRY STONE WALLING/ DISCOVER EDIBLE WILD PLANTS

Educational programs are also offered for individual visitors – maximum of 10 people:

1. Path to Vrana’s heaven
2. Birdwatching program 

All programs and tours are adaptable to the age of children in primary schools and pre-school children, secondary school and university students as well as adults.

Also, individual visitors can visit the Park alone (with the entry ticket).  Once a year in the Park is held “Garlic and games”, Vransko Lake Nature Parks local product fair.

Poaching prevention, monitoring of tourist and recreational activities – sustainable tourism, education of visitors and local community, prevention of reed fires, conservation of biological species relevant to habitat type, monitoring activities, management of wet meadow by mowing.

Hydrological stability of the Vransko Lake, intensive agriculture in Ornithological Reserve, construction of irrigation system of Vransko polje, fires caused by human activity, illegal fishing activities, close proximity of the landfill.

The Public Institution will be working on a new management plan this year (2020).

Latest updates of these informations: Mars 2020